Comparison of tretinoin 0.05% cream and 3% alcohol-based salicylic acid preparation in the treatment of acne vulgaris.
randomized
EVIDENCE COMPARISON
DirectionalGlycolic Acid
vs Tretinoin
for Surface Smoothness
Early or indirect evidence suggests glycolic acid may provide 12% better surface smoothness improvement than tretinoin for skin texture, based on indirect comparison.
1.12x
Effect ratio
Glycolic Acid
Favored
2
Studies
Indirect
Comparison
ExploratorySubjective endpointTexture
Limits: Indirect comparison · Includes subjective endpoint · Early-stage evidence tier
This is an indirect comparison — the two ingredients were not tested head-to-head in the same trial. The ratio is derived from separate studies against a common comparator.
How to read this claim
Kept public as exploratory because it indirect comparison; includes subjective endpoint; early-stage evidence tier.
Some study-specific context may affect how broadly this comparison generalizes.