Combination Superficial Peels With Salicylic Acid and Post-Peel Retinoids.
double-blind, split-face
EVIDENCE COMPARISON
DirectionalRetinol
vs Salicylic Acid
for Surface Smoothness
Early or indirect evidence suggests retinol may improve skin surface smoothness 1.09 times more than salicylic acid for texture enhancement, based on indirect comparison.
1.09x
Effect ratio
Retinol
Favored
3
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.
1 linked trialIngredient trial
Source Studies (3)
A Randomized, Double-blind, Split-face Study Comparing the Efficacy and Tolerability of Three Retinol-based Products vs. Three Tretinoin-based Products in Subjects With Moderate to Severe Facial Photodamage.
randomized, double-blind, split-face
Comparison of tretinoin 0.05% cream and 3% alcohol-based salicylic acid preparation in the treatment of acne vulgaris.
randomized