Glycolic Acid is an inhibitor of tyrosinase, suppressing melanin formation and lead to a lightening of skin colour.
Different concentrations of Glycolic Acid (GA) or LA (300 and 500 mg/mL) are tested on the growth of mouse and human melanoma cells. Both types of cells grow well, even in the presence of 300 mg/mL of each chemical for 5 days. However, 500 mg/mL Glycolic Acid inhibits the cell growth of mouse melanoma cells (41%) and humanmelanoma cells (27%), and 500 mg/mL of LA inhibits the growth of mouse melanoma cells (36%)[1].
[1]. Usuki A, et al. The inhibitory effect of glycolic acid and lactic acid on melanin synthesis in melanoma cells. Exp Dermatol. 2003;12 Suppl 2:43-50.