Ninety people with melasma were randomly split into three groups and given a series of chemical peels: 35% glycolic acid, a salicylic-mandelic mix, or a phytic acid blend. Glycolic acid and the salicylic-mandelic peels worked about equally well to lighten the dark patches, and both did better than phytic acid. All were reasonably well tolerated. This supports glycolic acid peels as one option for melasma, usually alongside sunscreen and other creams.