Alpha-hydroxy Acids: Consideration of the Biological Effects and Possible Role in Photococarcinogenesis
PAUL C. HOWARD 1*, REEDER L. SAMS II 1, DONNA A. DENNIS 2 AND WAYNE G. WAMER2
1. National Toxicology Program Center for Phototoxicology, Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079,
2. Office of Cosmetics and Colors, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740
§ The contents of this manuscript do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences.
ABSTRACT
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration nominated topically applied alpha-hydroxy acids to the U.S. National Toxicology Program for toxicological studies. The alpha-hydroxy acids are present at significant concentrations in many cosmetic products and are marketed as products to correct photoaging of skin. In this paper, we review the current knowledge concerning the effect of topical treatment of mice with creams containing alpha-hydroxy acids and the effect of ultraviolet radiation on treated and untreated mouse skin.
Keywords: alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, phototoxicity, simulated solar light, SKH-1 hairless mice