Cell experiment:

HM3KO pigmented human melanoma cells and B16 mouse melanoma cells are cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagles medium supplemented with 10%fetal calf serum and appropriate amounts of antibiotics and fungizone were dissolved at a concentration of 100mg/mL in distilled water. These chemicals (e.g., Glycolic Acid ) are added to the cell cultures at final concentrations of 300 or 500 mg/mL every 2 days for 5 days[1].

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.