Peel acid (keratocoagulant)
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)
Clear, colorless aqueous peel solution
Typical Strength
10%–30% (office-applied; provider-selected)
Formulations
0 compounds
Formula
C₂HCl₃O₂
Mol. Weight
163.38 g/mol
How It Works
Mechanism of action
Keratocoagulant that precipitates epidermal proteins (and dermal proteins at higher strengths), producing the visible frost of a chemical peel. Peel depth depends on concentration, so a provider applies it in the office.
What compounding can change
When Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) is compounded for one patient, your prescriber can choose the concentration, combine it with other ingredients, and pick the base. Commercial products come in fixed strengths and bases.
Safety Considerations
Please note: Compounded medications require a prescription from a licensed prescriber for an individual patient. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality. A compounded medication is not the same as, or a generic version of, any FDA-approved drug. This page is general information, not medical advice. Your prescriber decides whether a treatment is right for you and sets the final ingredients, strength and dosage form.