Hydrogen peroxide topical solution 40% (Eskata, Aclaris) is less cytotoxic to living cells and less damaging to melanocytes than cryosurgery, according to a new study led by Adam Friedman, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The study evaluated skin architecture, metabolic activity, and cytotoxicity, with a particular emphasis on melanocytes, utilizing a validated ex-vivo human reconstituted full thickness model derived from Fitzpatrick V  skin (MRHE). 

"There is ongoing clinical work evaluating the safety of this solution in darker skin types," said Friedman in a statement. "Another important take away from this study is to also recognize how damaging even a small amount of cryotherapy, a five-second free time, can be to human skin. These findings should be considered when using for the broad array of skin diseases for which cryosurgery is warranted.

Findings appear in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.