Impact of Manual Agitation on FTIR Spectroscopic Characterization of Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peels

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a valuable technique for evaluating the molecular structure and stability of pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), widely used in medium-depth peels, has been typically produced by manipulation pharmacy. Therefore, there is often a lack of a proper descriptive guide for clinical use. In addition, it is not clear whether physicochemical alterations occur when TCA peels are subjected to manual agitation, a frequently overlooked step. This study aimed to investigate the impact of manual agitation on the FTIR spectra of TCA-based formulations. Spectral differences suggest structural reorganization and reinforce the need for standardized handling.