Efficacy and Tolerability of a Triple Acid-Containing Serum Combined With 0.1% Adapalene in Mild-to-Moderate Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized, Open-Label Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Although topical retinoids are first-line therapy for mild-to-moderate acne, treatment-related irritation often limits adherence to long-term therapy. However, dermocosmetic adjuncts may improve treatment outcomes and tolerability.

AIM: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of a triple acid-containing serum (TAS) in mild-to-moderate acne.

METHODS

An 8-week, open-label, randomized controlled trial of 41 patients with mild-to-moderate acne was performed. The participants received either TAS + adapalene gel (AG) (treatment group) or AG alone (control group) for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week maintenance phase in which AG was discontinued, and TAS was continued only in the experimental group. Lesion counts, Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), microcomedone counts, skin physiological parameters, and VISIA-CR were performed at baseline and 2, 4, and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

A significantly greater reduction in noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total lesions, IGA scores, and microcomedone counts was observed in the experimental group. The control group showed rebound worsening after AG withdrawal. Improvements in skin physiological parameters were observed in both groups, although without statistical significance. Mild and transient adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

TAS in combination with AG was shown to improve mild-to-moderate acne with good tolerability and may effectively reduce the recurrence rate when applied as a maintenance treatment post-AG.