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Efficacy and safety of 2% supramolecular salicylic acid compared with 5% benzoyl peroxide/0.1% adapalene in the acne treatment: a randomized, split-face, open-label, single-center study
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Topical drugs for mild to moderate acne include adapalene (ADA) and benzoyl peroxide(BPO). Supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA), a modified SA preparation, is considered as a new effective therapeutic scheme. OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety and efficacy of 2% supramolecular SA (2% SSA) with 0.01% adapalene plus 5% benzoyl peroxide (5%BPO +0.1%ADA) for treatment of facial acne. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an open-label, split face, randomized and single-centre clinical trial. Subjects with mild to moderate acne were enrolled. Two percent SSA cream were randomly applied on one side of the face while 5%BPO +0.1%ADA gel was applied on the opposite side for 28 days. The numbers of acne lesions, along with side effects of the targeted area were evaluated by the investigators at day 0, day 14, and day 28. Skin water content, TEWL and skin lightening indexes were measured at the same time. RESULTS: A total of 31 of acne patients completed the trial. Dates showed that 2% SSA had similar effects to 5%BPO +0.1%ADA in reducing papules/pustules (47.9% vs. 49.8%), non-inflammatory lesions (43.1% vs. 42.7%) and total lesions (44.1% vs. 45.6%; all p > 0.05) at day 28. The skin barrier (skin hydration value and TEWL value), skin brightness (L* value) and erythema (a* values) indicators showed no statistical differences in the left and right sides of the face (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that 2% SSA has a similar efficacy with 5%BPO +0.1%ADA in mild to moderate acne treatment. This might be a useful pilot study that could be used to support further larger clinical trials.
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“With reversible and non-covalent bonding to form a water-soluble SSA complex, SSA 30% is characterized by slow release upon application, and achieves its maximum efficacy at low pH, reducing skin irritation (10).”
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“Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used, but skin irritation reduces patient compliance [34].”
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“The skin barrier (skin hydration value and TEWL value), skin brightness (L* value) and erythema (a* values) indicators showed similar statistical improvement [118].”
Background30% Supramolecular Salicylic Acid Improved Symptoms and Skin Barrier in Papulopustular Rosacea
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Metadata
- Authors
- Zheng, Y., Yin, S., Xia, Y., Chen, J., Ye, C., Zeng, Q., & Lai, W.
- Affiliations
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (CN)
- Corresponding author
- Lai, Wei
- Venue
- Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2018-12-20
- Volume
- 38
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 48-54
- ISSN
- 1556-9527 (ISSN-L)
- 1556-9535
- OpenAlex
- W2889831727
- Cited by
- 43
- References
- 19
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 4
- FWCI
- 2.72
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Broda Technologies Co., Ltd.,China
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Acne and Rosacea Treatments and Effects
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatology and Skin Diseases
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatologic Treatments and Research
- Keywords
- benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, acne, topical acne treatment, combination therapy, skin barrier function, transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, skin lightness, erythema, treatment safety
- MeSH terms
- Adapalene, Acne Vulgaris, Administration, Cutaneous, Adolescent, Adult, Benzoyl Peroxide, Dermatologic Agents, Drug Combinations, Female, Humans, Male, Treatment Outcome, Salicylic Acid, Young Adult
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