Adjunctive usage of a non-comedogenic moisturizer with adapalene gel 0.1% improves local tolerance: a randomized, investigator-blinded, split-face study in healthy Asian subjects

Abstract

Background: Adapalene gel 0.1% is an efficacious treatment for acne vulgaris in Asians. It is generally well tolerated, but may still cause cutaneous side effects among patients with sensitive skin. Objective: To assess the ability of a moisturizing lotion (Cetaphil®) in improving the local tolerance of adapalene. Methods: In this 4-week, randomized, investigator-blinded, split-face study among 30 healthy volunteers of Chinese origin, adapalene gel was applied once daily to the whole face and the moisturizing lotion was applied once daily to only one side of the face according to the randomization scheme. Results: At each study visit, both investigators and subjects reported better tolerance on the side of moisturizing lotion + adapalene gel than the side of adapalene gel only, with significant differences reported by the subjects during the first 2 weeks (p = 0.039 and 0.013, respectively). Global worst score, defined as the average of worst scores for erythema, desquamation, dryness, stinging/burning and pruritus, was significantly lower for the side of moisturizing lotion + adapalene gel than for the side of adapalene gel alone (0.43 ± 0.34 vs. 0.59 ± 0.44, p = 0.032). Conclusion: The adjunctive usage of an effective moisturizer improves local tolerance of adapalene gel and may contribute to better adherence.

Key words::

• adapalene
• moisturizer
• acne
• tolerability
• patient satisfaction
• split-face

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the other investigator of the study, Dr. Raymond Kwah, National Skin Centre of Singapore, and Dr. M Ma for editorial assistance.

Declaration of interest : This study was funded by Galderma R&D. Pr. Matsunaga serves as a consultant for Galderma R&D. Drs. Leow and Chan were investigators of the study. Mr. Kerrouche and Ms. Paliargues are employees of Galderma R&D.