Adapalene–Benzoyl Peroxide, A Unique Fixed-Dose Combination Topical Gel For The Treatment Of Acne Vulgaris: A Transatlantic, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study In 1670 Patients
January 2011
in “
Yearbook of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery
”
TLDR The adapalene-benzoyl peroxide gel works better and faster for acne treatment than using either ingredient alone, with manageable side effects.
In a study involving 1670 subjects, a fixed-dose combination gel containing adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5% was found to be significantly more effective in treating acne vulgaris than either adapalene or BPO monotherapies or a gel vehicle. The study was a transatlantic, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial conducted over 12 weeks. The combination therapy showed a greater and faster reduction in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions, with significant differences observed as early as one week into treatment. While the combination therapy did result in more adverse events, primarily mild-to-moderate dry skin, these were transient and occurred early in the study. The cutaneous tolerability profile of the combination gel was similar to that of adapalene alone. The study concluded that the adapalene-BPO combination provides a synergistic effect, offering a significant improvement in efficacy and a rapid onset of action with an acceptable safety profile for the treatment of acne vulgaris.