Topical Carbamide Peroxide for Treatment of Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris

    Joel E. Bernstein, Debra Breneman, Lynn A. Drake, Cem Griffiths, Steven Glazer, Scott B. Phillips
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    TLDR 10% carbamide peroxide is safe and effectively reduces mild to moderate acne.
    The study from May 2017 evaluated the safety and efficacy of a 10% carbamide peroxide (CPO) solution in treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris in 199 participants aged 12 to 40. Participants applied the CPO solution or a vehicle solution to each side of their face twice daily for either 8 or 12 weeks. Results showed a significantly greater reduction in acne lesion count (ALC) on the CPO-treated sides, with a 35% reduction at week 8 and a 37% reduction at week 12, compared to 16% and 25% reductions on the vehicle-treated sides, respectively. Physician's Global Evaluation (PGE) also indicated a greater improvement on the CPO-treated sides. Mild transient irritation and hair bleaching were the only adverse events reported. The study concluded that 10% CPO is a safe and effective alternative to benzoyl peroxide for treating acne.
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