Topical Carbamide Peroxide for Treatment of Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris
May 2017
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
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.