Retinyl retinoate, a retinoid derivative improves acne vulgaris in double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical study

Topical retinoids have been an important therapy used in the treatment of acne. However, retinoids often have adverse effects that range from mild to moderate local irritation. Retinyl retinoate is a member of a new generation of well-tolerated synthetic retinoids used as a topical retinoid treatment. To assess retinyl retinoate 0.05% for acne vulgaris therapy, fifteen female patients with mild to moderate facial acne prevalence were included in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face trial for 8 weeks by investigators and measurement of sebum amount. In addition, retinyl retinoate was measured in anti-bacterial efficacy by an agar plate diffusion assay. Retinyl retinoate showed a significant decrease in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, and in sebum amount at 8 weeks (P < 0.05). The application of retinyl retinoate is effective and no local side effects for acne lesions. Retinyl retinoate had somewhat anti-bacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes ( P. acnes ). These results indicate that retinyl retinoate can be used as treatment for mild acne or could potentiate the efficiency of an additive anti-acne agent. Retinyl retinoate is possible to be suggested as a topical anti-acne treatment with excellent tolerance.