Improvement in Skin Moisturization and Lack of Barrier Damage Following Treatment With Clascoterone Cream 1%

Topical medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of acne vulgaris may be limited by application-site dryness, which can result in skin barrier damage. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of clascoterone cream 1% on skin barrier properties in acne-prone individuals. Participants ≥18 years of age with acne-prone skin were enrolled in a single-center, split-face study and randomized to twice-daily treatment with clascoterone cream 1% (approximately 0.5 g) to the right or left side of the face for 2 weeks. The primary and secondary endpoints were the changes in corneometry reading and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), respectively, between treated and untreated sides at week 2. Tolerability was evaluated from the severity of dryness, erythema, scaling, irritation, tightness, stinging, itching, and burning for each side using a 5-point scale from 0 (none) to 4 (severe). This study enrolled 50 participants (female, n = 38) with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of 31.1 ± 8.9 years. The mean ± SD corneometry reading was significantly higher for the treated vs untreated side at week 2 (131.3 ± 42.9 vs 113.9 ± 36.6; P<0.001). There was no difference in TEWL between treated and untreated sides at any time point assessed. All tolerability parameters evaluated were rated as absent or minimal through week 2 for both sides. Twice-daily treatment with clascoterone cream 1% for 2 weeks was associated with increased moisturization and maintenance of skin barrier function as assessed by corneometry and TEWL and was otherwise well tolerated. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(4):397-402. doi:10.36849/JDD.8774.