Randomized study comparing the efficacy and tolerance of a lipophillic hydroxy acid derivative of salicylic acid and 5% benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of facial acne vulgaris

Summary Background New topical treatments for acne vulgaris are needed for patients who have tolerance problems with current treatments. Aims To compare the efficacy and tolerance of a lipophillic derivative of salicylic acid (lipo hydroxy acid or LHA) containing formulation and 5% benzoyl peroxide in subjects with acne vulgaris. Methods Eighty subjects with mild to moderate facial acne were randomized to receive either the LHA formulation twice a day or benzoyl peroxide once a day for 12 weeks. Efficacy and tolerance were evaluated at days 0, 28, 56 and 87. Results LHA formulation and benzoyl peroxide decreased the number of inflammatory lesions from baseline to week 12 by 44% and 47% and noninflammatory lesions by 19% and 23%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatments ( P = 0.748; P = 0.445). Conclusion These results suggest that the LHA formulation could be a treatment option to consider in mild to moderate acne vulgaris patients that are intolerant to benzoyl peroxide.