Efficacy and safety of 0.1% retinaldehyde 6% glycolic acid (Diacneal (R)) for mild to moderate acne vulgaris

Background: Retinaldehyde and glycolic acid are both efficient in acne. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a 0.1% retinaldehyde/6% glycolic acid combination (Diacneal(R)) for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Methods: Overall physician and patient ratings of acne symptom severity and tolerance were performed at baseline, months 1, 2 and 3. Results: Mean numbers of papules, pustules and comedones were significantly reduced from month 1 onwards. A significant advantage of Diacneal over vehicle was demonstrated on the percentages of patients with ongoing healing lesions at month 2, healing ancient lesions from month 1 and patients with `important/very important' global improvement from month 2 (50.0 vs. 26.3%) confirmed by patients at month 3 (86.1 vs. 58.8%). Products were well tolerated; only 1 patient had to stop the treatment. Conclusions: Diacneal, a combination of 0.1% retinaldehyde/6% glycolic acid, is effective and well tolerated in mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel