Efficacy and Safety of Adapalene Gel and Hyaluronic Acid Versus Adapalene Gel Alone in Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological condition affecting approximately 85% of adolescents and young adults. Topical retinoids, such as adapalene, are considered a first-line treatment for mild to moderate acne due to their comedolytic, anti-inflammatory, and keratolytic properties. However, retinoid-associated irritation, including dryness, erythema, and peeling, often leads to poor adherence and treatment discontinuation.

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan, is well known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with adapalene, it may improve patient adherence by reducing retinoid-induced irritation while maintaining or enhancing the therapeutic effects. While previous studies have assessed individual efficacy, there is a lack of direct comparative studies evaluating the combination of adapalene with hyaluronic acid versus adapalene alone in treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

The aim of this study is to compare the reduction in acne lesion count between adapalene and hyaluronic acid versus adapalene alone over 8 weeks, to evaluate differences in treatment-related adverse effects such erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging or burning, and pruritus, and to determine overall skin hydration.

This is a prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial conducted at a dermatology clinic. Patients will be randomized into two groups: (1) adapalene 0.1% gel + hyaluronic acid serum and (2) adapalene 0.1% gel alone. The study duration will be 8 weeks with assessments at baseline and the 2nd, 4th, and 8th weeks. Patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris who have not used topical retinoids or systemic acne treatments within the past 3 months will be included. Exclusion criteria include patients with severe acne, nodulocystic acne, secondary infections, known hypersensitivity to adapalene or hyaluronic acid, pregnant, or lactating individuals.

The acne severity index (ASI) will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the study to evaluate acne severity, considering both lesion count and distribution. The investigator's global assessment (IGA) clinical tool will be used at baseline and every 2 weeks thereafter to assess the severity of acne and monitor treatment response. It is a 5-point ordinal scale that evaluates the overall severity of acne based on lesion count, type, and inflammation. The skin turgor test will be used to assess skin hydration and the time it takes for the skin to return to its original position is observed (> 2 seconds: moderate to severe dehydration, <2 seconds, but not immediately: mild dehydration, and immediately: absent dehydration). Local tolerance to the drugs will be evaluated by using the score: 0-none; 1-mild; 2-moderate; 3-severe for erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging or burning, and pruritus at each follow-up visit.

The investigators expect a greater reduction in acne lesion counts, a lower incidence and severity of retinoid-associated irritation, and an improved skin hydration with combination therapy. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained before initiating data collection (BUC-IACUC-241117-119). Data confidentiality will be ensured through secure storage and anonymization. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants.

This study aims to provide clinical evidence supporting the role of hyaluronic acid in enhancing the efficacy and tolerability of adapalene in acne treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes and tolerance.