Propanediol (and) Caprylic Acid (and) Xylitol as a New Single Topical Active Ingredient against Acne: In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy Assays.

Lilian Mussi,Flavio Bueno Camargo Camargo Junior,Bianca Da Silva Sufi,André Rolim Baby,Giovana Padovani,Wagner Vidal Magalhães

doi:10.3390/molecules26216704

Lilian Mussi, Flavio Bueno Camargo Camargo Junior + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216704

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Abstract

In addition to dermatological complications, acne can affect the quality of life of individuals in numerous ways, such as employment, social habits and body dissatisfaction. According to our expertise, caprylic acid and propanediol would not have a direct action on Cutibacterium acnes. Despite this, we investigated the existence of a synergistic effect among xylitol, caprylic acid and propanediol as a mixture of compounds representing a single topical active ingredient that could benefit the treatment against acne. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to challenge and to prove the efficacy of propanediol, xylitol and caprylic acid (PXCA) against acne. PXCA had its MIC challenged against C. acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and Staphylococcus aureus, resulting in concentrations of 0.125% and 0.25%, respectively, and it also developed antimicrobial activity against C. acnes (time-kill test). PXCA was able to reduce the 5-alpha reductase expression in 24% (p < 0.01) in comparison with the testosterone group. By the end of 28 days of treatment, the compound reduced the skin oiliness, porphyrin amount and the quantity of inflammatory lesions in participants. According to the dermatologist evaluation, PXCA improved the skin’s general appearance, acne presence and size.

Highlights

Published: 5 November 2021The pathology of acne is multifactorial, and several internal or external factors cause its appearance, such as excessive sebum production, hormonal dysregulation, hyperkeratinization, nutrition and changes in the skin microbiota
Cutibacterium acnes is present in the skin microbiota and, depending on the environmental conditions, it can behave as a pathogen [3]
PXCA had its MIC challenged against C. acnes and S. aureus, resulting in concentrations of 0.125% and 0.25%, respectively

Summary

Introduction

The pathology of acne is multifactorial, and several internal or external factors cause its appearance, such as excessive sebum production, hormonal dysregulation, hyperkeratinization, nutrition and changes in the skin microbiota. Acne can appear at ages 8 to 10 years old, but it mostly affects people aged between. 16 and 18 years; there are acne cases that affect adults over 25 years old [1,2]. Acne phenotypes appear more frequently on the face, chest and back, regions where the number of sebaceous glands is greater, and their treatment is directly linked to their degree (I to IV). According to Zaenglein and co-workers (2016) [6], acne treatment could initiate with over-the-counter products (tensoactive vehicles, emulsions and pads), with the active ingredients being salicylic acid, resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, etc. Topical treatments with prescription drugs could involve retinoids [7], antibiotics, azelaic acid and dapsone, Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations

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