Adapalene Gel Research Articles

Effect of acupoint catgut embedding, fire needle, auricular acupuncture on female post-adolescent acne and serum sex hormone

To compare the difference of serum sex hormone between female patients with post-adolescent acne and healthy women, and to explore the efficacy and action mechanism of acupoint catgut embedding, fire needle, auricular acupuncture on skin lesion in female patients of post-adolescent acne. A total of 107 female patients of post-adolescent acne were divided into an integrated acupuncture group (54 cases, 4 cases were excluded) and a medication group (53 cases, 5 cases were excluded). The patients in the integrated acupuncture group were treated with comprehensive treatment of acupoint catgut embedding, fire needle, auricular acupuncture; the acupoint catgut embedding was applied at Dazhui (GV 14), Yintang (GV 29), Yangbai (GB 14) through Yuyao (EX-HN 4) and other acupoints based on syndrome differentiation; the fire needle was applied at skin lesion; the auricular acupuncture was applied at erjian (HX6，7i), e (AT1), kou (CO1), etc. The patients in the medication group were treated with oral administration of tanshinone capsules (4 capsules each time, 3 times a day) and external use of adapalene gel (one treatment per day at night). Patients in the two groups were treated for 8 weeks. The skin lesion of acne was evaluated before treatment as well as 4 weeks and 8 weeks after treatment in the two groups; the serum levels of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were tested 24 hours before menstruation in the integrated acupuncture group (50 cases) and healthy control group (46 cases), and the change of serum sex hormone after treatment was observed in 21 patients with sex hormone disorder in the integrated acupuncture group. Before treatment, the level of E2 in the integrated acupuncture group was significantly lower than that in the healthy control group (P<0.01), but T/E2 in the integrated acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the level of E2 was significantly increased (P<0.01) and T/E2 was reduced (P<0.01) in the 21 patients with sex hormone disorder in the integrated acupuncture group. The skin lesion scale of acne was significantly reduced in the two groups after 4-week and 8-week treatment (all P<0.01); the difference between the two groups was not significant after 4-week treatment (P>0.05); the skin lesion scale of acne in the integrated acupuncture group was significantly lower than that in the medication group after 8-week treatment (P<0.01). The efficacy between the two groups was not significant after 4-week the treatment (P>0.05); after 8-week treatment, the cured and effective rate was 66.0% (33/50) in the integrated acupuncture group, which was superior to 45.8% (22/48) in the medication group (P<0.05). Compared with healthy women, the level of serum sex hormone of E2 is reduced in the female patients of post-adolescent acne, resulting in relative increased level of T; the acupoint catgut embedding, fire needle, auricular acupuncture have better efficacy than medication for post-adolescent acne, which have regulation effects on sex hormone disorder.

Adapalene gel 0.1% vs. placebo as prophylaxis for anti-EGFR-induced acne-like rash: A randomized left-right comparative evaluation (APPEARANCE).

10093Background: Anti-EGFR drugs frequently cause acne-like rash. Adapalene (ADP), a topical retinoid used as first-line therapy for acne, is efficacious against acne-like rash induced by anti-EGFR...

Efficacy of BPO 2.5% Gel in the Acute and Maintenance Periods for Moderate or Severe Facial Acne Vulgaris

Background and objective: There is no evidence of efficacy for concomitant use of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) gel, adapalene gel, and antimicrobial agents for external treatment of the inflammatory phase of acne vulgaris, and there is little evidence for the utility of BPO gel for the maintenance phase after remission of inflammatory acne. Therefore, we investigated the effect of concomitant use of BPO gel, adapalene gel, and an antimicrobial agent for topical use for inflammatory-phase acne vulgaris and the efficacy of BPO gel for the maintenance phase. Design and methods: The subjects were patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris (6 to 30 inflammatory skin eruptions on one side of the face). A randomized 3 group parallel comparison study of inflammatory-phase treatment (step 1) was performed, followed by a randomized 2 group parallel comparison study of maintenancephase treatment (step 2). Results: In the inflammatory phase, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin eruptions were improved by concomitant use of BPO 2.5% gel+clindamycin 1%, concomitant use of BPO gel 2.5%+adapalene gel 0.1% and concomitant use of adapalene gel 0.1%+clindamycin 1%, respectively. For the maintenance phase, both adapalene 0.1% gel and BPO 2.5% gel were effective. Conclusion: These results confirm that concomitant treatment with BPO gel, adapalene gel, and an antimicrobial agent for topical use is useful for the inflammatory phase of severe facial acne vulgaris, and that treatment with BPO 2.5% gel alone is useful for the maintenance phase in Japanese acne patients.

Comparison of Topical ketoconzole alone versus Topical Ketoconazole plus Topical Adapalene in the Treatment of Patients with Pityriasis Versicolor

Background& Objectives: Pityriasis Versicolor (PV) is a chronic cutaneous fungal infection caused by Malassezia species. A recent study showed combination therapy consisting of Ketoconazole plus Adapalene gel to be superior to Ketoconazole monotherapy. The objective of this study was to compare the frequency of patients improved with Ketoconazole alone versus Ketoconazole plus Adapalene in the treatment of Pityriasis Versicolor. Study design: Randomized controlled trial. Place & duration of study: Department of Dermatology, CMH Lahore from 20th May 2016 to 19th November 2016. Methods: This study included 80 patients, both male and female, aged between 18 -70 yrs presenting with Pityriasis Versicolor. These patients were divided into two treatment groups. Randomly Patients in Group-A were given Ketoconazole cream alone while patients in GroupB were given combination therapy with Ketoconazole cream plus Adapalene gel applied separately with different timings. Outcome variable was number of patients improved after 2 weeks of treatment. Results: The frequency of improvement at 2 weeks was significantly higher with the combination therapy (87.5% vs. 47.5%; p=0.000) as compared to Ketoconazole alone and this difference was significant across all age, gender and duration of disease groups. Conclusion: The frequency of improvement was significantly higher with the combination therapy consisting of Ketoconazole plus Adapalene as compared to Ketoconazole alone, advocating preferred use of combination therapy in patients presenting with Pityriasis Versicolor in future practice.

Progressive osseous heteroplasia: three case reports

Objective To investigate clinicopathological features, diagnosis and treatment of progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) . Methods Clinicopathological data were collected from 3 cases of POH, and analyzed retrospectively. Related literature was also reviewed. Results All the 3 patients were female, and developed POH within a few days to months after birth. POH clinically manifested as light pink or skin-colored indurated papules, nodules or plaques scattered over the scalp, trunk and extremities without subjective symptoms. Histopathological examination showed that there were flaky bone or bone-like tissues in the middle and lower dermis. Serum levels of calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone were normal in the 3 children. Case 1 was treated with oral sodium bicarbonate tablets and surgical resection of skin lesions on the right lower abdomen. During the follow-up for about 7 months, the skin lesions on the right lower abdomen did not recur, while other skin lesions became more bulging, larger and harder, and new skin lesions occurred. Case 2 was treated with topical adapalene gel, and these skin lesions did not increase in number, but became larger and harder. Case 3 received no treatment, and was lost to follow-up. Conclusion POH clinically manifests as indurated maculopapules and plaques progressively affecting deeper skin tissues, and there are no effective therapies or prevention approaches at present. Key words: Bone diseases, developmental; Skin manifestations; Pathologic processes; Diagnosis; Therapy; Progressive osseous heteroplasia

A comparison study of the clinical efficacy and safety of topical adapalene gel (0.1%) and tretinoin cream (0.025%) in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Background: Adapalene a synthetic retinoid analogue, is an addition to the arsenal of topical retinoids developed for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. The study was designed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of topical adapalene gel 0.1% and tretinoin cream 0.025% in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Methods: A total of 80 patients with grade I-III acne vulgaris seen in the out-patient department of a tertiary care center were randomized to 8 weeks of daily treatment with either adapalene gel 0.1% or tretinoin gel 0.025%. Counts of total lesions, inflammatory lesions and non-inflammatory lesions were made at baseline and again at treatment weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8. Global assessment ratings, based on percent lesion reduction from baseline were also made. Side-effects like erythema, burning, pruritus, scaling and dryness were rated on a 0-3 severity scale. Results: Out of 80 patients there were 8 dropouts in the study; the 72 patients who completed the study were evaluated for efficacy and safety. Both adapalene and tretinoin produce dramatic reductions in total, inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts, on an average. Cutaneous side-effects were limited to a mild retinoid dermatitis occurring in both treatment groups however patients treated with adapalene gel tolerated this therapy significantly better than those treated with tretinoin cream. Conclusions: Adapalene gel 0.1% offers comparable efficacy to tretinoin cream 0.025 % cream, but is less irritating. Adapalene gel 0.1% is a safe and effective topical agent in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris in Indian patients.

Efficacy, Safety, and Patient Satisfaction with a Combined Acne Treatment Regimen for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Adolescent Student Athletes

Background: Cleansing, medicating, moisturizing, and photoprotection comprise a complete acne vulgaris (AV) management regimen. However, complete topical AV treatment regimen investigations in athletes are scarce. Objective: Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (A/BPO) gel, 0.1%/2.5% (Epiduo® Gel) is indicated for the topical treatment of AV in patients 9 years of age and older. This open-label, single-center study evaluated a regimen to cleanse, medicate, moisturize, and protect the skin comprised of A/BPO gel, Cetaphil® DermaControl™ Foam Wash and Cetaphil® DermaControl™ Moisturizer SPF 30 in student athletes (referred to as the CoMMplete Regimen). Methods: Student athletes 12 to 18 years of age with mild to moderate acne who were actively participating in 1 of 14 Texas University Interscholastic League sanctioned athletic activities followed the CoMMplete Regimen for 8 weeks (N=28). Lesion counts, satisfaction, cutaneous irritation, adverse events, and adherence were assessed. Results: After 8 weeks, lesion counts were significantly reduced compared to baseline. Good tolerability and high satisfaction were observed. Most athletes experienced no cutaneous irritation. All adverse events were mild or moderate, and the most common related adverse events were dry skin, skin exfoliation, and erythema. Most athletes exhibited exceptionally high compliance and adherence. Conclusions: The coMMplete Regimen is efficacious, safe, well tolerated, and helps optimize AV treatment outcomes in athletes.

A double-blinded, randomized, vehicle-controlled study to access skin tolerability and efficacy of an anti-inflammatory moisturizer in treatment of acne with 0.1% adapalene gel

Introduction: Topical retinoids are considered to be the first-line agents and maintenance therapy of acne; however, irritation side effects are major concern issues. Noncomedogenic moisturizers are sometimes added to relieve cutaneous irritations. This study aimed to compare tolerability and efficacy of moisturizers containing licochalcone A, l-carnitine and 1,2-decanediol (active formulation) with a placebo in mild to moderate severe acne in Asian subjects. Methods: This was an 8-week double-blind, prospective, randomized controlled study. All patients (n = 120) were randomized equally into three groups: (A) adapalene gel, (B) adapalene gel with the active formulation and (C) adapalene gel with the placebo. The severity of acne, skin bioengineering measurements and skin tolerability were recorded during the study. Results: Compared to baseline, the active formulation group showed significant reductions in inflammatory lesions and total lesions at the end of the study without flare-up. Moreover, skin irritations were less detected than in the other two groups by corneometer and transepidermal water loss measurements. Conclusions: The concomitant usage of adapalene gel and the moisturizer containing licochalcone A, l-carnitine and 1,2-decanediol could reduce undesirable side effects without interfering the efficacy of adapalene. This moisturizer may be superior to placebo to prevent cutaneous irritations and enhance patients’ adherence to acne medications.

A comparative analysis of the efficacy of a combined topical therapy in patients suffering from mild to moderate papulopustular acne

The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Azelic (15% gel of azelaic acid), 1% Clindamycin gel and 0.1% Adapalene gel as a complex therapy in patients suffering from mild to moderate acne. Materials and methods. An open-label comparative study involving 40 patients suffering from mild to moderate papulopustular acne. The study was based on the medical history, a questionnaire form, physical examination results, assessment of morphological and functional skin parameters and dynamics of the life quality index (DLQI). Key findings and conclusions. Positive dynamics of the skin process was observed by the end of Week 6 of the treatment depending on the combination treatment type. The administration of Azelic gel resulted in an increased moisture level of the skin and reduced sebometry indices, skin relief intensity and pigmentation level.

Efficacy and safety of clindamycin gel plus either benzoyl peroxide gel or adapalene gel in the treatment of acne: a randomized open-label study

Aim The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of clindamycin gel + benzoyl peroxide gel and clindamycin gel + adapalene gel in the treatment of mild to moderate acne.

Comparative study between topical clindamycin solution (1%) versus combination of clindamycin (1%)/adapalene (0.1%) gel in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris

Background and objective: Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder. Combination therapy with topical retinoid and antibiotic is recognized as an effective treatment of acne vulgaris. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of topical clindamycin solution as a monotherapy with the combination gel of clindamycin/adapalene for the treatment of mild to moderate acne of the face. Methods: This comparative therapeutic trial was conducted at the out patient department of Dermatology and Venereology at Rizgari Teaching Hospital in Erbil City from November 2008. Hundred patients with mild to moderate acne of the face were enrolled in the study and were divided in to two groups; group I (n=50); apply clindamycin phosphate solution 1%, and group II (n=50); apply a combination gel of clindamycin1% /adapalene 0.1%; once daily at night for 12 weeks. Results: Of 100 patients, 89 patients completed their treatment as per protocol, 45 patients in group I, and 44 patients in group II. At the end of the 12 weeks; the mean percent reductions of noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total lesion count were greater in group II than in group I. A significantly greater reduction of total (P = 0.008), and noninflammatory lesions (P = 0.002) were seen in group II than in group I. Both treatments were well tolerated, and few side effects were reported. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the combination of topical clindamycin and adapalene is more effective than clindamycin solution alone, and provides faster benefit in treatment of mild to moderate acne.

Topical adapalene in the treatment of plantar warts; randomized comparative open trial in comparison with cryo-therapy.

Background:Various therapeutic modalities, which are available for treating plantar wart, have not been successful every time.Aims:To evaluate topical adapalene under occlusion in the treatment of plantar warts and compare it with cryo-therapy.Materials and Methods:50 patients with 424 plantar warts were included in this single center, two arm, prospective, randomized, control, open study. Patients were allocated randomly into two groups consisting of 25 patients each. Group A patients having 299 plantar warts were treated using adapalene gel 0.1% under occlusion while Group B patients having 125 warts were treated using cryo-therapy. All the patients were evaluated weekly till the clearance of all the warts and the results compared.Result:All the warts of 25 patients of Group A that were treated using adapalene gel 0.1% cleared in 36.71 ± 19.24 (55.95-17.47) days except those in one patient. In Group B, warts in all except one treated by cryo-therapy cleared in 52.17 ± 30.06 (82.23-22.11) days. There were no side effects like scar formation, irritation, erythema, or infections with adapalene group while in the cryo group scar was seen in 2 patients, pain in 24, erythema in 10, and infection in 3 patients.Conclusion:Adapalene gel 0.1% under occlusion is an effective, safe and easy to use treatment for plantar warts and may help clear lesions faster than cryo-therapy.

The efficacy of topical 0.1% adapalene gel for use in the treatment of childhood acanthosis nigricans: a pilot study.

Aims:To assess the degree of improvement of neck hyperpigmentation in childhood acanthosis nigricans (AN) after treatment with topical 0.1% adapalene gel and the assessment of localized tissue tolerance to the gel.Subjects and Methods:A split comparison study of the hyperpigmentation on the neck was conducted in patients diagnosed with childhood AN. Patients were treated with topical 0.1% adapalene gel for a period of 4 weeks. The skin color of their neck was evaluated at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks using a skin color chart. Skin color ratio (the skin on their necks compared with the skin on their backs) was calculated for all subjects. The investigator's global evaluation (IGE) scale and the parent's global evaluation (PGE) scale were used to assess the efficacy of the patients’ treatment at the end of the 4th week.Results:The mean skin color ratio of therapeutic side was significantly decreased from the baseline scores, at weeks 2 and 4, respectively (30.1%, 18.3%, and 12.9%, P < 0.001), with marked skin improvement at 60.7% ± 28.5%. The percentage of changes of skin color ratio was consistent with the efficacy evaluations as performed by the IGE and PGE scales. Treatment-related cutaneous irritation was minimal, predominantly in the first 2 weeks of treatment and was shown to be well-tolerated at week 4 following a modification of the treatment regimen.Conclusions:The study has shown the efficacy of topical 0.1% adapalene gel in the treatment of AN, specifically, in regards to the skin darkening with minimal cutaneous irritation.

Adapalene loaded solid lipid nanoparticles gel: An effective approach for acne treatment

Salient features such as controlled release, target ability, potential of penetration, improved physical stability, low cost compared to phospholipids, and ease of scaling-up makes solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) a viable alternative to liposomes for effective drug delivery. Adapalene (ADA) is a second generation retinoid effective in treating various dermatologic disorders such as Acne vulgaris with a few noticeable dose-mediated side effects. The present study was aimed at developing and characterizing ADA loaded SLNs for effective topical delivery. The formulated SLN system was characterized for particle size, poly dispersity index, entrapment efficiency and drug release properties. The resultant formulation (ADA loaded SLNs incorporated into carbopol hydrogel) was evaluated for in vitro drug release, skin permeation and bio-distribution, rheological behaviour, and texture profile analysis. The SLNs based ADA gel has shown its potential in targeting skin epidermal layer, and reducing systemic penetration. The developed system can avoid systemic uptake of ADA in skin layers, and can localize drug in skin epidermis as confirmed by rat skin model. Our results advocate potential of SLNs as a novel carrier for topical delivery of ADA in topical therapeutic approaches. This study open new avenues for drug delivery which better meets the need of anti-acne research.

A randomized controlled trial of combination treatment with ketoconazole 2% cream and adapalene 0.1% gel in pityriasis versicolor

Background: Ketoconazole cream and adapalene gel are effective drugs against pityriasis versicolor. However, there are no reports on combination treatment with both compounds in pityriasis versicolor. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with adapalene 0.1% gel and ketoconazole 2% cream against pityriasis versicolor. Methods: Participants with pityriasis versicolor were randomly assigned to two groups: the combination group was treated with adapalene 0.1% gel and ketoconazole 2% cream once daily, and the monotherapy group received ketoconazole 2% cream twice daily. The treatment lasted 2 weeks in both groups. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 1, 2 and 4 weeks after the initiation of treatment. Results: We noted clinically significant differences in total improvement rates between groups Weeks 1 and 2. A statistically significant difference was obtained Week 4. The treatment was well tolerated by all participants. Conclusions: The combination of adapalene 0.1% gel and ketoconazole 2% cream is effective and safe in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor. This therapeutic regimen was rapid, providing a valuable option for patients with pityriasis versicolor.

Persistent Effects of Adapalene Gel After Chemical Peeling with Glycolic Acid in Patients with Acne Vulgaris

We investigated the usefulness of adapalene gel as maintenance therapy following chemical peeling with glycolic acid in patients with acne vulgaris. The study period was 14 weeks. The subjects were 23 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris (1 male, 22 females). After chemical peeling (CP) of the face was performed 3 times at 2-week intervals, adapalene was applied for 6 weeks using a randomized, double-blind half-side method. On the day of observation, dermatologists examined dermal findings, and measurement was conducted using instruments to analyze the physiological skin function. After the third session of CP was completed, both the inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts significantly decreased. Subsequently, on the adapalene-treated side there were no change in the inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts after the CP 3 times, but on placebo-treated side, there significant increase in the inflammatory and non inflammatory lesion counts. Concerning the results of measurement with instruments, the sebum capacity significantly decreased after the third session of CP. Subsequently, there were no changes after the 6-week application of adapalene or a placebo. These results suggest that post-CP adapalene application is an effective acne treatment method to improve efficacy and treatment adherence.

Clinical and bacteriological evaluation of adapalene 0.1% gel plus nadifloxacin 1% cream versus adapalene 0.1% gel in patients with acne vulgaris

This multicenter, randomized parallel group study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of adapalene 0.1% gel plus nadifloxacin 1% cream (combination therapy) compared with adapalene gel (monotherapy) during 12-week treatment of acne vulgaris. A total of 184 Japanese patients aged above 12years with moderate to severe acne as indicated by the Japanese severity grading criteria were randomized to combination therapy (n=84) and monotherapy (n=100) groups, both having comparable demographic and baseline characteristics. Adapalene was applied only to inflammatory acne lesions in order to minimize skin irritation and ensure the treatment results. Efficacy and safety evaluations, treatment compliance and satisfaction with drug application were periodically monitored. The combination therapy provided a significantly greater efficacy than adapalene in decrement of inflammatory papulopustular lesions at 4weeks and thereafter (P=0.0056). The overall judgment of the therapeutic efficacy by the physician at the end of study revealed a significant difference (P=0.02496) between the groups in favor of combination therapy. Dryness was reported in a greater proportion of patients undergoing monotherapy than combination therapy at weeks 2 and 4 (P=0.04652). The patient self-assessment in satisfaction with the drug application at the end of study revealed a significant difference (P=0.00268) between the groups in favor of combination therapy. Among 76 strains of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from 87 patients, no strain was resistant to nadifloxacin. Thus, the simultaneous use of adapalene and nadifloxacin may provide an additive and complementary effect, resulting in clinical superiority and greater patient adherence compared to adapalene monotherapy.

Efficacy and safety of adapalene gel 0.1% and 0.3% and tretinoin gel 0.05% for acne vulgaris: results of a single‐center, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial on Mexican patients (skin type III–IV)

The efficacy of topical retinoids is well known according to several clinical studies conducted predominantly among Caucasian patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of adapalene and tretinoin among Mexican patients. To compare adapalene 0.1 and 0.3% and tretinoin 0.05% in Mexican subjects with acne vulgaris. We enrolled 171 patients in this single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The patients applied on the face either adapalene 0.1%, adapalene 0.3%, tretinoin 0.05%, or placebo for 90days and were evaluated for the reduction in total lesion counts and for the level of irritation. Tretinoin 0.05% and adapalene 0.3% were more effective than adapalene 0.1% and placebo in the reduction of both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions. Most of adverse events to adapalene and many on tretinoin group were related to skin irritation, dry skin, scaling, pruritus, burning, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Adapalene 0.3% and tretinoin 0.05% are comparable in efficacy, and adapalene 0.1% offers a better safety profile in Mexican patients.

Roles of Adapalene in the Treatment of Pityriasis Versicolor

Background: Ketoconazole is a typical treatment available for pityriasis versicolor; tretinoin cream is effective, too. Adapalene gel is a tretinoin derivative and has a lower incidence of irritation compared with other topical retinoid products. However, there are no reports on adapalene gel for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor. Objective: To study the effect of adapalene gel comparing the treatment with adapalene gel and 2% ketoconazole cream in pityriasis versicolor. Methods: Eighty patients suffering from pityriasis versicolor were randomly divided into two groups; one group were treated with 2% ketoconazole cream topically twice daily for 2 weeks, adapalene gel was used for the other group in a similar fashion. Results: There were no significant differences in efficacy between the two groups. No major side effects were noted in any of the groups either. Conclusion: Adapalene was the favorable option in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor. The probable therapeutic mechanism of adapalene is also discussed.

Adjunctive usage of a non-comedogenic moisturizer with adapalene gel 0.1% improves local tolerance: a randomized, investigator-blinded, split-face study in healthy Asian subjects

Background: Adapalene gel 0.1% is an efficacious treatment for acne vulgaris in Asians. It is generally well tolerated, but may still cause cutaneous side effects among patients with sensitive skin. Objective: To assess the ability of a moisturizing lotion (Cetaphil®) in improving the local tolerance of adapalene. Methods: In this 4-week, randomized, investigator-blinded, split-face study among 30 healthy volunteers of Chinese origin, adapalene gel was applied once daily to the whole face and the moisturizing lotion was applied once daily to only one side of the face according to the randomization scheme. Results: At each study visit, both investigators and subjects reported better tolerance on the side of moisturizing lotion + adapalene gel than the side of adapalene gel only, with significant differences reported by the subjects during the first 2 weeks (p = 0.039 and 0.013, respectively). Global worst score, defined as the average of worst scores for erythema, desquamation, dryness, stinging/burning and pruritus, was significantly lower for the side of moisturizing lotion + adapalene gel than for the side of adapalene gel alone (0.43 ± 0.34 vs. 0.59 ± 0.44, p = 0.032). Conclusion: The adjunctive usage of an effective moisturizer improves local tolerance of adapalene gel and may contribute to better adherence.