A 2.6% Benzoyl Peroxide AV Cleanser Specifically Designed for Sensitive Skin Offers Good Efficacy and Tolerability

Mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris (AV) is common among adults, and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) has a long history of efficacy in reducing AV lesions. The efficacy of BPO is comparable for concentrations from 2.5% to 10% used as leave-on therapy, but tolerability is usually best at lower concentrations formulated in well-designed vehicles and with newer formulation methods such as micronization. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of a 2.6% BPO cleanser (Complexion Clearing AV Cleanser, CCAC) in mild-to-moderate AV.

This was a single-center, open-label, 4-week study of subjects aged 18 to 45 years (n=28) with self-perceived sensitive skin and mild-to-moderate AV. CCAC was applied twice daily (morning and evening) on damp skin. Assessments included lesion counts, clinical photography with porphyrin analysis, patient self-assessment questionnaires, collection of adverse events, and standard tolerability ratings.

Total lesion counts were significantly reduced by week 1 of CCAC cleanser use (-25.2%, P<0.05). At week 4, AV lesions were numerically reduced but did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, there was a significant reduction of porphyrin counts at week 1 (-19.4% right side face, -28.8% left side, P<0.05 vs baseline). CCAC was well tolerated, with no significant increase in tolerability ratings at any time point compared to baseline, and patients reported good satisfaction.

CCAC was efficacious in reducing AV lesions in as little as one week, and a trend in reduction was shown through week 4. Additionally, this 2.6% BPO cleanser was also shown to be very well tolerated and well-liked by subjects with self-perceived sensitive skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(9):764-768. doi:10.36849/JDD.8219.