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Study Site: Independent Testing Laboratory, 
New Jersey

The objective of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of a PHA (gluconolactone) containing regimen with topical tretinoin.

Twenty-seven male and female subjects (ages 19-54) with mild to moderate acne participated in this four-week, normal use study. Subjects applied the blinded test products to the whole face as follows: washed with a cleanser containing 4% gluconolactone morning and evening, applied the day lotion with SPF 15 and 4% gluconolactone (pH 3.9) in the morning, and 0.1% topical tretinoin gel (open label) followed by a night cream containing 15% gluconolactone (pH 3.3) in the evenings. Assessments were performed at weeks 0, 2, and 4 and included:

• dermatologist assessment of acne lesion counts, objective irritation (dryness, erythema, edema) and inquiries regarding subjective irritation (itching, stinging, burning, and tightness).
  
  
• self assessment via questionnaire.

Results indicate that after four weeks of product use, mean scores for both objective and subjective irritation were between 'barely perceptible' and 'none' on the descriptive five point scale. Acne lesion counts significantly decreased from baseline at weeks 2 and 4 (p<0.05).

Self assessment demonstrates that each PHA product (cleanser, day lotion with SPF 15, and night cream) is compatible for use with topical tretinoin.

Conclusion: Combination use of PHAs plus tretinoin does not interfere with tretinoin's efficiency in the treatment of acne. In addition, the PHA cleanser, day moisturizer and night moisturizer were well tolerated on facial adult acne when used in conjunction with topical tretinoin. Adjunctive use of PHA containing products with tretinoin is safe and may provide additional benefits to skin.

Poster Presentation: American Academy of Dermatology Poster Exhibit: New Orleans, February 2002.