The efficacy of a bioactive moisturizer in mitigating side effects of acne therapies: a randomized, investigator-blind, split-face trial

Acne treatments often cause mucocutaneous side effects. This study compared a bioactive moisturizer (containing 4-t-butylcyclohexanol, licochalcone A, ceramide, and panthenol) with a traditional moisturizer in Asian patients using adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel or oral isotretinoin. Forty participants applied each moisturizer to one side of the face. Assessments at weeks 0, 2, and 4 included hydration, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, erythema, acne lesion counts, Investigator Global Evaluation of Acne (IGEA), and patient satisfaction. Hydration increased on both sides, with greater improvement from the bioactive moisturizer (p=0.001). TEWL increased more with the traditional moisturizer; skin pH decreased on both sides. Acne lesions decreased equally. Both moisturizers reduced burning sensations, but dryness scores were higher with the traditional product (p=0.021). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher for the bioactive side (p=0.004). The bioactive moisturizer significantly improves hydration and reduces dryness, supporting its role as an adjunct to acne therapy.