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https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10293

Effectiveness and safety of topical L-ascorbic acid 15% serum compared to retinol 0.1% serum for skin aging: a double-blind randomized controlled trial study

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Published: 28 May 2026
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Skin aging, L-ascorbic acid, retinol, JANUS, DPAS

Authors

Keiko Yolanda Gunardi
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Endi Novianto
endinoviantodr@gmail.com
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Triana Agustin
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Dewi Friska
Department of Community Medicine, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Githa Rahmayunitha
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in physiological functions, including skin integrity and regeneration, with visible signs of skin aging typically emerging from the fourth decade of life onward. Extrinsic factors can accelerate this process. Retinoic acid has long been used as a standard anti-aging treatment, although it is associated with various side effects. L-ascorbic acid (LAA) 15% serum has emerged as a potential alternative with minimal side effects, yet its efficacy and safety in comparison to retinol 0.1% serum remain insufficiently studied. This double-blind, split-face, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LAA relative to retinol in treating skin aging. Using the modified Dermoscopy Photo Aging Scale (DPAS) and JANUS-III, assessments were conducted on participants’ cheeks. Results indicated significant improvements in both the LAA and retinol groups at weeks 2 and 4. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two interventions at these time points. Both treatments demonstrated similar safety profiles, suggesting that LAA is as effective and safe as retinol for anti-aging therapy.

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Supporting Agencies

This research was funded by the 2023 PUTI Postgraduate Grant.

How to Cite



1.
Gunardi KY, Novianto E, Agustin T, Friska D, Rahmayunitha G. Effectiveness and safety of topical L-ascorbic acid 15% serum compared to retinol 0.1% serum for skin aging: a double-blind randomized controlled trial study. Dermatol Reports [Internet]. 2026 May 28 [cited 2026 Jun. 8];. Available from: https://journals.pagepress.net/dr/article/view/10293
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