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https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10491

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

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Published: 27 March 2026
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Bioactive moisturizer, Eucerin® Adjunctive Soothing Care, mucocutaneous side effects, acne vulgaris

Authors

Jidapa Triwatcharikorn
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Skin and Allergy Research, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Supanee Techamontrikul
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Skin and Allergy Research, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Natnicha Ngamdumrongkiat
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Skin and Allergy Research, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Pawinee Rerknimitr
pawinee.r@chula.ac.th
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Skin and Allergy Research, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

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.

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Supporting Agencies

This study was funded by Beiersdorf Co., Ltd. (Thailand). The funding body had no role in the design of the study, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, or the writing of the manuscript.

How to Cite



1.
Triwatcharikorn J, Techamontrikul S, Ngamdumrongkiat N, Rerknimitr P. The efficacy of a bioactive moisturizer in mitigating side effects of acne therapies: a randomized, investigator-blind, split-face trial. Dermatol Reports [Internet]. 2026 Mar. 27 [cited 2026 Jun. 3];. Available from: https://journals.pagepress.net/dr/article/view/10491
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