The choice of vehicle is an important consideration in
acne therapy. Because the epidermal barrier may be impaired by both the underlying disorder and the use of some topical treatments for
acne, vehicle formulations that minimize barrier impairment, help to restore barrier function, and limit signs and symptoms of skin irritation are valuable components of
acne therapy, especially early in the course of treatment or with combination regimens. Formulations with ingredients that provide moisturization, such as
humectants and
emollients, are ideal in the management of
acne.
Tretinoin microsphere and
tretinoin polyolprepolymer-2 are vehicle modifications designed to release
tretinoin in a slow controlled manner, thus minimizing the potential for irritation associated with standard
tretinoin formulations. A combination of
clindamycin and
benzoyl peroxide in a water-based gel formulated with the
humectant glycerin and the
emollient dimethicone has been shown to improve skin tolerability and overall patient preference compared with the same active ingredients formulated without the special additives that provide moisturization.