Significant improvement in mild acne following a twice daily application for 6 weeks of an acidic cleansing product (pH 4)

Summary Background Cleansing products for acne should remove excessive sebum, reduce acne‐related bacteria and improve inflammation. Aims The aim of the study was to investigate a topical cleansing product containing glycolic acid with pH 4 in mild acne vulgaris. Methods Sixty patients were recruited for this open uncontrolled clinical trial. The tested product was exclusively applied twice a day for 6 weeks. The efficacy was judged by a dermatologist according to the Leeds score after 3 and 6 weeks. In addition, efficacy and tolerability were judged subjectively by physician and patients. Results Mild acne improved significantly after 6 weeks (baseline: 0.699 vs . day 42: 0.602; P  < 0.001). Efficacy and tolerability were judged better by physician as compared with patients' assessment. Conclusion In this clinical trial, a topical cleansing product containing glycolic acid with pH 4 improved mild acne significantly following twice‐daily application for 6 weeks as monotherapy.