The new data could reassure patients looking for effective and affordable retinol treatments for photoaging.

A recent integrated analysis published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology showed the efficacy and tolerability of topical 0.1% stabilized bioactive retinol in countering the signs of photoaging.

"Advances in formulation science have allowed the production of stabilized bioactive retinol formulations," the authors wrote. "This integrated analysis aims to build on previous studies and further examine the comprehensive efficacy and tolerability of topical 0.1% stabilized bioactive retinol."

The authors conducted the analysis across six vehicle-controlled studies involving women exhibiting mild-to-moderate photodamage. Over the 12-week study period, participants treated with retinol demonstrated notable enhancements in various indicators of photoaging compared to the control group. Discernible improvements were evident as early as week 4 and continued through week 12, highlighting the rapid onset of retinol's beneficial effects. A total of 471 patients were included in the analysis.

The researchers noted that the minimal incidence of adverse effects observed throughout the study was of paramount importance. Skin irritation, including erythema and skin scaling/peeling, represented the most common manifestations and were described as mild-to-moderate and transient. The favorable tolerability profile, the researchers said, showed the suitability of topical 0.1% stabilized bioactive retinol formulations for integration into dermatological regimens, particularly among individuals prone to skin sensitivity.

"For the practical dermatologist, and those who have patients who are intolerant of prescription retinoids (and we see these patients every day in our practices), or for patients who are just looking for less expensive, more readily available options, this paper gives us the data we need to reassure them that they are going to see clinical improvement in the visible signs of photoaging using a stabilized, well-formulated topical retinol," Patricia Farris, MD, a dermatologist and clinical associate professor in the department of dermatology at Tulane University in New Orleans, said in a video abstract. 

The analysis was published by Kenvue.