Acne disturbs nearly 1 in 10 people globally. Topical treatments, such as retinoids, are a backbone of acne treatment. For acne topical treatment with tretinoin is effective. In a study it was revealed that this formulation of tretinoin 0.05% lotion did not interfere with full facial foundation makeup application, and tretinoin use was well-matched for up to six hours after application of foundation makeup

Tretinoin 0.05% lotion as a formulation utilizes a polymeric honeycomb matrix, The polymeric technology utilized in the formulation of tretinoin 0.05% lotion was designed to deliver the active ingredient, solvents, emollients, and humectants in a honeycomb matrix to provide uniform delivery of ingredients The use of moisturizers and humectants in this lotion formulation has been shown to enhance skin hydration and skin comfort without feeling greasy. When compared with other tretinoin formulations, tretinoin 0.05% lotion have greater efficacy against inflammatory lesions with low rates of dryness, pain, and erythema

This study which was a single-centre, evaluator-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomized to apply tretinoin 0.05% lotion to either the right or left side of the face before applying full-face foundation makeup shows that tretinoin 0.05% lotion did not interfere with full facial foundation makeup application or wearability, and tretinoin use was compatible for up to six hours after application of foundation makeup. Makeup application between the tretinoin treated and untreated sides was not negatively affected in terms of percent and overall coverage, blotchiness, evenness of skin tone, and smoothness at either the Post-Makeup or 6H timepoints.

Though analysis of clinical grading showed a statistically significant worsening for percent coverage on the untreated side of the face at 6H compared with Post-Makeup, this change was not clinically relevant.  

Tretinoin lotion application did not show any negative impact on skin roughness, Antera 3D imaging results that showed no significant difference between the treated and untreated sides. 

As mean scores were significantly more favourable on the tretinoin-treated side versus the untreated side because of which participants also reported satisfaction and confidence with makeup applied to the tretinoin-treated side. Interestingly, The favourable response following tretinoin treatment might be due to the non-greasy and aesthetically pleasing lotion formulation, which is highly spreadable and moisturizing

In addition to compatibility, tretinoin 0.05% lotion was also well tolerated. Consistent with the two 12-week Phase 3 studies of tretinoin in patients with moderate-to-severe acne, most cutaneous tolerability outcomes had a rating of “none” from all 30 participants and no outcome was rated as “severe.” As retinoids have the highest discontinuation rate among acne treatments due to dryness, peeling, and irritation, this new lower dose lotion formulation might improve adherence by reducing these adverse effects.

This study shows that tretinoin 0.05% lotion did not negatively impact clinical grading of foundation makeup, including coverage and blotchiness, compared with no treatment. Furthermore, tretinoin lotion appeared beneficial on the participant-assessed foundation coverage and skin smoothness immediately after foundation application. Tretinoin lotion was also compatible for up to six hours post-foundation makeup application and was well tolerated.

Source: J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020 Oct; 13(10): E53–E58.