30 patients with acne vulgaris were treated topically with motretinide 0.1% vanishing cream or benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in an open study. Good results were obtained in both groups. Benzoyl peroxide caused local irritation in 73% of the patients, whereas motretinide was well tolerated except in 1 case. Motretinide is considered an alternative in the treatment of papulopustular acne in young adults.