Chemical stability of adapalene and tretinoin when combined with benzoyl peroxide in presence and in absence of visible light and ultraviolet radiation

Br J Dermatol. 1998 Oct:139 Suppl 52:8-11. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1998.1390s2008.x.

Abstract

Adapalene and tretinoin are molecules used in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. Commercial formulations (adapalene 0.1% gel and tretinoin 0.025% gel) were mixed with equal volumes of commercially available benzoyl peroxide formulation (10% lotion) and subsequently exposed to light over 24 h. With and without exposition to light, adapalene exhibits a remarkable stability whereas tretinoin is very sensitive to light and oxidation. The combination of benzoyl peroxide and light results in more than 50% degradation of tretinoin in about 2 h and 95% in 24 h.

MeSH terms

  • Adapalene
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / radiation effects*
  • Benzoyl Peroxide / chemistry
  • Benzoyl Peroxide / radiation effects*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drug Stability
  • Gels
  • Keratolytic Agents / chemistry
  • Keratolytic Agents / radiation effects*
  • Light*
  • Naphthalenes / chemistry
  • Naphthalenes / radiation effects*
  • Tretinoin / chemistry
  • Tretinoin / radiation effects*
  • Ultraviolet Rays*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Drug Combinations
  • Gels
  • Keratolytic Agents
  • Naphthalenes
  • Adapalene
  • Tretinoin
  • Benzoyl Peroxide