New Data Shows Clascoterone Plus Adapalene Delivers Effective Acne Control

At the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference 2025, Zoe D. Draelos, MD, clinical faculty of dermatology at Duke University School of Medicine, shared practical insights on using retinoid-based combination therapies for moderate to severe acne, highlighting clascoterone cream 1% plus adapalene gel 0.3%. A 16-week study showed the combination reduced acne severity, improved quality of life, and was well tolerated, supporting its role as an effective topical option across diverse clinical presentations.¹

Draelos noted retinoid-based combinations work best for patients with predominantly noninflammatory acne marked by open and closed comedones. Retinoids prevent acne at its earliest stage by inhibiting microcomedone formation, the initiating lesion of acne. Antimicrobial-based combinations may suit individuals with papulopustular disease. Combining mechanisms, such as pairing a retinoid with an antimicrobial, often produces the best outcomes. Using antimicrobials in the morning and retinoids at night can improve tolerability while maintaining efficacy.

When escalating from monotherapy to combination treatment, Draelos often starts combinations during active disease and later de-escalates to monotherapy for maintenance. If monotherapy fails within 8 to 12 weeks, adding additional agents can enhance response, though individual treatment trajectories remain difficult to predict.

Patient hesitancy toward multi-step regimens can be addressed with fixed-dose combinations. Research shows a single combination cream provides more even and thorough facial coverage than separate products, improving both adherence and outcomes.

Patient preferences, lifestyle, and cultural considerations remain central to treatment success. Outdoor activity, skin of color, and aversion to pills or creams should guide therapeutic choices, as adherence ultimately determines real-world effectiveness.