The novel topical herbal gel might be an alternative treatment in patients with acne vulgaris: A randomized, double-blind controlled study

Acne vulgaris (AV) is one of the most prevalent skin disorders evolving in pre and post-adolescent periods. Conventional therapies indicate many adverse events and limitations; nonetheless, botanical agents are proposed for minimal side effects and faster action. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of topical Rosmarinus officinalis and clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide in patients with AV. Fifty healthy subjects (42 females, 8 males) with mild to moderate AV were randomly assigned (1:1) into two groups, clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel 1%/5% (group A), and rosemary gel (group B). They received a thin layer of topical gels on the affected area twice daily for twelve weeks. A total number of inflammatory lesions (TIL), total number of comedones (TC), and pustules and papules at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12 were measured as primary outcomes. Safety evaluations and the DLQI test were also performed. After 12 weeks of therapy, TIL, TC, the number of pustules and papules declined in both groups; however, only group B indicated significant differences at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (p < 0.05). Moreover, TIL and TC diminished more rapidly in group B. Even though all adverse events vanished within the first week of the study, their incidence exhibited significant variations (p < 0.05). This study revealed that rosemary gel significantly improved the healing of AV symptoms, and it might be utilized as a potential agent for treating AV.