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2% HDBM effective, well tolerated in reducing skin inflammation

Treatment with 2% bis-ethylhexyl hydroxydimethoxy benzylmalonate significantly reduced sebum excretion and inflamed lesions, and was well tolerated, according to study results.

Researchers evaluated 44 participants (mean age, 19.9 years; 29 females) with blemished skin in a randomized, placebo-controlled study for 8 weeks. Inclusion criteria were oily or combined skin type with sebum levels of 75 mcg/cm² to 100 mcg/cm² and a skin inflammation/redness score (SIRS) of at least 2, or sebum levels greater than 100 mcg/cm² on the forehead and a SIRS of 1 or greater. Participants were assigned a placebo emulsion or a verum emulsion with 2% bis-ethylhexyl hydroxydimethoxy benzylmalonate (HDBM) twice daily. Effectiveness was measured at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks.

Sebum levels in the HDBM group declined by 18.63% mcg/cm² to 138.32 mcg/cm² at 4 weeks and by 19.91% mcg/cm² to 136.14 mcg/cm² at 8 weeks (P<.01). Sebum levels in the placebo group decreased by 5% in 4 weeks and by 3.4% at 8 weeks, with no statistical significance. SIRS declined among the treated group from a mean baseline of 1.95 to 1.77 (9.2% improvement) after 4 weeks and to 1.45 (25.64% improvement) after 8 weeks (P<.05). Mean baseline SIRS for the placebo group was 1.55, with no statistically significant changes at 4 or 8 weeks.

Overall efficacy of skin blemishes treatment was rated good or very good by 45% of the HDBM group compared with 31% of the placebo group. Treatment with HDBM and placebo were well-tolerated; burning skin was the most common adverse event reported (22.7% among the HDBM group, 27.8% in the placebo group). Skin compatibility was rated as very good in 77% of the verum group and 50% of the placebo group.

“This study demonstrated that the active substance 2% HDBM has antiseborrheic and anti-inflammatory activities with minimal side effects and hence is helpful in stabilizing oily and blemished skin,” the researchers said. “However, the mechanisms behind the result are not yet understood and require further investigation.”