Acne affects most people at some point, ranging from occasional breakouts to severe cystic disease that can scar. Current treatment includes topical retinoids, antibiotics, hormonal therapies for women, and isotretinoin for severe cases. Most acne clears with treatment, though scarring and ongoing management remain challenges for many.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing new topical retinoids with fewer side effects, antibiotics that target acne bacteria more selectively, anti-androgen medications, and treatments that address scarring and post-inflammatory marks. Researchers are also studying the skin microbiome, looking at whether preserving helpful bacteria while targeting the ones that worsen acne could improve outcomes.
Microbiome approaches
Studies are testing whether applying beneficial bacteria or using narrower antibiotics can control acne without disrupting the entire skin ecosystem. This could reduce antibiotic resistance and preserve skin barrier function.
Anti-androgen therapies
New oral medications that block androgen hormones are in trials for women with hormonal acne. These may work for people who haven't responded to birth control pills or spironolactone.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on acne severity, age, prior treatments tried, and for some trials, whether scarring is present or whether acne appears linked to hormonal factors.
What types of trials are currently open
- Topical treatment trials — Testing new formulations of retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or other medications applied to the skin. These often compare new versions against existing treatments.
- Oral medication trials — Testing new antibiotics, hormonal treatments, or anti-inflammatory drugs taken by mouth for moderate to severe acne.
- Device trials — Testing light therapy, lasers, or other devices that may reduce acne or improve scarring without daily medication.
- Scar treatment trials — Testing treatments for acne scars, including topical medications, injections, or procedures that stimulate skin repair.
- Microbiome studies — Following people with acne to understand the role of skin bacteria and test whether targeting specific organisms can clear breakouts.
Recently added Acne trials
Share your medical records to improve hidradenitis suppurativa care worldwide
The Global Healthcare Study on Hidradenitis Suppurativa (GHSHS) is an international, multicenter observational study hosted by the University of Zurich (UZH) investigating healthcare access, treatment patterns, disease severity, and quality of life in patients with psoriasis. The study collects standardized clinical data from routine medical records to identify disparities in healthcare delivery and outcomes across different healthcare systems.
Receive injections to improve rolling acne scars on your face
The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of two different injectable agents combined with subcision for treating rolling acne scars. In this split-face clinical trial, each participant will receive subcision on both sides of the face. One side will then be treated with an injection of Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), while the other side will receive an injection of non-cross linked Hyaluronic acid (HA). The clinical outcomes and improvement in scar appearance will be assessed and compared between both treatments
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