TSC Reduces Tretinoin-Induced Skin Irritation: Pilot Study

A recent pilot study has shown that tetramethylhexadecenyl succinoyl cysteine (TSC) significantly reduces erythema and dryness caused by tretinoin application. These findings may offer a novel approach to minimizing the common adverse effects of tretinoin, potentially improving patient adherence to retinoid therapy.

The study included 20 participants treated with trentinoin, all of whom were treated with tretinoin. The patient population consisted of individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types I–III, and participants were randomly assigned to receive TSC alongside their tretinoin regimen. The primary study endpoints included the reduction in erythema and skin dryness, assessed with validated dermatological scales. 

Participants applied TSC topically in conjunction with tretinoin over a two-week period. According to the results, the TSC group experienced significant reductions in both erythema and dryness compared to the control group that did not receive TSC. The authors concluded that TSC could serve as a beneficial adjunct to tretinoin therapy, mitigating its common side effects and enhancing treatment tolerability.

"Altogether, given these initial encouraging results, further study of TSC in a dose-dependent manner in a larger, controlled study is warranted," the authors wrote.

Source: Sornig C., et al. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2025. Doi: 10.1111/jocd.70026.