Clascoterone (Winlevi®)

Topical Androgen Receptor Antagonist
Compare To Other Treatments

What Is It?

Clascoterone, sold under the brand name Winlevi®, is a topical cream that works by blocking the effects of male hormones that in the skin contribute to acne development. It’s the first topical treatment of its kind to be FDA-approved for acne and offers a new mechanism of action compared to other acne treatments.

It is usually applied twice daily, in the morning and in the evening.

Results

Results
Strength of Evidence: Strong
Average 46% reduction in acne after 12 weeks
▸ Based on These Clinical Studies & Trials
▾ Based on These Clinical Studies & Trials
  1. Hebert, A. et al. Efficacy and safety of topical clascoterone cream, 1%, for treatment in patients with facial acne: two Phase 3 randomized clinical trials. JAMA Dermatol 156, 621–630 (2020).
  2. Mazzetti, A., Moro, L., Gerloni, M. & Cartwright, M. A Phase 2b, randomized, double-blind vehicle controlled, dose escalation study evaluating clascoterone 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% topical cream in subjects with facial acne. J Drugs Dermatol 18, 570 (2019).
  3. Trifu, V. et al. Cortexolone 17α-propionate 1% cream, a new potent antiandrogen for topical treatment of acne vulgaris. A pilot randomized, double-blind comparative study vs. placebo and tretinoin 0·05% cream. Br J Dermatol 165, 177–183 (2011).

Side Effects

Side Effects
Low side effects and adverse reactions

Acne.org's Real World Take

It’s different from anything else because it targets male hormones in the skin, but it doesn’t seem to work all that well compared to other options. Plus, it’s good to have an eye out for new medications until they have been proven safe over many years. You can’t deny that it’s interesting though, and it might prove to be a nice tool alongside other meds.

Reviews

View All
3.0
1 Review