What it is
Clascoterone cream is a novel topical acne treatment that works as an androgen receptor inhibitor. Unlike traditional acne creams that fight bacteria or unclog pores, clascoterone specifically targets hormonal pathways in the skin. By blocking the effect of androgens (male hormones like testosterone and DHT) on sebaceous glands, it reduces excess sebum production—a key driver of acne.
In Korea, clascoterone cream is gaining attention as a first-of-its-kind topical anti-androgen therapy for acne. It is particularly useful for patients with hormonal or adult acne, especially women who get breakouts around the lower face, jawline, or chin.
Why it’s done
- Regulates sebum → directly lowers oil production without systemic side effects
- Reduces acne lesions → especially effective for hormonal breakouts
- Safe for both men and women → unlike oral hormonal therapies, it doesn’t cause systemic hormone disruption
- Alternative to oral therapy → provides anti-androgen benefits without birth control pills or spironolactone
- Adjunct to acne regimens → can be combined with retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics for enhanced effect
Alternatives
- Retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin) → regulate cell turnover, strong anti-acne option
- Benzoyl peroxide → antibacterial, but can be irritating
- Dapsone gel → anti-inflammatory, good for sensitive acne
- Azelaic acid → antibacterial, pigmentation-fading, rosacea-safe
- Oral hormonal therapy → birth control pills, spironolactone (but systemic side effects are concerns)
Clascoterone stands out as the first topical option targeting hormones, making it unique in the acne treatment landscape.
Preparation
- Skin evaluation → dermatologist determines if acne is hormonal (jawline/cyclic)
- Rule out pregnancy → though topical, safety data is still limited in pregnancy
- Routine simplification → avoid starting too many new actives at once
- Patch testing → mild irritation possible, though usually well tolerated
How it’s Done
Application guidelines
- Apply a thin layer twice daily (morning and evening) to acne-prone areas
- Use on clean, dry skin before moisturizer
- Always follow with SPF in the morning (to prevent post-acne pigmentation)
- Combine with barrier-support creams to reduce dryness
Combination strategies in Korea
- Clascoterone + Retinoid (night) → oil regulation + cell turnover
- Clascoterone + Benzoyl peroxide (AM) → sebum control + antibacterial action
- Clascoterone + Azelaic acid → sebum + pigmentation control
- Clascoterone + Clinic-based treatments → LED blue light, acne scaling, hormonal acne supplements
Recovery
- 4 weeks → reduced oiliness, early acne improvement
- 8 weeks → fewer breakouts, less inflammation in jawline/lower face acne
- 12 weeks → clearer skin, improved texture, better control of hormonal flares
Korean clinics often combine clascoterone with:
✔️ Non-comedogenic skincare routines
✔️ Niacinamide serums for barrier support
✔️ Zinc supplementation or infusion for hormonal balance
Complications
- Mild redness, dryness, or stinging in the first few weeks
- Rare irritation if layered with too many actives
- Limited safety data for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Not as effective on comedonal acne (blackheads/whiteheads) compared to retinoids
Treatment Options in Korea
How it is used in Korean dermatology
- Most commonly prescribed for adult women with hormonal acne
- Given to patients who cannot tolerate or do not want oral anti-androgen therapy
- Prescribed in combination with clinic treatments for best results
Clinic protocols
- Hormonal acne → clascoterone cream + dapsone gel (AM) + retinoid (PM)
- Oily acne-prone skin → clascoterone + salicylic acid cleanser + light gel moisturizer
- Acne with pigmentation → clascoterone + azelaic acid + sunscreen cushion reapplication
- Resistant acne → clascoterone + oral isotretinoin (in select cases, under supervision)
Medical tourism aspect
Seoul dermatology clinics are beginning to include clascoterone cream in international acne care packages, especially for patients seeking alternatives to oral hormonal therapy.
Key Point
Clascoterone cream in Korea represents a breakthrough in acne therapy, offering targeted sebum regulation by blocking androgen receptors in the skin. It is especially effective for hormonal and adult acne, and when combined with K-beauty soothing routines, retinoids, and clinic-based therapies, it provides a gentle yet powerful solution for long-term acne control.
