| abstract |
Novel retinoic acid-containing topical compositions in the form of creams, lotions, gels, and the like, are disclosed. These compositions contain a urethane compound having a molecular weight of up to about 200,000, prepared by reacting approximately two moles of a hydroxy-terminated linear alkylene or polyalkylene glycol with approximately one mole of a monomeric organic diisocyanate. The presence of the urethane compound leads to decreased percutaneous transmission of the retinoic acid, resulting in reduced skin irritation but undiminished therapeutic effectiveness of the retinoic acid when compared to retinoic acid-containing topical formulations otherwise identical except for the absence of a urethane compound. The compositions of this invention can be used to treat acne vulgaris and ameliorate photoaging of the skin, to retard and reverse the effects of senile keratosis, and to treat a variety of other skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation and psoriasis, hitherto considered unsuitable for treatment with retinoic acid. |