The efficacy of enoxolone in reducing erythema and pain after laser treatment: A randomized split-face pilot study

Background: Enoxolone, derived from licorice, possesses potent anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, its effectiveness in alleviating post-laser reactions has not been extensively studied. Aims: This randomized split-face pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of enoxolone on skin following laser treatment. Patients/Methods: Ten healthy subjects underwent non-ablative 1550 nm Er:Glass fractional laser treatment and then randomly applied a moisturizer without enoxolone on one side of the face and a dermo-cosmetic formular containing 2% enoxolone mixed with the same moisturizer on the other side. The erythema index (EI), clinician's erythema assessment (CEA), and pain scores were recorded at 30 min, 60 min, and 24 h posttreatment. Results: The group treated with enoxolone showed significantly lower EI and CEA compared to the control group at 24 h posttreatment. Additionally, pain scores were notably reduced in the enoxolone-treated group 30 min after treatment. Conclusions: This study suggests that dermo-cosmetic formular containing 2% enoxolone is effective in reducing erythema and pain following laser treatment.