Abstract: Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of alpha hydroxy acid in the treatment of acne. Methods 64 cases of acne patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group with 32 cases in each group. The patients in the treatment group were treated with alpha hydroxy acid four times of, once every other week. While Topical clindamycin and metronidazole liniment were given to the patients in control group twice a day lasting for eight weeks. The results of the two groups were comparied after treating for 10 weeks. Results The effective ratio of treating group was 84.4%, while that of the control group was 50.0%. The cure ratio of treating group was 43.8%, while control droup was 18.8%. The cure ratio and effective ratio of the treatment group and the control group were satistically significant. Conclusion Alpha hydroxy acid is an effective, safety and convenient method for mild to moderate acne vulgaris, which has higher satisfaction.

Key words: Alpha hydroxy acid, acne, curative effect