Category: Cosmetic Formulation of Skin Care Products

Botanicals

Although products cannot be sold bearing an anti-acne label unless they contain an OTC approved ingredient, many botanical formulations are marketed towards the acne-prone consumer claiming to “heal,” “purify,” or “cleanse” the skin and pores. Companies promote their proprietary formula of herb extracts, but well-conducted clinical studies are lacking, and therefore it is difficult to […]

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide has been one of the most important topical acne agents for a long time. It has a combination of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and comedolytic properties. Benzoyl peroxide can penetrate through the follicular duct deeply into the infundibulum where it then releases oxygen to inactivate anaerobic bacteria that cannot live in its presence, P. acnes […]

ADVANCES IN OVER-THE-COUNTER ACNE FORMULATIONS Salicylic Acid

SA is a keratolytic agent. It is used to treat a variety of hyperkeratotic skin disorders such as psoriasis, ichthyoses, seborrheic dermatitis, palmoplantar keratosis, keratosis pilaris, and pityriasis rubra pilaris (18). In acne, SA may reduce comedones (comedolytic) and prevent the formation of new ones by breaking down the comedonal follicular plug and by reducing […]