In the last decade, no new OTC ingredient has been approved for the treatment of acne. However, much research effort has led to the development of better vehicles and delivery forms designed to reduce skin irritation and improve efficacy. The common product forms are gel, lotion, cream, and cleanser.
In addition, other delivery methods have appeared, which include masks, scrubs, pads and even makeup foundation and concealing sticks. Body acne has also been gaining notices: Body washes and leave-on sprays have been developed to address delivery to hard-to-reach areas such as the back. The varieties in forms and delivery systems make it possible to design OTC treatment programs that are tailored to an individual’s needs.
At the same time, there is an increasing desire to provide patients with a comprehensive product system or regimen that is easy to follow on a daily basis. This approach has two potential advantages: Encouraging usage compliance by consumers, and ensuring a product system that has been tested and proven to be compatible and may even be synergistic to deliver optimal efficacy and safety profiles. Multi-step systems that consist of combinations of products from cleanser to lotion or cream have been designed to provide a full range of products to use in daily routines. Typically one or two of the products in the system contain an OTC active ingredient. Cleansers, toners, masks, cosmoceuticals, emollients and sunscreens can be incorporated as adjunctives in the system. Some products even go beyond acne to try to address both acne and aging, targeting those adults who are concerned about both conditions on their skin.