The Use of Acneceuticals to Improve Acne Care: Introduction of a New Term and Review of the Literature.

Background: Acne is a multifactorial inflammatory skin condition that commonly presents to the dermatology clinic. Treatment generally involves the use of pharmaceutical agents and procedural techniques. Recently, the importance of over-the-counter skin care in acne has been recognized in many studies. This paper introduces the term acneceuticals to encompass a wide range of FDA- monographed, yet non-prescription ingredients proven to alter the structure and function of acneic skin.

Methods: A panel of 8 dermatologists with an interest in acne and skin care performed a literature review of active skin care in acne. The role of acneceuticals in the treatment of acne - as monotherapy, adjunctive, and maintenance therapy - was evaluated using a modified Delphi approach. Studies were limited to in vivo human trials involving acne. Individual actives were assessed separately.

Results: The quality of evidence was moderate-to-low for many of the ingredients. Most of the actives included in the final assessment had been studied in vehicle-controlled, blinded, often comparative studies but enrolled a small number of subjects. In these studies, the acneceuticals were found to reduce lesion count, reduce sebum production, and improve efficacy of existing pharmacologic therapies.

Conclusion: Acneceuticals have demonstrated benefits in treating acne, alone or in conjunction with established pharmaceutical agents. These data allow us to make quality recommendations for our patients that should be a part of every patient encounter. The recommendations also serve as a guide for patients searching the internet for beneficial self-care products. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(3):281-288. doi:10.36849/JDD.8817.