Randomized controlled study of a cosmetic treatment for mild acne

Background. Cosmetic products are not tested with the same rigour as medical treatments, but recent high‐quality studies have shown significant reductions in changes of skin ageing with use of cosmetic antiageing products. Aim. To test whether a cosmetic ‘anti‐spot’ two‐step treatment containing a complex of seaweed‐derived oligosaccharide and zinc would produce a significant improvement in mild acne. Methods. A double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled trial of this treatment was performed for 8 weeks on 60 age‐matched participants with mild acne. They were divided into two groups: 30 participants were treated with vehicle control and 30 with the active treatment containing a seaweed‐derived oligosaccharide complexed with 0.1% zinc pyrrolidone. Results. After 8 weeks, both groups had a reduction in comedones, papules and pustules, and this was significantly greater in the active than control group at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Conclusions. Cosmetic products may offer some benefit for mild acne and still meet the requirements of the European Cosmetic Directive. In particular, the seaweed‐derived oligosaccharide complexed with 0.1% zinc pyrrolidone used in this study produced a significant reduction in acne vs. a control treatment. Cosmetic companies should conduct blinded controlled trials of their product’s efficacy and publish the results.