Topical natural products in managing dermatologic conditions: observations and recommendations

Patient requests for nature-based products have increased in dermatologic practices over the last decade. Patients express many reasons for turning to these products, including avoidance of potentially harmful chemicals and the belief that nature-based products are safer than conventional cosmetic products or prescription formulations. Natural products are used in dermatology for both cosmetic and medical purposes. The responsible physician makes prescription and product recommendations based on empirical evidence, labeling, and education, explaining when and how to use the products. Yet much of the evidence, labeling, and education on topical nature-based products is inadequate to fully describe their utility in dermatology and support credible physician recommendations. For these reasons, we recommend: (a) a clear and thorough peer-reviewed compendium of natural ingredients, their intended efficacy, their sources, and rigorous scientific clinical evidence supporting their use; (b) that manufacturers provide standardized transparency into the composition of nature-based formulations through detailed labeling, including amounts and concentrations of ingredients and parts of plants used; and (c) clear preclinical and clinical data using standardized measures and end points demonstrating the efficacy and benefit claims of nature-based formulations.