Efficacy and Consumer Perception of Topical Over-the-Counter Regimens Involving Beta-Hydroxy Acid for Acne Vulgaris

The use of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) for acne treatment and their integration into daily skincare routines for better cosmetic outcomes has increasingly become a norm, particularly in light of steep insurance deductibles and restricted access to prescription options. This article presents an analysis from a single-center, open-label study with 20 participants conducted to evaluate if an over-the-counter (OTC) barrier-restoring cream gel can alleviate the adverse skin reactions caused by a conventional dermatologist-recommended acne treatment plan in individuals with mild to moderate acne over 6 weeks. This evaluation encompassed both objective clinical assessments of facial skin health and subjective reports of product tolerability, complemented by before-and-after images and questionnaires to capture consumer feedback on the OTC moisturizer as well as an OTC salicylic acid-containing cleanser and spot treatment. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(2):162-166. doi:10.36849/JDD.8502T1.