Clinical study to assess efficacy and safety of Purifying Neem Face Wash in prevention and reduction of acne in healthy adults

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition of pilosebaceous units. The standard treatment involves topical and oral antibiotics, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and other synthetic compounds, mostly associated with adverse effects. Hence, herbal skincare products are considered nowadays. AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Purifying Neem Face Wash (PNFW), an herbal skincare product in the prevention and/or reduction of mild‐to‐moderate acne. METHODS: An open‐label, single‐center, single‐arm, four‐week clinical study was conducted with subjects having either mild‐to‐moderate acne or oily skin and non‐existent acne. The performance of PNFW in the reduction and/or prevention of acne was detected by counting cutaneous inflammatory and non‐inflammatory acne lesions in each of the four visits. Sebum level and skin hydration of both cheeks were measured via sebumeter and corneometer, respectively. Self‐assessment questionnaires were used to assess the subjects’ responses toward PNFW. RESULTS: Out of 120 study subjects, 79% and 72% showed either reduction or no new appearance of inflammatory and non‐inflammatory acne lesions, respectively, from baseline to Visits 3 and 4. Skin sebum level and skin hydration showed a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.001) and increase (p < 0.001), respectively, in Visits 3 and 4. Self‐assessment surveys showed the satisfaction of the subjects about the product in terms of condition improvement, ease in use, and fragrance. CONCLUSION: The present study indicated the beneficial effect of the herbal ingredients (neem and turmeric) of Himalaya's PNFW in the prevention and reduction of mild‐to‐moderate acne with no side effects.