Formulation of cosmetic products for the treatment of acne containing tea tree oil and salicyclic acid

Abstract

Acne is a skin disease that affects most adolescents and young adults. There are four abnormalities in acne namely, sebum production, inflammation, hyperkeratosis and the presence of Propionobacterium acnes. To treat acne effectively it has been proved that combinational therapy is essential to be able to eliminate all four abnormalities. Both salicylic acid and tea tree oil have the properties to eliminate the four abnormalities of acne. These active ingredients were therefore chosen to be formulated into one cosmetic acne product. These two active ingredients were formulated into five different acne products, i.e. a cream, gel, ointment, soap bar and a cover stick. All of these products contained 2% salicylic acid and 3% tea tree oil. The formulations had to be of such nature that they would not irritate the skin or worsen the acne. After formulation, the products were placed under a three-month accelerated stability testing procedure. The products were stored at different temperatures and humidities. Stability indicating tests were carried out on all of the products throughout the three months. All five products proved to be stable over the three-month stability testing period. During release rate studies with the enhancer cell dissolution technique, the gel showed the highest amount of salicylic acid released in comparison to the other products, whereas the ointment proved to release the highest amount of tea tree oil. Zone inhibition studies were not conducted as two previous studies have already proved that a correlation exists between zone inhibition and the release rate. This study produced five new cosmetic acne formulations that remained stable throughout the study and therefore they can be used to treat acne effectively.