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May 17

Unveiling Nature's Acne Assassin: The Power of Essential Oils

Acne is a prevalent and multifactorial skin disease affecting teenagers and adults, generally stemming from an imbalance in the skin microbiome. Studies have shown that various essential oils (EOs) possess antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria strains like Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. 


What We Know:


  • Current acne treatments often involve topical or oral antibiotics, raising concerns about antibiotic resistance in C. acnes strains (Sardana et al., 2015). 


  • EOs are natural, concentrated liquids derived from plants, known for their aromatic properties and diverse biological characteristics, including bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal properties (Cossetin et al., 2021).


  • These include oregano, lavender, lemon grass, myrtle, lemon, thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary and tea tree EOs, which have all demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (Bungau et al., 2023). 


  • EOs are able to permeate the skin and facilitate the enhanced penetration of active compounds into deeper skin layers (Bungau et al., 2023). 


  • Their antimicrobial property occurs as their bioactive components target multiple cellular sites and interact with cell membranes, disrupting microbial integrity and ultimately causing cell death (Bungau et al., 2023). 


Industry Impact & Potential:


  • Incorporating English lavender and peppermint EOs into gelatine nanofibers created effective topical patches for localised acne treatment by diminishing C. acnes and S. epidermidis (Uhlířová et al., 2023).


  • Therefore, English lavender and peppermint EOs may be beneficial in the gentle and focused treatment of acne, as well as potentially other microbial-related skin conditions (Uhlířová et al., 2023).


  • However, a challenge with EO use is their standardisation, which arises due to different cultivation conditions that produce EOs of varied quality, quantity and composition (Uhlířová et al., 2023). 


  • Methods for assessing antioxidant potential, such as determining total phenolic content, evaluating reducing power, measuring ferrous ion chelating activity, among other methods, are vital for gauging the efficacy and safety of essential oil use in acne treatment (Bungau et al., 2023). 


  • Future investigations could focus on developing innovative acne treatments incorporating essential oils and evaluating their effectiveness through large-scale clinical trials. Moreover, further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of action of essential oils and identify their optimal doses and safety profiles for effective management of acne vulgaris (Bungau et al., 2023). 


Our Solution:


At Sequential, we offer a comprehensive Microbiome Product Testing Solution, separately or in conjunction with guided product development and formulation services. This holistic approach enables your business to explore innovative methods for addressing skin conditions, like acne, using essential oils treatment strategies.




Reference List:


Bungau, A. F., Radu, A. F., Bungau, S. G., Vesa, C. M., Tit, D. M., Purza, A. L., & Endres, L. M. (2023). Emerging Insights into the Applicability of Essential Oils in the Management of Acne Vulgaris. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)




Castellanos Lorduy, H. J., Pérez Cely, H. C., Casadiego Rincón, E. J., Henao Riveros, S. C., & Colorado, C. L. (2021). Cutibacterium acnes tetracycline resistance profile in patients with acne vulgaris, in a colombian dermatologic center. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition), 112(10), 873-880. doi:10.1016/j.adengl.2021.09.003  


Cossetin, L. F., Garlet, Q. I., Velho, M. C., Gündel, S., Ourique, A. F., Heinzmann, B. M., & Monteiro, S. G. (2021). Development of nanoemulsions containing lavandula dentata or myristica fragrans essential oils: Influence of temperature and storage period on physical-chemical properties and chemical stability. Industrial Crops and Products, 160, 113115. doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.113115 


Sardana, K., Gupta, T., Garg, V.,K., & Ghunawat, S. (2015). Antibiotic resistance to propionobacterium acnes: Worldwide scenario, diagnosis and management. Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, 13(7), 883-896. doi:10.1586/14787210.2015.1040765


Uhlířová, R., Langová, D., Bendová, A., Gross, M., Skoumalová, P., & Márová, I. (2023). Antimicrobial Activity of Gelatin Nanofibers Enriched by Essential Oils against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland), 13(5), 844. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050844

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