# Safety and Preliminary Clinical Effects of a Herbal Balance Solution in Mild‐To‐Moderate Acne Vulgaris: An Open‐Label, Single‐Arm Pilot Study

## TL;DR

A pilot study found that a herbal skincare solution improved acne and skin barrier function in patients with mild-to-moderate acne, with no major side effects.

## Contribution

This study is the first to evaluate the clinical effects of Herbal Balance Solution on acne vulgaris and skin barrier function.

## Key findings

- Significant reduction in closed comedones and transepidermal water loss after using Herbal Balance Solution.
- Reductions in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions were statistically significant at week 4.
- The treatment was well tolerated and improved skin barrier function in acne patients.

## Abstract

Acne is a common skin condition that seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients. In addition to the standard acne treatment, anti‐acne skin care products are gradually becoming essential in preventing and treating acne. Herbal Balance Solution contains multiple botanical ingredients with potential anti‐inflammatory and barrier‐supportive properties. This pilot study aimed to explore the safety and preliminary clinical effects of Herbal Balance Solution in patients with mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris.

Thirty‐three patients with mild or moderate acne vulgaris were treated with Herbal Balance Solution once every 3 days for 4 weeks. At baseline (Week 0, W0), Week 2 (W2), and Week 4 (W4), acne lesion counts (total, inflammatory, and non‐inflammatory lesions) and the severity index were measured to assess the treatment efficacy, and transepidermal water loss was tested to assess face irritation.

The number of closed comedones was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) at each time point after using the test product. Furthermore, the transepidermal water loss rate significantly decreased (p < 0.05). At Week 4, reductions in total inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesion counts were observed and were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

In this open‐label pilot study, use of Herbal Balance Solution was associated with short‐term improvements in acne‐related clinical parameters and skin barrier function and was well tolerated in patients with mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris. These preliminary findings warrant confirmation in randomized, vehicle‐controlled clinical trials.