Safety and Preliminary Clinical Effects of a Herbal Balance Solution in Mild‐To‐Moderate Acne Vulgaris: An Open‐Label, Single‐Arm Pilot Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSION: 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.
Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.70702
Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University
Language: English
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,020
Award: G4014179144
OpenAlex ID: W7128178405
