Acne Care & Retinoids

Adapalene (0.1% w/w gel) is a third-generation synthetic retinoid on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It selectively modulates cellular differentiation and keratinization by binding to retinoic acid receptors beta and gamma, inhibiting microcomedone formation and down-regulating inflammatory lipoxygenase pathways. Exhibits greater chemical stability and lower cutaneous irritation than tretinoin. Indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, and Fluocinolone Acetonide is the gold-standard Triple Combination Cream (Kligman's formula) for refractory melasma. Hydroquinone (2-4%) competitively inhibits tyrosinase, blocking melanin pigment synthesis; Tretinoin (0.05%) accelerates epidermal turnover and keratinocyte shedding, facilitating hydroquinone penetration and dispersing melanin; and Fluocinolone Acetonide (0.01%), a mild-to-moderate topical corticosteroid, suppresses melanocyte inflammation and counteracts the irritant dermatitis of hydroquinone and tretinoin. Indicated for the short-term moderate-to-severe melasma of the face.

Betamethasone Valerate / Dipropionate is a potent topical corticosteroid on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It suppresses cutaneous inflammatory edema, erythema, and pruritus in eczema, psoriasis, and severe contact dermatitis. Often formulated in combination with Fusidic Acid, Gentamicin, or Miconazole to treat secondarily infected dermatoses.

Adapalene (0.1% w/w gel) is a third-generation synthetic retinoid on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It selectively modulates cellular differentiation and keratinization by binding to retinoic acid receptors beta and gamma, inhibiting microcomedone formation and down-regulating inflammatory lipoxygenase pathways. Exhibits greater chemical stability and lower cutaneous irritation than tretinoin. Indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Acitretin is an oral second-generation aromatic retinoid and the active acid metabolite of etretinate on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It modulates cellular differentiation and proliferation in the epidermis, suppressing epidermal hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis. Indicated for severe extensive plaque psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, and severe disorders of keratinization (ichthyosis, Darier's disease).

Clindamycin and Nicotinamide topical gel is a dual-action anti-acne formulation. Clindamycin Phosphate (1% w/w) inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 50S ribosomes, eradicating Cutibacterium acnes, while Nicotinamide (4% w/w, Vitamin B3) exerts potent anti-inflammatory action by suppressing IL-8 and leukotriene-mediated neutrophil chemotaxis, reducing sebum production, and stabilizing the epidermal permeability barrier. Indicated for inflammatory acne vulgaris with papules and pustules.

Clobetasol Propionate (0.05%) and Salicylic Acid (3% or 6%) ointment is a potent keratolytic-corticosteroid combination for hyperkeratotic dermatoses. Clobetasol is an ultra-high potency (Class I) topical corticosteroid that produces rapid vasoconstriction, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive actions, while salicylic acid dissolves the intercellular cement of the stratum corneum, desquamating thick adherent scales and enhancing the penetration of clobetasol into the dermis. Indicated for chronic plaque psoriasis, palmoplantar psoriasis, lichen planus, hypertrophic lichen simplex chronicus, and severe hyperkeratotic eczema.

Clobetasol Propionate (0.05%) and Salicylic Acid (3% or 6%) ointment is a potent keratolytic-corticosteroid combination for hyperkeratotic dermatoses. Clobetasol is an ultra-high potency (Class I) topical corticosteroid that produces rapid vasoconstriction, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive actions, while salicylic acid dissolves the intercellular cement of the stratum corneum, desquamating thick adherent scales and enhancing the penetration of clobetasol into the dermis. Indicated for chronic plaque psoriasis, palmoplantar psoriasis, lichen planus, hypertrophic lichen simplex chronicus, and severe hyperkeratotic eczema.

Tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid) is a topical retinoid on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It binds to nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR), modifying gene expression to decrease follicular epithelial cohesiveness, stimulating mitotic turnover of follicular epithelial cells, expelling existing comedones, and preventing new microcomedone formation. Indicated for topical treatment of acne vulgaris and photoaged skin (fine facial wrinkles).

Glycolic Acid (6%, 12% cream or face wash) is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It weakens the cohesion of corneocytes in the lower stratum corneum, promoting gentle chemical exfoliation, stimulating dermal collagen synthesis, and accelerating cell turnover. Indicated for mild-to-moderate acne, photoaging, rough texture, post-acne hyperpigmentation, and keratosis pilaris.

Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%, 5% gel or soap) is a non-antibiotic topical anti-acne bactericidal agent on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. Upon application, it decomposes to release benzoic acid and reactive free oxygen radicals that oxidize bacterial proteins, rapidly destroying Cutibacterium acnes in the pilosebaceous follicle without inducing bacterial resistance. Also possesses mild comedolytic and keratolytic properties. Indicated for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.

Tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid) is a topical retinoid on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It binds to nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR), modifying gene expression to decrease follicular epithelial cohesiveness, stimulating mitotic turnover of follicular epithelial cells, expelling existing comedones, and preventing new microcomedone formation. Indicated for topical treatment of acne vulgaris and photoaged skin (fine facial wrinkles).

Clotrimazole (1% w/w cream, lotion, or dusting powder) is a versatile broad-spectrum imidazole antifungal on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 14-alpha-demethylase, depleting ergosterol and increasing fungal cell permeability. Dusting powder formulation absorbs excess moisture in intertriginous skin folds, preventing fungal maceration. Indicated for tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea corporis, cutaneous candidiasis, and prevention of recurrence in sweaty body folds.

Salicylic Acid 1% Foaming Facewash is an evidence-based dermatological formulation. It acts by delivering targeted active therapeutic ingredients to cutaneous lesions to relieve skin pathology, restore barrier integrity, and manage dermatoses.

Salicylic Acid 3% powder is an evidence-based dermatological formulation. It acts by delivering targeted active therapeutic ingredients to cutaneous lesions to relieve skin pathology, restore barrier integrity, and manage dermatoses.

Salicylic Acid 2% Foaming Facewash is an evidence-based dermatological formulation. It acts by delivering targeted active therapeutic ingredients to cutaneous lesions to relieve skin pathology, restore barrier integrity, and manage dermatoses.

Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide is a synergistic dual-mechanism topical anti-acne formulation. Adapalene (0.1%), a third-generation synthetic naphthoic acid retinoid, binds selectively to nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR-beta and RAR-gamma) to normalize follicular epithelial desquamation and resolve microcomedones while exerting potent anti-inflammatory effects. Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%) releases bactericidal reactive oxygen species that rapidly kill Cutibacterium acnes without inducing bacterial resistance, and provides mild keratolysis. Indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris with both inflammatory papules/pustules and non-inflammatory comedones.

Glycolic Acid (6%, 12% cream or face wash) is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It weakens the cohesion of corneocytes in the lower stratum corneum, promoting gentle chemical exfoliation, stimulating dermal collagen synthesis, and accelerating cell turnover. Indicated for mild-to-moderate acne, photoaging, rough texture, post-acne hyperpigmentation, and keratosis pilaris.

Benzoic acid 6% and Salicylic acid 3% Ointment is an evidence-based dermatological formulation. It acts by delivering targeted active therapeutic ingredients to cutaneous lesions to relieve skin pathology, restore barrier integrity, and manage dermatoses.

Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, and Fluocinolone Acetonide is the gold-standard Triple Combination Cream (Kligman's formula) for refractory melasma. Hydroquinone (2-4%) competitively inhibits tyrosinase, blocking melanin pigment synthesis; Tretinoin (0.05%) accelerates epidermal turnover and keratinocyte shedding, facilitating hydroquinone penetration and dispersing melanin; and Fluocinolone Acetonide (0.01%), a mild-to-moderate topical corticosteroid, suppresses melanocyte inflammation and counteracts the irritant dermatitis of hydroquinone and tretinoin. Indicated for the short-term moderate-to-severe melasma of the face.

Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, and Fluocinolone Acetonide is the gold-standard Triple Combination Cream (Kligman's formula) for refractory melasma. Hydroquinone (2-4%) competitively inhibits tyrosinase, blocking melanin pigment synthesis; Tretinoin (0.05%) accelerates epidermal turnover and keratinocyte shedding, facilitating hydroquinone penetration and dispersing melanin; and Fluocinolone Acetonide (0.01%), a mild-to-moderate topical corticosteroid, suppresses melanocyte inflammation and counteracts the irritant dermatitis of hydroquinone and tretinoin. Indicated for the short-term moderate-to-severe melasma of the face.

Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%, 5% gel or soap) is a non-antibiotic topical anti-acne bactericidal agent on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. Upon application, it decomposes to release benzoic acid and reactive free oxygen radicals that oxidize bacterial proteins, rapidly destroying Cutibacterium acnes in the pilosebaceous follicle without inducing bacterial resistance. Also possesses mild comedolytic and keratolytic properties. Indicated for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.

Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%, 5% gel or soap) is a non-antibiotic topical anti-acne bactericidal agent on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. Upon application, it decomposes to release benzoic acid and reactive free oxygen radicals that oxidize bacterial proteins, rapidly destroying Cutibacterium acnes in the pilosebaceous follicle without inducing bacterial resistance. Also possesses mild comedolytic and keratolytic properties. Indicated for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.