A Comparative Analysis of Camellia sinensis Extract and Salicylic Acid in the Management of Acne Vulgaris in Students

Purpose: This study aims to compare the efficacy of Camellia sinensis extract serum with salicylic acid gel in treating acne vulgaris.

Method: The bioactive compounds from the Camellia sinensis leaf extract were extracted using distilled water and formulated into a serum for topical application. Salicylic acid was also formulated into a gel-based cream for topical application, and the effect on acne was investigated over the course of two weeks. This entails a longitudinal, open-label, and random treatment of six selected subjects with Camellia sinensis bioactive compound serum and others with salicylic acid gel for 14 days under close observation.

Results: The Camellia sinensis gel-based cream was found to be effective in the treatment of certain types of acne vulgaris. The salicylic acid gel (standard) effectively treated all types of acne. The effect of salicylic acid on various forms of acne as presented on test subjects in Group A didn’t peak until the second week, with a visible reduction in blackheads (open comedones). While Camellia sinensis peaked in the first week of treatment, there was little to no reduction in blackheads, but there was a visible reduction in pore size, indicating that it may have preventive properties against acne formation. Subjects treated with Camellia sinensis experienced no adverse effects, while others experienced slight tingling, dryness, and irritation while using salicylic acid.

Conclusion: Based on this study, the treatment that showed faster results within the short period allocated to the study shows promising use as a standard form of treatment for acne vulgaris as compared to salicylic acid because no adverse effect was experienced with Camellia sinensis.