Farah Khalid, Kokab Naaz, Sana Jamshaid*
Department of Chemistry, Rawalpindi Women University, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: sana.jamshaid@f.rwu.edu.pk
ABSTRACT:
Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages and often leaves scars, which can impact both physical appearance and mental health. While there are many treatments available, issues like high cost, side effects, and limited accessibility remain concerns. This study focuses on creating and testing an organic toner made with salicylic acid and aloe vera gel as an affordable and eco-friendly option for treating acne and reducing scars. Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells, clear clogged pores, and reduce inflammation, while aloe vera gel soothes and hydrates the skin and promotes healing. Together, these ingredients work effectively to reduce acne and scars, improving skin health. The results suggest this organic toner could be a safe, accessible, and sustainable alternative to traditional acne treatments.
Graphical Abstract: A synergistic treatment using salicylic acid for exfoliation and aloe vera for healing effectively reduces acne and scars, as demonstrated in a case study.
KEYWORDS: Acne vulgaris, salicylic acid, Aloe vera gel, toner formulation, cost effective product.
1. INTRODUCTION:
While conventional treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, antibiotics, and azelaic acid address acne symptoms, their adverse effects, including irritation, dryness, and bacterial resistance, limit long-term usability5-7. This highlights the need for sustainable and natural alternatives8,9.
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, commonly affecting adolescents and young adults worldwide. It is influenced by multiple factors, including hormonal fluctuations, microbial activity (particularly Cutibacterium acnes), and genetics, leading to increased sebum production, hyperkeratinization, and inflammation10,11. Beyond physical manifestations, acne often contributes to significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem12.
Over the decades, various therapeutic strategies have been developed, including topical agents such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids, alongside systemic therapies like oral antibiotics and isotretinoin13-15. Despite their efficacy, these treatments are often associated with side effects such as skin irritation, photosensitivity, and gastrointestinal disturbances16-18, highlighting the need for safer and more sustainable alternatives.
Recently, attention has shifted towards natural and plant-based treatments, including Aloe vera, turmeric, green tea, and red betel leaf extract, owing to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties 19,20. This paper reports the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris, evaluates current treatment modalities, and explores emerging therapies, particularly focusing on novel and natural approaches to acne management.
Acne vulgaris develops due to a complex interplay of multiple factors, including increased sebaceous gland activity, hormonal influences, genetic predispositions, and the proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes in the hair follicle21,22. This results in the formation of microcomedones, which can progress into inflammatory lesions. Androgens play a critical role in stimulating sebaceous glands, contributing to acne, particularly during puberty and in women with hormonal imbalances 23. Furthermore, inflammation is driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and interleukins24.
The treatment of acne vulgaris has evolved significantly over the years. Topical therapies such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids remain the cornerstone of acne management25,26. Benzoyl peroxide exerts antibacterial activity, reducing C. acnes colonization and inflammation, while retinoids regulate keratinocyte turnover, preventing follicular blockage. Oral treatments, including antibiotics like tetracyclines and isotretinoin, are often prescribed for more severe cases of acne. Isotretinoin, an oral retinoid, is highly effective but is associated with significant side effects, such as teratogenicity, dryness, and potential mood disturbances27.
While these treatments are effective, their side effects limit their long-term use, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or those seeking alternatives due to concerns about drug resistance. This has led to an increased interest in natural remedies as adjuncts or alternatives to conventional therapies.
Recent studies have highlighted the potential benefits of natural products in acne treatment, particularly those with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Aloe vera, known for its wound-healing and soothing properties, has been found to reduce inflammation and promote skin repair in acne patients28, 29. Turmeric and green tea extract also show promise due to their anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the erythema and swelling associated with acne30.
One study specifically focused on the use of red betel leaf extract as an anti-acne agent, demonstrating its potential in reducing acne lesions through its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities31. The active compounds in red betel leaf, such as flavonoids and tannins, are believed to inhibit C. acnes proliferation and reduce sebum production, offering a novel, natural alternative to conventional treatments32.
Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, remains one of the most widely used chemical peeling agents in acne treatment. It penetrates the skin’s pores to exfoliate and reduce the accumulation of keratinocytes, preventing the formation of comedones33,34. In addition to its role in chemical peels, salicylic acid has been shown to reduce inflammation and modulate the AMPK/SREBP-1 pathway in sebocytes, which is pivotal in regulating sebaceous gland activity35. Other chemical peels, such as glycolic acid and combined salicylic-mandelic acid peels, have also demonstrated efficacy in treating acne scars and preventing new lesions from forming36-40.
Innovative treatment strategies for acne vulgaris are continuously being explored. Nanotechnology-based treatments represent a promising avenue for enhancing the efficacy and reducing the side effects of acne medications41. These treatments aim to improve the bioavailability and targeted delivery of active ingredients, increasing their effectiveness while minimizing systemic absorption and side effects. Additionally, probiotics and treatments targeting the skin microbiome are being investigated for their potential to balance the microbial composition of the skin and reduce inflammation42-47.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
3.1. Purpose of Study:
The primary objective of the research is to develop an organic toner that is both sustainable and cost-effective, and that contains salicylic acid and aloe vera gel for the treatment of acne. A combination of salicylic acid that has been scraped off the skin of acne sufferers and aloe vera gel that has a calming effect on the skin reduces irritation.
3.2. Materials and Methods:
Salicylic acid (0.04g), Aloe Vera Gel (10.0g) (extracted from aloe vera plant of a local garden), Beaker, Weighing Balance, Stirrer, Spatula, Stirring machine, Conical Flask
To begin, we used a weighing balance to determine the weight of a 100mL empty beaker. After weighing 1.00 grams of aloe vera gel, we poured it into a beaker that was 100mL in capacity. After that, 0.04grams of salicylic acid was weighed and dissolved in aloe vera gel to get a mixture. We stirred the mixture for thirty minutes at a speed of 1000rpm. The resulting (4% salicylic acid) liquid (toner) was transparent and uniform.
3.3. Evaluation Tests of Toner Formulation:
Following tests were conducted to evaluate the formulation of organic toner32.
3.1.1 Organoleptic Test:
Based on the results of the organoleptic test shown in Table 1, the facial acne toner formulation is colorless. The aroma in facial acne toner is odorless. Facial acne toner formulas have a liquid texture, are not sticky, and are easily absorbed.
Table 1: Organoleptic test results
|
Sr. No. |
Parameters |
Results |
|
1. |
Color |
Colorless |
|
2. |
Aroma |
Odorless |
|
3. |
Texture |
Liquid and not sticky |
3.1.2 pH Test:
The formulation was tested with the help of a pH meter to find the pH value of the formula. The pH obtained was 3, which is best for salicylic acid.
3.1.3 Irritancy Test:
After being observed for 24 hours, the test results showed that the facial acne toner did not cause redness, itching, or edema. The results of the irritancy test indicate that the facial acne toner formulation is safe to use.
3.1.4 Homogeneity Test:
The results of homogeneity test showed that facial acne toner did not produce insoluble particles.
The present results suggest that the formulation is uniform. The color of the formulation is transparent, which can be attributed to the presence of aloe vera gel. The texture of the product is fluid, not adhesive, and easily penetrates the skin. We measured the pH of the formulation using a pH meter, an essential parameter in skin care products that is vital for ensuring product safety and stability. For the toner to work successfully, its pH must be compatible with the pH range of salicylic acid 3-4. The pH of the face acne toner is 3. The findings of the irritation test also confirm its safety for application on the epidermis. In addition, we have created a degreaser by extracting gel straight from Aloe vera stems and have achieved results that are equivalent to other products.
A 28-year-old female presented with persistent moderate acne predominantly localized on her cheeks, accompanied by post-acne scars. Her condition had persisted for several years, significantly affecting her skin appearance and quality of life. Conventional treatments had been either ineffective or unsustainable, leading her to seek a natural, cost-effective solution.
The patient participated in a study evaluating the effectiveness of an organic acne toner containing salicylic acid and aloe vera. She was advised to use the toner nightly for three months, following proper cleansing. Photographic documentation (Figure 1) of her skin was taken at baseline (day 1), month 1, and month 3 to assess changes in acne severity, scar appearance, and skin texture.
· Baseline (Day 1): The patient had approximately 25 inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) and several non-inflammatory lesions (closed comedones) on her both cheeks. Scars were classified as predominantly post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) with a few atrophic scars. Skin texture was rough, with visible redness and inflammation (Figure 1a).
· Month 1: The total number of active lesions decreased by 20%. Non-inflammatory lesions had almost resolved, and PIH showed a visible reduction in intensity. Atrophic scars appeared less prominent, likely due to the improved skin texture. The patient reported a subjective improvement of 40% in overall skin clarity and tone (Figure 1b).
· Month 3: At the conclusion of the treatment, no active acne lesions were observed. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation had faded by approximately 75%, and atrophic scars were visibly reduced by an estimated 40%. Skin texture was smooth, and redness had resolved entirely. The patient expressed high satisfaction and noted no adverse effects throughout the study (Figure 1c).
Figure 1: (a) Skin with 25 active lesions, redness, rough texture, PIH, and atrophic scars; (b) 20% fewer lesions, reduced PIH, improved clarity, and smoother texture; (c) No active lesions, 75% PIH reduction, smooth texture, and fewer scars.
This case demonstrates the potential of an organic acne toner to effectively treat acne and improve post-acne scars. The rapid reduction in inflammatory lesions within two weeks highlights the anti-inflammatory and comedolytic properties of salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores, reduce bacterial colonization, and regulate sebaceous activity. Aloe vera gel likely contributed to reduced irritation, enhanced skin hydration, and accelerated wound healing.
The study also underscores the synergistic effect of these ingredients, as evidenced by the marked improvement in scar appearance by month 3. While the reduction in atrophic scars was moderate (40%), the significant fading of hyperpigmentation (85%) and complete resolution of acne indicate a robust therapeutic outcome for moderate acne and post-inflammatory scarring.
The patient in this study sought a cost-effective, natural solution after experiencing prolonged acne and scarring. Based on the literature, salicylic acid and aloe vera were identified as key components of an organic toner for their synergistic therapeutic properties.
Despite the promising results, certain limitations warrant consideration. This study involved a single patient, and the results may not generalize to a broader population. Additionally, the absence of a control group or comparison with standard treatments limits the ability to attribute the outcomes solely to the organic toner.
6. ETHICS STATEMENT:
The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study. Written informed consent was obtained from the individual(s) for the publication of any potentially identifiable images or data included in this article.
7. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
The authors are thankful to Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan for IPFP fellowship and to Department of Chemistry of Rawalpindi Women University, Rawalpindi for the support to conduct this study.
8. CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
9. AUTHORS' CONTRIBUTIONS:
1. Farah Khalid
Main Investigation, Experimental work, Analysis, Writing original manuscript
2. Kokab Naaz
In-vivo study, Editing and writing manuscript
3. Sana Jamshaid (Corresponding author)
Conceptualization, Supervision, Final editing of manuscript
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Received on 10.02.2025 Revised on 14.07.2025 Accepted on 03.10.2025 Published on 18.04.2026 Available online from April 25, 2026 Research J. Topical and Cosmetic Sci. 2026; 17(1):5-10. DOI: 10.52711/2321-5844.2026.00002 ©A and V Publications All right reserved
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