Traditional salicylic acid seduces with its effective properties in fighting acne, controlling excessive sebum production and promoting smoother skin. However, it can irritate the skin - although today's market tends to favor gentler forms of skincare - and, despite testing, is subject to strict regulations depending on the country of residence.
In the USA, skin care and dermatology products often feature higher percentages of salicylic acid. In Europe, on the other hand, there is a deep-rooted cultural resistance to salicylic acid. This stems from its historical use as a component of cheap wine in the 1800s. In Asian markets, salicylic acid is not in itself a major problem, but care must be taken to ensure that there are no undeclared ingredients or residues, as the market is subject to stringent regulations.
As an international company, Active Concepts saw an opportunity to offer an alternative to salicylic acid, without compromising its efficacy, using organic acids found in ethically and organically farmed sugar beet and prunes.
Benzoic acid has certain similarities with salicylic acid due to its lipophilic nature, which enables it to remove intercellular lipids for successful exfoliation. However, it also possesses distinctive properties such as antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it particularly effective in combating acne and other skin infections. Succinic acid's popularity is emerging in the personal care sector. Unlike salicylic acid, which focuses primarily on exfoliation, succinic acid's anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for sensitive skin types and are known to promote collagen synthesis.
This combination of organic acids sustainably derived from sugar beet and agriculturally grown prunes offers formulators and skincare enthusiasts a wider range of options and the ability to tailor treatments to individual needs. According to Active Concepts, its new ingredient - ACB Sal-Vation - delivers optimal results while minimizing the inconvenience of regulations and potentially skin-irritating side effects.
