161
Views
0
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Review Article

Topical use of essential oils for acne treatment: a systematized review

, , , &
Pages 79-93 | Received 31 May 2022, Accepted 20 Oct 2023, Published online: 03 Mar 2024

References

  • Y. Shen, T. Wang, C. Zhou, X. Ding, X. Wang, S. Tian … and J. Zhang, Prevalence of acne vulgaris in Chinese adolescents and adults: a community-based study of 17,345 subjects in six cities. Acta dermato-venereologica, 92(1), 40–44 (2012). doi: 10.2340/00015555-1164.
  • J.Y.M. Koo and L.L. Smith, Psychologic aspects of acne. Pediatric Dermatology, 8(3), 185–188 (1991). doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.1991.tb00856.x.
  • R. Mustarichie, S. Sulistyaningsih and D. Runadi, Antibacterial activity test of extracts and fractions of cassava leaves (manihot esculenta Crantz) against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes causing acne. International Journal of Microbiology, 2020(1), 1–9 (2020). doi: 10.1155/2020/1975904.
  • V.K. Ghosh, D.H. Nagore, K.P. Kadbhane and M.J. Patil, Different approaches of alternative medicines in acne vulgaris treatment. Oriental Pharmacy & Experimental Medicine, 11(1), 1–9 (2011). doi: 10.1007/s13596-011-0006-6.
  • S.V. Tripathi, C.J. Gustafson, K.E. Huang and S.T. Feldman, Side effects of common acne treatments. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 12(1), 39–51 (2013). doi: 10.1517/14740338.2013.740456.
  • O. Neamsuvan, A. Kama, A. Salaemae, S. Leesen and N. Waedueramae, A survey of herbal formulas for skin diseases from Thailand’s three southern border provinces. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 5(4), 190–198 (2015). doi: 10.1016/j.hermed.2015.09.004.
  • J. Sharifi-Rad, A. Sureda, G.C. Tenore, M. Daglia, M. Sharifi-Rad, M. Valussi and M. Iriti, Biological activities of essential oils: from plant chemoecology to traditional healing systems. Molecules, 22(1), 70 (2017). doi: 10.3390/molecules22010070.
  • T. Benabdelkader, A. Zitouni, Y. Guitton, F. Jullien, D. Maitre, H. Casabianca and A. Kameli, Essential oils from wild populations of Algerian Lavandula stoechas L.: composition, chemical variability, and in vitro biological properties. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 8(5), 937–953 (2011). doi: 10.1002/cbdv.201000301.
  • N. Amberg and C. Fogarassy, Communication green consumer behavior in the cosmetics market. Resources, 8(3), 137 (2019). doi: 10.3390/resources8030137.
  • J.B. Sharmeen, F.M. Mahomoodally, G. Zengin and F. Maggi, Essential oils as natural sources of fragrance compounds for cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. Molecules, 26(3), 666 (2021). doi: 10.3390/molecules26030666.
  • A. Orchard, M. Sandasi, G. Kamatou, A. Viljoen and S. van Vuuren, The in vitro antimicrobial activity and chemometric modelling of 59 commercial essential oils against pathogens of dermatological relevance. Chemistry and Biodiversity, (2017), 14(1). doi: 10.1002/cbdv.201600218.
  • A. Esmael, M.G. Hassan, M.M. Amer, S. Abdelrahman, A.M. Hamed, H.A. Abd-Raboh and M.F. Foda, Antimicrobial activity of certain natural-based plant oils against the antibiotic- resistant acne bacteria. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 27(1), 448–455 (2020). doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2019.11.006.
  • H.K. Malhi, J. Tu, T.V. Riley, S.P. Kumarasinghe and K.A. Hammer, Tea tree oil gel for mild to moderate acne; a 12 weeks uncontrolled, open-label phase II pilot study. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 58(3), 205–210 (2017). doi: 10.1111/ajd.12465.
  • N.P. da Silvada Silva, E.C.R.L. Pereira, L.M. Duarte, J.C.O. Freitas, C.G. Almeida, T.P. da Silva and P.F. Pinto, Improved anti-Cutibacterium acnes activity of tea tree oil-loaded chitosan-poly(ε-caprolactone) core-shell nanocapsules. Colloids and Surfaces B, Biointerfaces, 196, 111371 (2020). doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111371.
  • C.J. Lee, L.W. Chen, L.G. Chen, T.L. Chang, C.W. Huang, M.C. Huang and C.C. Wang, Correlations of the components of tea tree oil with its antibacterial effects and skin irritation. Journal of Food & Drug Analysis, 21(2), 169–176 (2013). doi: 10.1016/j.jfda.2013.05.007.
  • F.S. Daud, S. Wankhede, M. Joshi and G. Pande, Development of herbal anti acne gel and its evaluation against acne causing bacteria Propionibacterium acne and Staphylococcus epidermidis. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, 4(5), 781–786 (2013). doi: 10.7897/2277-4343.04530.
  • J.C. Ossa-Tabares, C.J. Llanos and A.M. García, Evaluation of tea tree oil physicochemical features and its antimicrobial activity against Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) ATCC 6919. Biomedica, 40(4), 696–701 (2020). doi: 10.7705/biomedica.5122.
  • J. Veerasophon, P. Sripalakit and A. Saraphanchotiwitthaya, Formulation of anti-acne concealer containing cinnamon oil with antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acne. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology and Research, 11(2), 53 (2020). doi: 10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_1_20.
  • Y. Zu, H. Yu, L. Liang, Y. Fu, T. Efferth, X. Liu and N. Wu, Activities of ten essential oils towards Propionibacterium acnes and PC-3, A-549 and MCF-7 cancer cells. Molecules, 15(5), 3200–3210 (2010). doi: 10.3390/molecules15053200.
  • M.E.T. Alarcón, G.E.M. Melo, J.G. González and G.L. Méndez, In vitro antibacterial activity of the essential oil against microorganisms involved in acne. Revista Cubana de Farmacia, 2015, 49(3), 512–523.
  • M.L. Tsai, C.C. Lin, W.C. Lin and C.H. Yang, Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti- inflammatory activities of essential oils from five selected herbs. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 75(10), 1977–1983 (2011). doi: 10.1271/bbb.110377.
  • V. Barbosa, G.F.C. Scheiffer, A.G.L. Cardozo, E. Pietruchinski, C.Z. Santos, D. Silveira and A.R.P. Bertocco, Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and propolis tincture against the bacterium that causes acne: Propionibacterium acnes. Revista Brasileira de Plantas Medicinais, 16(2), 169–173 (2014). doi: 10.1590/S1516-05722014000200001.
  • B.F.M.T. Andrade, L.N. Barbosa, F.C.B. Alves, A.F.P. Marques, M. Albano, V.L.M. Rall and A.F. Júnior, The impact of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil on Cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium) acnes strains and its interaction with keratinocytes. The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 70(12), 1688–1699 (2018). doi: 10.1111/jphp.13011.
  • M.H. Taleb, N.F. Abdeltawab, R.N. Shamma, S.S. Abdelgayed, S.S. Mohamed, M.A. Farag and M.A. Ramadan, Origanum vulgare L. Essential oil as a potential anti-acne topical nanoemulsion—in vitro and in vivo study. Molecules, 23(9), 2164 (2018). doi: 10.3390/molecules23092164.
  • S. Bunrathep, P. Thongphasuk, S. Settharaksa and N. Kamkaen, Effect of an essential oil blend of citronella, lemongrass, and patchouli on acne-causing bacteria. Songklanakarin J Sci Technol, 2020, 42(5), 1106–1112.
  • V.S. Mahalwal, D. Gupta and S. Gunjan, Volatile constituents and biological activities of dried unripe flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum Linn. Syn. Eugenia caryophyllus (Spreng.) Bullock & S.G. Harrison. International Journal of Green Pharmacy, 2017, 11(4), 814–818.
  • G.E.M. Melo, G.L. Méndez and M.R.O. Fortich, In vitro antibacterial activity of nineteen essential oils against acne-associated bacteria. Revista Cubana de Farmacia, 2015, 49(1), 103–116.
  • K.S. Misar, S.B. Kulkarni and W.B. Gurnule, Formulation and evaluation of antiacne cream by using clove oil. Materials Today: Proceedings, 29, 1251–1258 (2020).
  • X.L. Qi, T.T. Li, Z.F. Wei, N. Guo, M. Luo, W. Wang and X. Peng, Solvent-free microwave extraction of essential oil from pigeon pea leaves [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and evaluation of its antimicrobial activity. Industrial Crops and Products, 58, 322–328 (2014). doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.04.038.
  • Q. Cui, L.T. Wang, J.Z. Liu, H.M. Wang, N. Guo, C.B. Gu and Y.J. Fu, Rapid extraction of amomum tsao-ko essential oil and determination of its chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Journal of Chromatography B, 1061-1062, 364–371 (2017). doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2017.08.001.
  • P. Singariya, K.K. Mourya and P. Kumar, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analyses of acetone extract of marwar dhaman grass for bio-active compounds. Plants Archives, 2015, 15(2), 1065–1074.
  • M. Mohammadhosseini, S.D. Sarker and A. Akbarzadeh, Chemical composition of the essential oils and extracts of Achillea species and their biological activities: a review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 199, 257–315 (2017). doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.02.010.
  • W.J. Kim, K.H. Hwang, D.G. Park, T.J. Kim, D.W. Kim, D.K. Choi and W.K. Moon, Major constituents and antimicrobial activity of Korean herb acorus calamus. Natural Product Research, 25(13), 1278–1281 (2011). doi: 10.1080/14786419.2010.513333.
  • C. Juliano, M. Marchetti, M.L. Pisu and M. Usai, In vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oils from Sardinian Flora against cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium) acnes and its enhancement by chitosan. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 86(3), 40 (2018). doi: 10.3390/scipharm86030040.
  • V. di Stefano, D. Schillaci, M.G. Cusimano, M. Rishan and L. Rashan, In vitro antimicrobial activity of frankincense oils from Boswellia sacra grown in different locations of the Dhofar region (Oman). Antibiotics, 9(4), 195 (2020). doi: 10.3390/antibiotics9040195.
  • A. Esmaeili, Z.A. Panahi and M.A. Ebrahimzadeh, Investigation of phytochemistry of gene of Centaurea grown in Iran. Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, 17(5), 806–812 (2014). doi: 10.1080/0972060X.2014.895203.
  • A.H. Aliyah, H. Rante, Mufidah and D.R. Ningsih, GC-MS analysis and antimicrobial activity determination of citrus medica L. var proper leaf essential oil from South Sulawesi against skin pathogen microorganism. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science & Engineering, 259(1), 012001 (2017). doi: 10.1088/1757-899X/259/1/012001.
  • H.S. Hou, E.M. Bonku, R. Zhai, R. Zeng, Y.L. Hou, Z.H. Yang and C. Quan, Extraction of essential oil from citrus reticulate blanco peel and its antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes). Heliyon, 5(12), e02947 (2019). doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02947.
  • E.J. Yang, S. Kim, J.Y. Moon, T.H. Oh, J. Baik, N. Lee and C.G. Hyun, Inhibitory effects of Fortunella japonica var. margarita and citrus sunki essential oils on nitric oxide production and skin pathogens. Acta Microbiologica et Immunologica Hungarica, 57(1), 15–27 (2010). doi: 10.1556/AMicr.57.2010.1.2.
  • A.R. Lee and E. Yi, Bioactive properties of citrus unshiu’s essential oil for its application to textiles. Fibers and Polymers, 14(8), 1295–1300 (2013). doi: 10.1007/s12221-013-1295-9.
  • A.G. -da Silva, P.F. Puziol, R.N. Leitão, T.R. Gomes, R. Scherer, M.L.L. Martins and L.C. Cavalcanti, Application of the essential oil form copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.) for acne vulgaris: a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. Alternative Medicine Review, 17(1), 69–75 (2012).
  • S. Athikomkulchai, S. Tadtong, N. Ruangrungsi and T. Hongratanaworakit, Chemical composition of the essential oil from Croton oblongifolius and its antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes. Natural Product Communications, 10(8), 1459–1460 (2015). doi: 10.1177/1934578X1501000836.
  • P. Lertsatitthanakorn, S. Taweechaisupapong, C. Arunyanart, C. Aromdee and W. Khunkitti, Effect of citronella oil on time kill profile, leakage and morphological changes of Propionibacterium acnes. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 22(3), 270–274 (2010). doi: 10.1080/10412905.2010.9700322.
  • M.S. Owolabi, A. Ogundajo, N. Ndukwe, N.S. Dosoky and W.N. Setzer, Antimicrobial activities and chemical compositions of Daniellia oliveri and Leptoderris micrantha (Fabaceae) essential oils from Nigeria. Natural Products Communications, 15(10), 1–7 (2020). doi: 10.1177/1934578X20965462.
  • S. Phetsang, J. Panyakaew, S. Wangkarn, N. Chandet, A. Inta, S. Kittiwachana and P. Mungkornasawakul, Chemical diversity and anti-acne inducing bacterial potentials of essential oils from selected elsholtzia species. Natural Product Research, 33(4), 553–556 (2019). doi: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1395436.
  • G. Göger, N. Karaca, B.B. Altınbaşak, B. Demirci and F. Demirci, In vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory evaluation of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil. Natural Volatiles & Essential Oils, 2020, 7(3), 1–11.
  • M.L. Tsai, C.T. Wu, T.F. Lin, W.C. Lin, Y.C. Huang and C.H. Yang, Chemical composition and biological properties of essential oils of two mint species. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 12(4), 577–582 (2013). doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v12i4.20.
  • S.S. Kim, J.E. Kim, C.G. Hyun and N.H. Lee, Neolitsea aciculata essential oil inhibits drug-resistant skin pathogen growth and Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammatory effects of human monocyte leukemia. Natural Products Communications, 6(8), 1193–1198 (2011). doi: 10.1177/1934578X1100600837.
  • I.P. Hapsari and Y.M.L. Feroniasanti, Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial activity of sweet basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum L.) essential oil against Cutibacterium acnes ATCC 11827. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2019, 2099(1), 020007.
  • M. Jufri, M. Muthaharrah, E. Humairah and E.H. Purwaningsih, Stability of anti-acne niosome gels containing betel leaf (Piper betle L.) essential oil. International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics, 9, 130–134 (2017). doi: 10.22159/ijap.2017.v9s1.72_79.
  • I. Batubara, I. Julita, L.K. Darusman, A.M. Muddathir and T. Mitsunaga, Flower bracts of temulawak (Curcuma Xanthorrhiza) for skin care: anti-acne and whitening agents. Procedia Chemistry, 14, 216–224 (2015). doi: 10.1016/j.proche.2015.03.031.
  • Z. Talebi, G.K. Afshari, S.A. Nasrollahi, A. Firooz, M. Ghovvati, A. Samadi and M. Vazirian, Potential of trachyspermum ammi (ajwain) gel for treatment of facial acne vulgaris: a pilot study with skin biophysical profile assessment and red fluorescence photograph. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy, 2020, 7(2), 61–69.
  • N. Baisaeng, R. Kawaree, A. Boonma, J. Sadnen, S. Khamkaew and S. Klayraung, Antibacterial activity of essential oil from Wedelia trilobata leaves against Propionibacterium granulosum. ScienceAsia, 43(5), 275–280 (2017). doi: 10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874.2017.43.275.
  • G.P. Kamatou, I. Vermaak and A.M. Viljoen, Eugenol - from the remote Maluku Islands to the international market place: a review of a remarkable and versatile molecule. Molecules, 17(6), 6953–6981 (2012). doi: 10.3390/molecules17066953.
  • J. Xu, F. Zhou, B.-P. Ji, R.-S. Pei and N. Xu, The antibacterial mechanism of carvacrol and thymol against Escherichia coli. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 47(3), 174–179 (2008). doi: 10.1111/j.1472-765X.2008.02407.x.
  • O.Y. Celiktas, E.E.H. Kocabas, E. Bedir, F.V. Sukan, T. Ozek and K.H.C. Baser, Antimicrobial activities of methanol extracts and essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis, depending on location and seasonal variations. Food Chemistry, 100(2), 553–559 (2007). doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.10.011.
  • L.J. Wijayadi and T.R. Rusli, Encapsulated lime peel essential oil (citrus hystrix) into chitosan nanoparticle: new entity to enhanced effectivity against propionilbacterium acne in vitro. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science & Engineering, 852(1), 012016 (2020). doi: 10.1088/1757-899X/852/1/012016.
  • S. Agnihotri, S. Wakode and A. Agnihotri, Formulation and evaluation of herbal antiacne gel of Myrica esculenta. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 2016, 9(4), 109–113.
  • J. Kozlowska, A. Kaczmarkiewicz, N. Stachowiak and A. Sionkowska, Evaluation of sebostatic activity of Juniperus communis fruit oil and Pelargonium graveolens oil compared to niacinamide. Cosmetics, 4(3), 36 (2017). doi: 10.3390/cosmetics4030036.
  • S.W. Young, The role of facial sebum secretion in acne pathogenesis: facts and controversies. Clinics in Dermatology, 28(1), 8–11 (2010). doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2009.03.011.
  • M. Ferrandiz, A. López, E. Franco, D. Garcia-Garcia, D. Fenollar and R. Balart, Development and characterization of bioactive alginate microcapsules with cedarwood essential oil. Flavour & Fragrance Journal, 32(3), 184–190 (2017). doi: 10.1002/ffj.3373.
  • S. Raj, S. Jose, U.S. Sumod and M. Sabitha, Nanotechnology in cosmetics: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, 4(3), 186 (2012). doi: 10.4103/0975-7406.99016.
  • K.M. Karim, A.S. Mandal, N. Biswas, A. Guha, S. Chatterjee, M. Behera and K. Kuotsu, Niosome: a future of targeted drug delivery systems. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 1(4), 374–380 (2010). doi: 10.4103/0110-5558.76435.
  • H.C. Voon, R. Bhat and G. Rusul, Flower extracts and their essential oils as potential antimicrobial agents for food uses and pharmaceutical applications. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 11(1), 34–55 (2012). doi: 10.1111/j.1541-4337.2011.00169.x.
  • R. Amarowicz and R.B. Pegg. 2019. Natural antioxidants of plant origin. Advances in food and nutrition research, 90, 1–81.
  • M. Pandey, A. Qidwai, R. Kumar, A. Pandey, S. Shukla, A. Pathak and A. Dikshit, Pharmacological and antibacterial aspect of Psidium guajava L. against acne vulgaris. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2017, 8(1), 145–150.
  • B.F.M.T. Andrade, B.J. Conti, K.B. Santiago, A.J. Fernandes and J.M. Sforcin, Cymbopogon martinii essential oil and geraniol at noncytotoxic concentrations exerted immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory effects in human monocytes. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 66(10), 1491–1496 (2014). doi: 10.1111/jphp.12278.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.