Application · Acne & oil control
Cleansers, treatments and moisturisers for oily and blemish-prone skin that work without stripping or irritating. Developed by CSL formulation scientists.
Guires Cosmetic Science Lab
At Guires Cosmetic Science Lab, CSL formulation chemists develop acne skin care formulations, from salicylic acid cleansers to blemish treatments and oil-free moisturisers, with results proven by Sebumeter oil-control kinetics and dermatologist grading. With more than 10 years of experience, the team formulates products that reduce shine and the look of blemishes without stripping the skin barrier.
Start your project with Guires CSLWhat shoppers look for now
Shoppers want blemish products that work without drying or irritating skin.
Blemishes are not just for teenagers; adult shoppers want gentler, sophisticated textures.
Matte finish and visible pores matter as much as blemishes themselves.
The science
Excess sebum, blocked pores and inflammation combine to cause blemishes. We target each.
Oil control
Niacinamide reduced sebum output compared with placebo in randomised trials. Salicylic acid clears pores, and zinc and clays absorb surface oil.
Blemish-prone skin
Tea tree oil reduced blemishes in a randomised trial against benzoyl peroxide, with fewer side effects. Azelaic acid and salicylic acid work on marks and pores.
Key actives
Chosen for each market’s ingredient rules and your target cost. Tap an ingredient marked → to read the published evidence.
Claims & evidence
The claims brands ask for most, the study that supports each one, and how strong that evidence is.
| Claim brands ask for | Typical evidence | Evidence tier |
|---|---|---|
| “Controls shine for 8 hours” | Sebumeter kinetics | Tier 3 |
| “Reduces the appearance of blemishes” | Dermatologist grading over 4–8 weeks | Tier 3 |
| “Non-comedogenic” | Comedogenicity assessment | Tier 2 |
| “Minimises the look of pores” | Imaging | Tier 3 |
Clinical evidence
Peer-reviewed human studies behind the actives and approaches on this page. Each links to its record.
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled · 100 adults · 4 weeks (plus a 30-person split-face study)
Sebum excretion fell significantly vs placebo at 2 and 4 weeks; casual sebum also fell in the split-face study.
Draelos ZD et al. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2006;8(2):96–101 · PMID 16766489
Randomised, single-blind · 124 people with acne · 3 months
Both reduced lesions significantly; tea tree worked more slowly but caused fewer side effects.
Bassett IB et al. Med J Aust 1990;153(8):455–458 · PMID 2145499
Randomised, evaluator-blind · 133 adults with acne · 21 days
The new washes were as well tolerated as the reference, with no meaningful change in irritation scores.
Benzoyl peroxide acne washes are OTC drugs in the US and medicines in the EU.
Santos-Caetano JP, Cargill MR. J Drugs Dermatol 2019;18(4):350–356
Controlled comparison · 50 women with acne · 4 weeks
Makeup did not slow acne improvement, and the makeup group gained more on quality-of-life scores.
Matsuoka Y et al. J Dermatol 2006;33(11):745–752 · PMID 17073988
These are published studies on ingredients, methods and routines, not on products we have made. A finished product needs its own testing before a claim goes on pack, and we design that study with you. See the full evidence library
In the US, products that claim to treat acne are OTC drugs with fixed active ingredients. In the EU and many other markets, "for blemish-prone skin" stays cosmetic. We word the claim for each market.
Concept spotlight
Example concepts to show the range. Every project starts from your own brief, and the finished formula belongs to you.
A shine-control moisturiser that holds matte for hours.
A gentle daily wash for blemish-prone skin.
A targeted gel for occasional blemishes.
Sectors
Stay ahead in acne & oil control with regulation updates, the latest research, ingredient spotlights, recalls and market trends, written by the Guires CSL formulation, testing, clinical and regulatory teams.
Explore market insights
FAQ
Not in the US, where acne treatment claims make it an OTC drug. Cosmetic claims focus on blemish-prone skin, the appearance of blemishes and shine.
A controlled study found makeup did not slow acne improvement and improved quality of life. We design non-comedogenic textures and test them.
With a comedogenicity assessment on panels, and in-use studies on blemish-prone skin.
You do. We sign an NDA before you share your brief, and the formula and technical file are handed over at the end of the project.
Every acne & oil control project at Guires CSL runs inside an ISO 9001 certified quality system, with documented methods, calibrated instruments, traceable raw materials and reviewed reports, so the results behind your product can be checked and defended.
Guires CSL quality & accreditations
In their words
“Our lightweight gel now controls shine and leaves a matte finish without compromising skin comfort, thanks to the oil-absorbing system their chemists built into it.”
“Instrumental sebum measurement, standardised imaging and tolerance assessment were combined into one protocol, giving us objective data for our oil-control claims.”
“Matching our benchmark’s cleansing and foam profile at a skin-compatible pH meant the final cleanser works effectively without stripping the skin.”
“Every active was kept within cosmetic limits for each target market, and our test endpoints were aligned with clearly cosmetic claims.”
Insights
Guidance from our formulation, testing and regulatory teams on the topics this page covers.
How UAE authorities classify high-performance skin care, and how claim wording decides the route.
Read articleNiacinamide (vitamin B3) evens tone by a different route from most brighteners, and it is famously well tolerated. Here is what the trials show, from the landmark…
Read articleAzelaic acid has strong trial evidence at medicine strength for redness, blemishes and uneven tone. CSL formulation scientists explain what that means for cosmetic…
Read articleStart a project
Our formulation chemists, testing scientists and regulatory specialists work alongside your team, from the first brief to a market-ready product. Bring a brief, a benchmark or just an idea: a scientist will reply within one working day with next steps and an indicative scope.
