A Topical Antioxidant Serum Containing Silymarin Reduces Sebum Peroxidation and Improves Facial Acne

The study evaluated a topical antioxidant serum containing 0.5% silymarin, 15% vitamin C, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 0.5% salicylic acid on 56 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 12 weeks. Results showed significant improvements in skin clarity, tone evenness, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) by week 4, with continued improvement through week 12. Global lesion count decreased significantly by week 8 and 12. Sebum levels reduced as early as week 1, and squalene peroxide levels in sebum samples decreased at weeks 4 and 12, indicating reduced lipid peroxidation.