Acne Care

Acne is a common skin condition that manifests itself in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and causes. It is not restricted to age or facial acne.  Understanding the different types of ingredient solutions can help in selecting the most effective products for your anti-acne skincare routines.

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*Note that each bar can be customized for shapes, colors, packaging, and additives.

    

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Common Acne Prevention Questions

Q1. What causes breakouts?

Acne appears when several factors combine to clog the skin's pores and trigger inflammation. 

The main causes include:

  • Excess Sebum Production 
  • Clogged Hair Follicles 
  • Bacterial Overgrowth 
  • Hormonal Fluctuations 
  • Stress
  • Diet (Sugar and Processed Foods)
  • Oily Products 
  • Pollution 
Q2. How long does it take for acne treatments to work?

The time can vary depending on the severity of acne, the type of acne, and the individual's skin. The important thing is to find the right products and anti-acne routine that works for you. Over-the-counter remedies such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur generally take 4-8 weeks to see results. 

Q3. Is acne care effective in bar soap?

Yes, soap is a very effective and convenient way to treat acne when it includes FDA-approved acne-fighting ingredients. The FDA will only approve OTC (over-the-counter) remedies when there is sufficient data to prove efficacy. Depending on the severity of your acne, you may need to try soap containing different anti-acne ingredients, including sulphur, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, to determine what works best for your acne breakout.

Q4. Can we change formulations to match brand identity?

Any changes to the formulation would require full stability, so we would provide you with a timeline and quote for the scope of that work. Yes, the bar size, shapes, and packaging can all be changed with minor OTC method validation against those changes. 

Q5. Can acne products dry out my skin?

They absolutely can! However, knowing the severity of your acne will help you select the ingredients and frequency at which you should use your products. 

 

  • For example, Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) is used for moderate to severe acne. It is recommended to use it only 2-3 times a week. Avoid using it every day, as it can create redness and irritation.
  • Salicylic acid and sulfur are slightly milder, but you should still monitor your skin to ensure you are not causing dryness or irritation. If this occurs, cease use for a few days and then resume the treatment.
  • Note that anti-acne ingredients in a syndet formulation are milder than in a traditional soap because of its lower pH. If you are experiencing skin sensitivity, you can switch to a bar that has sodium cocoyl isethionate as the primary ingredient rather than sodium palmate or sodium tallowate.
  • The ingredients are designed to remove oils from the skin and break down dirt in your pores, so dryness can sometimes result. Some factors to consider when using these ingredients are increased sun sensitivity, so don't forget to use sunblock!

For over 140 years, Bradford has excelled in the formulation and production of solid cleansing products focusing on bar soap. In 2017, we expanded our product offering to include a full range of personal care products that contain little or no water, use less packaging, have a lower carbon footprint, and require little or no preservatives. Our formulations are created with sustainability as a core attribute. Whenever possible, we use sustainably-sourced ingredients with an EWG-rating less than 3. Bradford strives to achieve zero waste by donating residual soap from the production process to charities in the United States and globally.

Our Product &
Formulation Philosophy