Description
Acnecare
ACNEcare is a 1% extract of European male fern root (Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract) in a dark brown liquid form, manufactured by GSI Creos Corporation. It is composed of 50% Butylene Glycol and 49% water, with a skin-friendly pH of 4.0–6.0. This product is designed to address acne through a multidimensional approach: reducing inflammation by decreasing Nitric Oxide (NO) and Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), controlling sebum secretion by inhibiting excess oil production, and eliminating P. acnes bacteria, one of the main causes of acne.
A 21-day clinical study demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing sebum production, decreasing inflammatory redness, and inhibiting acne-causing bacteria. It is suitable for individuals with inflamed acne, oily skin, enlarged pores, and those seeking a comprehensive yet gentle acne-care solution.
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Dark Brown Liquid |
| pH | 4.0 – 6.0 |
| Active ingredients | Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract 1% |
| Composition | Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract 1% Butylene Glycol 50% , Water 49% |
| Applications | Cosmetic products |
| Suggested Concentration | N/A |
| Function | AntI-ACNE |
| INCI Name | Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract ,Butylene Glycol ,Water |
| Storage conditions | Sealed containers should be Stored at a temperature of 10~30℃ (50~86℉), Quality might be affected after opening packing, please refer to MSDS for more information. After opening the drums, sterilization is no more guaranteed. |
| Shelf-Life | 24 months in sealed original packing, stored in due conditions. |
ACNEcare stands out for its extract from the European male fern (Dryopteris Filix-Mas), a plant long used in traditional medicine. It contains multiple key active compounds such as Filicic acid, Aspidinol, Flavaspidic acid, Albaspidin, and Filixic acid, all known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
This extract works through several mechanisms simultaneously, including inhibiting the expression of Nitric Oxide (NO), an inflammatory signaling molecule, and Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), a major inflammatory mediator. Studies show that Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract significantly suppresses NO more effectively than the control and inhibits PGE₂ production with strong efficacy.
In addition, it can reduce sebum secretion—one of the primary factors contributing to acne. A 21-day clinical test demonstrated a continuous reduction in sebum levels. Paper disk diffusion assays and micro-broth dilution assays further confirmed that ACNEcare effectively inhibits P. acnes, the main acne-causing bacteria, with an inhibitory concentration comparable to Triclosan, a standard antibacterial agent.
The product has passed safety testing, shows no microbial contamination, and has a shelf life of two years. It is suitable for use in all types of acne-care skincare formulations.
Mechanism of Action and Key Benefits
Active Ingredients:
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Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract (1%)
Chemical Composition:
Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract contains a variety of active compounds, including:
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Filicic acid – primary antibacterial component
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Aspidinol – anti-inflammatory compound
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Flavaspidic acid – inhibits microbial growth
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Albaspidin – antioxidant compound
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Filixic acid – helps regulate sebum secretion
These components work synergistically to address acne through multiple pathways.
Mechanisms of Action:
1. Inhibition of Nitric Oxide (NO) – Anti-inflammatory Effect
Nitric oxide (NO) is a key inflammatory signaling molecule. When the skin is triggered by bacteria, impurities, or stress, immune cells produce elevated NO levels, leading to inflammation, redness, swelling, and pain.
Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract significantly reduces NO expression compared to the control group, thereby soothing acne inflammation.
2. Inhibition of Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)
Prostaglandin E₂ is another major inflammatory mediator. It dilates blood vessels, increases blood flow to inflamed areas, and triggers pain.
Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract effectively suppresses PGE₂ production, significantly lowering redness, inflammation, and discomfort caused by acne.
3. Sebum Secretion Reduction (Sebum Inhibition)
Excess sebum is one of the primary causes of acne, contributing to pore blockage, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation.
In a 21-day clinical study (participants aged 30–49) using 2% ACNEcare, continuous sebum reduction was observed, especially after 2 and 4 weeks, leading to cleaner, less oily skin and fewer clogged pores.
4. Anti-Bacterial Activity Against P. acnes
Propionibacterium acnes is the main bacterium responsible for inflammatory acne, thriving in oily pores and triggering inflammation.
ACNEcare was evaluated using two methods:
a) Paper Disk Diffusion Assay (against P. acnes)
| Test Substance | Inhibition Zone |
|---|---|
| Triclosan (250 μg/ml) | 30 mm |
| ACNEcare (Dryopteris Filix-Mas + 2.5%) | 30 mm |
ACNEcare displayed antibacterial activity equivalent to Triclosan.
b) Micro-broth Dilution Assay
| Test Substance | MIC |
|---|---|
| Triclosan | 1–2.5 μg/ml |
| ACNEcare | 15.6 μg/ml |
Although ACNEcare has a higher MIC than Triclosan, it still demonstrates strong antibacterial activity against P. acnes.
5. Reduction of Skin Redness
In a 21-day clinical test analyzed using Image-Pro Plus 7.0, ACNEcare continuously decreased skin redness, especially at 2 and 4 weeks, resulting in smoother and healthier-looking skin.
Benefits:
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Effectively reduces acne inflammation
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Controls excess sebum on the skin
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Inhibits P. acnes, the main acne-causing bacteria
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Reduces redness and swelling from inflamed acne
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Helps prevent new breakouts
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Minimizes enlarged pores caused by excess oil
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Suitable for all acne-care skincare types: toner, lotion, milk pack, essence, massage cream, gels, soaps
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Gentle, safe, and suitable for sensitive skin
Research by GSI Creos Corporation
Sebum Inhibition Clinical Test
Method:
A clinical study was conducted on 21 volunteers aged 30–49 for a duration of 4 weeks. ACNEcare at a concentration of 2% was applied to the facial skin. Sebum levels were measured using a sebum measurement device at various time points: Before (baseline), at 2 weeks, and at 4 weeks, and compared with a control group using only the solvent (Butylene Glycol + Water).
Results:
Sebum Inhibition Level:
Control Group (Butylene Glycol + Water):
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Before: 0%
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2 weeks: Slight reduction (~5%)
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4 weeks: Slight reduction (~8%)
ACNEcare 2% Group:
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Before: 0%
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2 weeks: Reduced by ~18%
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4 weeks: Reduced by ~25%
Sebum Inhibition Rate (0–2 weeks and 0–4 weeks):
Red: common serum (control group)
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0–2 weeks: ~5%
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0–4 weeks: ~7%
Blue: ACNEcare serum
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0–2 weeks: ~40% or -1.52
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0–4 weeks: ~45% or -7.05
Conclusion:
ACNEcare demonstrates outstanding efficacy in controlling sebum secretion. It consistently reduced sebum levels throughout the 4-week clinical study. After 2 weeks, sebum secretion decreased by approximately 18%, and after 4 weeks by 25%, compared to baseline. The control group using only the solvent showed only a 5–8% reduction.
The results also show that ACNEcare’s sebum inhibition rate (40–45%) is significantly higher than the control group, confirming the effectiveness of Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract in regulating sebaceous gland activity and reducing excess oil buildup on the skin. This helps prevent clogged pores and acne formation.
ACNEcare is therefore well-suited for developing skincare products for oily and acne-prone skin that require long-lasting and effective oil-control performance.
Research Study
A study conducted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University investigated extracts from plants in the fern family, including Dryopteris species, and found that they contain various active compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
A focused investigation on Dryopteris Filix-Mas revealed that its root extract can inhibit inflammation-related enzymes such as COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2) and iNOS (inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase), which are responsible for producing Prostaglandin and Nitric oxide, respectively.
In addition, the extract showed strong antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes, without harming beneficial skin microbiota. Safety evaluations demonstrated that the extract has low cytotoxicity, does not cause irritation, and is suitable for use in cosmetic formulations—especially acne-care products that require both high efficacy and gentleness.
Reference
Lee, K.H., et al. “Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of extracts from Dryopteris species.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2008, 116(1): 144-151
Product Safety and Warranty Information
- The product is manufactured through a certified process by leading organizations and has certification for industry standards that can be referenced.
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The product is safe and can be used to support the registration of a cosmetic product.
- The product is a raw material for industrial use, not a finished product. Users must have the knowledge and appropriate tools for using the raw material.
- The product is warranted according to the specifications, please refer to the terms and conditions for details.
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