Back acne: formulating for blemish-prone skin on the body
Blemishes on the back, often called “bacne”, are a common skin concern. Facial blemishes usually get the spotlight, but body care for blemish-prone skin is gaining attention fast, and that creates opportunities for brands and formulators.
What causes blemishes on the back?
Blemishes on the back have the same origin as facial blemishes:
- sebaceous glands that produce excess sebum
- dead skin cells that clog the pores
- bacteria that grow in the clogged follicles
A growing product category
Consumers increasingly look at skin care as a head-to-toe routine. Body products for blemish-prone skin are therefore a growing category, and brands are developing formulations that target the back specifically.
Product types for blemish-prone body skin
- Cleansers that remove excess oil and impurities without over-drying.
- Exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells.
- Leave-on sprays and lotions with actives such as salicylic acid and, increasingly, azelaic acid.
- Non-comedogenic moisturisers that hydrate without clogging pores.
Why azelaic acid fits body care
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in grains such as barley, wheat and rye. In cosmetic formulations it helps to:
- balance the bacteria linked to blemishes
- normalise keratinisation, so pores stay clear
- calm the look of redness
- fade the appearance of post-blemish marks
It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic and self-preserving, which makes it suitable for leave-on body products.
Azepur99®
Azepur99® is our high-purity (99% or higher), micronised azelaic acid from European sunflower oil. Its fine particle size of maximum 20 micron makes it easy to disperse in cleansers, lotions and sprays.
Would you like to test Azepur99® in your own formulation? Request a free sample kit or contact our technical team.
