Exfoliating acids, gluconolactone and climbazole to address impurities, excess sebum and uneven skin texture
Climbalin is a dermal gel formulated for the cosmetic care of combination, oily and acne-prone skin.
Its formula combines gluconolactone, glycolic acid, climbazole, salicylic acid, lactic acid and vitamins A and E to promote surface renewal, improve skin texture and address shine and impurities.
The formula is also designed for skin with visible pores, blackheads and residual post-acne marks.
Oily and acne-prone skin: the role of sebum and follicular hyperkeratosis
Oily skin is characterised by increased sebum production, which can give the face a shiny appearance and encourage the build-up of impurities. When excess sebum is accompanied by changes in the normal turnover of cells in the stratum corneum, the follicle can become blocked, contributing to the formation of comedones and blemishes.
Follicular hyperkeratosis is therefore one of the mechanisms involved in acne-prone skin. A targeted skincare routine can help keep pores clear of excess surface cells, promote a more even texture and improve the appearance of areas prone to shine and impurities.
Climbalin addresses these concerns through a combination of exfoliating and skin-smoothing ingredients designed to act on several aspects of blemish-prone skin.
Gluconolactone: gentle exfoliation and skin renewal
Gluconolactone belongs to the polyhydroxy acid (PHA) family, a group of ingredients used in cosmetics to promote surface exfoliation and improve skin quality. Its molecular structure and humectant properties make it useful in formulations seeking a balance between skin renewal and comfort.
In the Climbalin formula, gluconolactone helps promote the shedding of surface cells and improve the appearance of rough, uneven skin. It complements the action of the other exfoliating acids, enhancing the skin-smoothing properties of the product.
Salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids: complementary action on pores
The combination of exfoliating acids is one of the distinctive features of Climbalin. Each component helps improve skin texture through complementary mechanisms.
Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), is valued for its affinity with the lipid environment and its ability to promote exfoliation within the follicle. It is particularly useful in formulations for blackheads, clogged pores and comedone-prone skin.
Glycolic acid and lactic acid, both alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), promote renewal of the stratum corneum and help make the skin surface smoother and more even. Lactic acid also has humectant properties, which help maintain skin comfort during exfoliation.
The combination of these ingredients helps address the build-up of surface cells, roughness and the appearance of pores, contributing to smoother, more radiant-looking skin.
Climbazole and vitamins A and E: complementary ingredients
Climbazole is an ingredient known for its activity against certain skin microorganisms, particularly yeasts of the genus Malassezia. Its inclusion makes Climbalin a formulation of interest for the cosmetic care of seborrhoeic skin, where maintaining skin balance is an important goal.
The formula is completed by vitamin A and vitamin E. Vitamin A is used in cosmetics for its role in skin renewal and maintaining skin quality, while vitamin E contributes to the antioxidant protection of the formulation and to skin wellbeing.
The combination of these components broadens the cosmetic profile of Climbalin, bringing together exfoliation, control of an oily appearance and improved texture.
Scientific evidence on exfoliating acids in acne-prone skin
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 2011 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology evaluated an emulsion containing 10% glycolic acid in 120 subjects with mild acne. After 90 days, the treatment group showed a significant improvement compared with placebo, with differences already observable after 45 days and a favourable tolerability profile.
A further clinical study published in 2019 analysed a cosmetic formulation containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid and gluconolactone, used alongside adapalene in subjects with mild-to-moderate acne. The results showed benefits in certain skin parameters, including the appearance of dark spots, supporting interest in combining these ingredients in skincare routines for acne-prone skin.
Climbalin for B2B and private label projects
Are you looking for a dermal gel for oily and acne-prone skin that is ready for market or can be developed under a private label?
We are certified manufacturers of medical devices, food supplements and cosmetics, developing innovative formulations for wellbeing and skincare. Climbalin is available for B2B and private label projects, with comprehensive formulation, regulatory and manufacturing support.
Contact us for more information about the product and to explore opportunities for collaboration.
References
- Abels C, et al. A 10% glycolic acid containing oil-in-water emulsion improves mild acne: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2011;10(3):202–209. DOI: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00572.x.
- Kantikosum K, et al. The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative study. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2019;12:151–161. DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S193730.
- Hunt MJ, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne. Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 1992;33(3):131–134. DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1992.tb00100.x.
