Acne Treatment Market Size, Share, Analysis, Trends, Growth, 2032

Acne Treatment Industry Prospective:

The global acne treatment market size was worth around USD 7.66 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 14.32 billion by 2032 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 7.20% between 2024 and 2032.

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Acne Treatment Market: Overview

Acne treatment consists of a wide range of products and solutions that are used for reducing or managing acne. It is a common skin condition caused due to oil glands or hair follicles becoming clogged resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and lesions. Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder common among all genders, races, and age groups.

However, acne is more common in young adults and teenagers. Acne tends to appear during teenage years but it may continue until adulthood which is known as adult acne. There are six types of acne namely papules, whiteheads, nodules, severe nodular acne, pimples, and blackheads.

Research indicates that the 3 main reasons for acne include bacteria growth in the pores of the body, the building of dead skin cells in the pore, and high production of oil in the pore. Certain risk factors increase the chances of acne. These factors are age, medications, family history, and hormones. The demand for acne treatment is on the rise due to the growing number of people with acne conditions across the world.

Furthermore, demand for organic or do-it-yourself acne treatment is on the rise. The increasing sale of cosmetics & personal care industry through online portals is projected to further fuel the industry’s growth rate in the future. One of the key challenges for the acne treatment industry is the varying needs of the population and increasing concerns over false claims by treatment providers.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global acne treatment market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 7.20% over the forecast period (2024-2032)
• In terms of revenue, the global acne treatment market size was valued at around USD 7.66 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 14.32 billion, by 2032.
• The market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the increasing population with acne problems.
• Based on the route of administration, the topical segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the distribution channels, the online pharmacies segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, North America is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Acne Treatment Market: Growth Drivers

Increasing population with acne problems to drive the market demand rate

The global acne treatment market is expected to grow due to the growing number of people with acne. According to market research, the common skin condition is a result of the hair follicle becoming clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Furthermore, while certain types of acne do not leave a long-lasting impact, there is a growing number of cases registering persistent acne.

In addition to this, the severity of acne can also lead to permanent scars on the places they appear while also causing emotional distress. Persistent acne can also be painful under specific conditions. A common risk factor resulting in acne is the changes in the hormonal balance of the body.

For instance, an increase in male sex hormones is often associated with acne. Moreover, hormonal changes caused due to pregnancy can also act as a primary cause of acne. Market analysis indicates that certain types of medicines containing lithium, corticosteroids, or hormones can cause acne. The severity of the condition may further be amplified due to scrubbing skin too hard, picking at blemishes, stress, diet, and exposure to environmental irritants.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adult acne has become a major cause of concern. It is currently known to affect nearly 40% of the world's population. Adult acne can diminish the overall confidence of a person. It can also impact the social life of people affected by severe acne.

Rising demand for herbal, organic, and DIY products will generate extensive revenue during the projection period

There are several treatments available for managing or inhibiting acne growth on the face and other parts of the body. Some of the treatments are using do-it-yourself methods that include using easily available materials for preparing acne-fighting medicines or paste.

In addition to this, there is a surge in demand for organic, herbal, and clean-label treatments for acne. These products are known to have limited or zero side-effects as compared to traditionally available chemically-loaded treatments or medicines leading to higher demand in the global acne treatment market.

Acne Treatment Market: Restraints

Dynamic needs of the customers and concerns over fall claims will limit the industry’s expansion rate

The global industry for acne treatment is projected to be restricted due to the varying needs of the customers. For instance, there is a significant chance that a certain anti-acne product may work on a specific segment of consumers and fail to deliver the exact result on another segment.

Furthermore, depending on the acne type and severity, the treatment plan may also change which can be exhausting for the customers as trial-and-error methods are long and resource intensive. Furthermore, there is a growing rate of false claims by companies to attract younger and naive consumers to buy products that lack research. The growing use of false marketing techniques has become a cause of concern in the commercial personal care industry.

Acne Treatment Market: Opportunities

Rising rate of research & development (R&D) for new treatments will generate expansion possibilities

The global acne treatment market is expected to generate growth opportunities due to the rising innovation in terms of novel medical processes and drugs for managing, preventing, and reducing the impact of acne. In April 2024, Allergan Aesthetics, a part of AbbVie company, announced the launch of two new products. The new solutions are from SkinMedica the producer of BOTOX® Cosmetic. The name of the two products is SkinMedica® Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser and SkinMedica® Acne Clarifying Treatment providing highly effective medical care for patients with severe acne.

In August 2023, Softwave Medical Ltd, a leading provider of energy-based non-invasive, aesthetic medical devices, announced that it had received US Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) clearance to market SUPERB™ for treating acne scars. Thus, approval acts as a way of clearing the company’s solution to be used as an effective acne scar treatment.

Furthermore, the growing expansion of e-commerce platforms specially designed for selling skincare items has brought international and domestic products under one roof. The digitization of the cosmetic & personal care industry is expected to emerge as a crucial factor in the future expansion of acne-treating solutions and products.

Acne Treatment Market: Challenges

Side effects of acne treatments may challenge the market expansion trend

The global industry for acne treatment is projected to be challenged by the side effects associated with certain medications and medical processes. For instance, harsh treatments may result in dryness, itchiness, and peeling. Furthermore, a lack of knowledge about the right acne treatment may also impact overall revenue in the industry.

Acne Treatment Market: Report Scope

Acne Treatment Market: Segmentation

The global acne treatment market is segmented based on route of administration, product, distribution channel, and region.

Based on the route of administration, the global market segments are topical and oral. In 2023, the highest demand was listed in the topical segment. It deals with the production and sale of products that are directly applied to the acne-affected region. The rising consumption of acne treating or managing face wash, creams, and lotions. The beauty e-commerce industry has played a crucial role in driving segmental demand in the last few years. In 2023, around 910 million people bought beauty products online.

Based on product, the global acne treatment industry is divided into isotretinoin, antibiotics, retinoids, and others.

Based on the distribution channels, the global market divisions are online pharmacies and hospital pharmacies.  The highest demand was listed in the online pharmacies segment. The global beauty e-commerce industry was valued at over USD 440 billion in 2023. The ease of purchase and wide range of options offered by online pharmacies is helping the industry thrive. Hospital pharmacies are projected to generate significant revenue in the coming years.

Acne Treatment Market: Regional Analysis

North America to continue dominating the industry during the projection period

The global acne treatment market will be led by North America during the forecast period. In 2023, the region held control over 49.24% of the global revenue with the US and Canada regions leading the regional growth rate. One of the primary reasons for regional dominance is the extensive prevalence of acne across age groups throughout North America. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, around 50 million Americans are affected by acne every year with85% of the affected people between the age group of 12 to 24 years. Adult acne is also widely recorded across North America.

Furthermore, the regional population has access to a robust healthcare and personal care industry fueling the demand for efficient acne treatments. The surge in the number of FDA clearances for well-researched acne treatments and medicines is expected to generate a higher growth rate in North America in the coming years.

In October 2024, the US FDA announced the clearance of the Accure Laser System. The new tool can be used for treating mild to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris. In October 2023, the regulatory agency approved clindamycin phosphate, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide also known as CabtreoTM.

Acne Treatment Market: Competitive Analysis

The global acne treatment market is led by players like:

• Johnson & Johnson
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Galderma
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Bausch Health Companies Inc.
• Novan Inc.
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Allergan
• The Proactiv Company (Nestlé Skin Health)
• Pfizer Inc.
• Almirall
• S.A.
• L’Oréal
• SkinMedica (AbbVie)
• Unilever

The global acne treatment market is segmented as follows:

By Route of Administration

• Topical
• Oral

By Product

• Isotretinoin
• Antibiotics
• Retinoids
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Online Pharmacies
• Hospital Pharmacies

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa