Development and evaluation of a multifunctional natural composite microemulsion for anti-acne therapy: synergistic anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects

INTRODUCTION: Acne is a common inflammatory disease of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, but most of the current treatments have side effects or drug resistance problems. This study developed a stable, self-emulsifying composite Microemulsion (PHS-ME) co-loaded with paeonol, honokiol and Salix alba (white willow) bark extract. METHODS: drug release, cytotoxicity (HaCaT cells), cellular uptake, anti-inflammatory activity (LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells), and antibacterial efficacy against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated. RESULTS: for acne were the same, which were 0.5 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL respectively. DISCUSSION: This study proposes a simple and stable strategy for preparing composite Microemulsion. Due to its synergistic anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, these Microemulsions have great industrial potential as a natural local anti-acne product.