Combining Pep®-Acne and AcnePLEX™

You are asking about using Pep®-Acne (Oligopeptide-10) in a toner and AcnePLEX™ in a serum, and whether the concentration of AcnePLEX™ should be reduced when used together.

Both Pep®-Acne and AcnePLEX™ are effective ingredients for treating acne, but they work through different mechanisms:

• Pep®-Acne (Oligopeptide-10) is an antimicrobial peptide that targets acne-causing bacteria.
• AcnePLEX™ is a comprehensive technology that combines skin barrier repair components, antibacterial agents (including Salicylic Acid), and exfoliants to address acne from multiple angles.

Using these two ingredients together in your routine could potentially offer enhanced benefits for acne treatment due to their complementary actions.

Regarding the concentration of AcnePLEX™:

• AcnePLEX™ is recommended for use at 4% for general acne and 5.5% for severe acne.
• While AcnePLEX™ can be used alongside other acne treatment ingredients, combining multiple active ingredients, especially one containing Salicylic Acid like AcnePLEX™, can increase the potential for skin irritation.

Therefore, when using Pep®-Acne in a toner and AcnePLEX™ in a serum in the same routine, it would be prudent to start with a lower concentration of AcnePLEX™, such as the 4% rate recommended for general acne. This approach helps minimize the risk of irritation while still benefiting from the combined effects of both ingredients.

Important: Always monitor your skin for any signs of irritation, such as redness, dryness, peeling, or stinging. If irritation occurs, consider reducing the frequency of application for one or both products or further reducing the concentration of AcnePLEX™.