In terms of geography, the acne medication market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America. In 2022, North America held the largest share of the market. Acne is a skin condition brought on by debris, oil, sebum, and dead skin cells clogging hair follicles. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most prevalent illness in the US, up to 50 million Americans suffer from acne each year, making it the most common skin ailment in the country. The acne medication market in this country is projected to expand due to the increased incidence of acne in Americans and the subsequent launch of various innovative acne medications. Additionally, the growing focus on personal grooming, skin health, and external appearance fuels the demand for acne medications. Technological advancements and research have led to the development of innovative acne treatment products with improved efficacy and minimal side effects, contributing further to the acne medication market growth in the US, as people in this country are more willing to invest in high-quality products that deliver desired results.
Asia Pacific is estimated to register the highest CAGR in the acne medication market during 2022–2030. China is the largest market for acne medication in this region. The acne medication market in China is propelled by various factors. Notably, the widespread adoption of AI-enabled telemedicine has revolutionized dermatological care, improving access to treatments and providing better personalization in the same. AIDERMA is China’s first all-inclusive platform for AI-assisted diagnosis and therapy of skin conditions. Consultation, education, and diagnosis and therapy support are the prime offerings of AIDERMA. More than 90 types of common skin illnesses are provided for assisted diagnosis and treatment. This claims to be a straightforward procedure that offers a diagnostic and potential course of action. More than 7,000 clinicians have registered for AIDDA, an application that allows doctors in China to diagnose psoriasis, eczema, and atopic dermatitis.
Increasing Prevalence of Severe Acne Drives Acne Medication Market Growth
Severe acne, often characterized by painful cysts, nodules, and persistent inflammation, presents a considerable challenge that can significantly impact people’s quality of life. As per the 2022 GBD research, acne has a prevalence rate of 9.4%, ranking it eighth among the most common diseases in the world. Acne vulgaris affects over 85% of young individuals from the age group of 12–25. Such a high prevalence has led to an upsurge in the demand for effective acne medications tailored to address moderate to severe forms of the condition. As individuals seek ways to mitigate the physical and emotional burden associated with severe acne, there is a corresponding increase in the demand for advanced and more effective prescription and over-the-counter treatments. This trend prompts pharmaceutical companies to focus on developing innovative formulations, including topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and advanced topical treatments, to address the complex needs of individuals with severe acne. The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD) estimates that acne treatments incur over US$ 1 billion as direct annual costs to the US economy, with over-the-counter acne drugs accounting for nearly 10% of this cost. JDD also estimates that billions of dollars would be spent on acne treatment in the coming years. Thus, the increasing prevalence of severe acne and an upsurge in associated costs to economies bolster the acne medication market growth.
Acne Medication Market: Segmental Overview
The acne medication market analysis has been carried out by considering the following segments: therapeutic class, formulation, type, acne type, and distribution channel.
The retinoid segment held the largest acne medication market share, based on therapeutic class, in 2022 and the same segment is anticipated to register a significant CAGR in the market during 2022–2030. Retinoids, which can be only bought with a doctor’s prescription, contain vitamin A as a primary ingredient; their function is similar to retinol but they are far more potent and more successful in treating acne.
Based on formulation, the acne medication market is classified into topical medication and oral medication. The topical medication segment held a larger share of the acne medication market in 2022. The same segment is further anticipated to record a significant CAGR in the market from 2022 to 2030. Topical formulations play a vital role in managing and treating acne, offering targeted delivery of active ingredients directly to the affected skin areas.
Based on type, the global acne medication market is classified into prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines. The prescription medicines segment held a larger acne medication market share in 2022. Dermatologists or healthcare providers typically prescribe medications after a thorough assessment of the individual’s acne type, severity, and responsiveness to previous treatments.
In terms of distribution channel, the acne medication market is segmented into retail stores, pharmacies and drug stores, and others. In 2022, the pharmacies and drug stores segment held the largest market share. With their accessibility, privacy, and affordability (compared to private physicians), pharmacies and drug stores are vital sources of health services, supplies, and knowledge.
Acne Medication Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Mayne Pharma Group Ltd, Almirall SA, Johnson & Johnson, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Bausch Health Companies Inc, Centro Internacional de Cosmiatria SA de CV, Galderma SA, Pfizer Inc., GSK Plc, Viatris Inc, Somar Sapi De CV, Carnot Technologies, and Italmex SA are a few key companies profiled in the acne medication market report. These companies adopt product innovation strategies to meet evolving customer demands, which allows them to maintain their brand name in the acne medication market. A few of the recent developments in the global acne medication market are mentioned below:
• In September 2023, Cosmo Pharmaceuticals NV (Ireland) and Glenmark Specialty SA, a subsidiary of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (Mumbai), announced signing distribution and licensing arrangements for the distribution of Winlevi (1% clascoterone cream) in South Africa and Europe. The agreements state that Glenmark will get sole rights to market Winlevi in 15 EU nations (Sapin, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Sweden), as well as in South Africa and the UK, via Cassiopea, a Cosmo subsidiary.
• In October 2023, Crown Therapeutics, a branch of Crown Laboratories, added two new PanOxyl products—PanOxyl Clarifying Exfoliant with 2% salicylic acid and PanOxyl Adapalene 0.1% gel—to its dermatologist-endorsed and award-winning PanOxyl range. In September 2023, Sun Pharma Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, announced the accessibility of WINLEVI (clascoterone cream 1% w/w) in Canada. For patients 12 years of age and older, WINLEVI is the first and only androgen receptor inhibitor recommended for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris, or acne.