Inclusion Criteria:
1. Males and females between 18 and 65 years of age inclusive
2. Females not of child-bearing potential, defined as those who have undergone a sterilization procedure (e.g. hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, bilateral tubal ligation, complete endometrial ablation) or have been post-menopausal for at least 1 year prior to screening
Or,
Individuals of child-bearing potential must self-report confirmation they are not pregnant, do not plan to become pregnant, and agree to use a medically approved method of birth control for the duration of the study. All hormonal birth control must have been in use for a minimum of three months. Acceptable methods of birth control include:
* Hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptives, hormone birth control patch (Ortho Evra), vaginal contraceptive ring (NuvaRing), injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera, Lunelle), or hormone implant (Norplant System)
* Double-barrier method
* Intrauterine devices
* Non-heterosexual lifestyle or agrees to use contraception if planning on changing to heterosexual partner(s)
* Vasectomy of partner at least 6 months prior to screening
* Abstinence
3. Experience acne on facial skin that is visible to the participant and is confirmed by the QI at screening and at baseline
4. Willingness to complete questionnaires and diaries associated with the study, to capture and upload photos, and to complete all virtual visits
5. Willingness to maintain the same skincare regimen throughout the study, including maintaining make-up routine without the addition of new make-up products
6. Agrees to maintain current lifestyle habits (diet, physical activity, medications, supplements, and sleep) as much as possible throughout the study
7. Provided voluntary, written, informed consent to participate in the study
8. Agrees to have de-identified photos of face available for marketing purposes
9. Self-reported healthy as determined by medical history with no unstable diagnosed medical conditions
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Individuals who are pregnant, breast feeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study
2. Self-reported allergy, sensitivity or intolerance to investigational product or placebo ingredients, including allergy to salicylic acid or any form of salicylates, preventing topical use
3. Individuals with significant facial hair that would impede the visualization of facial acne and may interfere with the use of the product, such as beards and long sideburns, as assessed by the QI
4. Self-reported psoriasis, dermatitis, vitiligo, or any other active dermatological condition other than acne affecting the face
5. Self-reported use of topical products on the face marked with claims relating to skin health, or those with claims relating to acne during the study, except for noncomedogenic moisturizers and sunscreen
6. Self-reported shaving, waxing, tweezing, or threading of the face or use of nose/facial strips within 3 days prior to each photo capture
7. Procedures such as microdermabrasion, peels, acne treatments, filler, botulinum toxin, red light therapy, pore suction therapy, or laser on the face within three months of baseline
8. Self-reported UVA or UVB exposure to the face in the past two weeks or expected during the study to avoid sunburn.
9. Current use of prescribed and/or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, supplements, and/or consumption of food/drinks that may impact the efficacy and/or safety of the investigational product (Sections 7.3.1 and 7.3.2)
10. Self-reported asthma
11. Self-reported presence of a peptic ulcer
12. Self-reported autoimmune disease or are immune compromised
13. Self-reported ongoing and unstable diseases/conditions in the past three months, including:
1. Arthritis and joint diseases
2. Gastrointestinal diseases
3. Hypertension
4. Type I or type II diabetes
5. Cardiovascular disease
6. Kidney diseases
7. Liver diseases
8. Thyroid condition
9. Psychiatric conditions
14. Major surgery in the past 3 months or individuals who have planned surgery during the course of the study
15. Cancer, except skin basal cell carcinoma completely excised with no chemotherapy or radiation with a follow up that is negative. Volunteers with cancer in full remission for more than five years after diagnosis are acceptable
16. Alcohol intake average of \>2 standard drinks per day
17. Alcohol or drug abuse within the last 12 months
18. Participation in other clinical research studies 30 days prior to screening
19. Individuals who are unable to give informed consent
20. Any other condition or lifestyle factor that may adversely affect the participant's ability to complete the study or its measures or pose significant risk to the participant
