Acne Treatment Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Retinoids, Antibiotics, Isotretinoin, and Others), By Route of Administration (Oral and Topical), By Age Group (10 to 17, 18 to 44, 45 to 64, and 65 Above), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies and Retail & Online Pharmacies), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global acne treatment market size was valued at USD 8.99 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 9.36 billion in 2022 to USD 12.97 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with acne treatment experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of -5.8% in 2020 compared to 2019.

Acne is a skin condition that arises when the hair follicles get plugged with dead skin cells and oil. This condition is most common among teenagers, although it affects people of all ages. The most common medication are antibiotics, retinoid, and retinoid-like drugs. The increasing prevalence of skin disorders is one of the major factors augmenting the demand for the product globally during the forecast period.

• For instance, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the prevalence of acne affected 9.4% of the global population in 2021.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Loss of Revenue in Drug Usage Experienced due to Decline in Patient Visits during COVID-19 Pandemic

The ongoing pandemic staggered the growth of drugs used to treat acne due to reduced number of patients seeking treatment globally. Dominant players in the market reported severe losses in revenues due to COVID-19. Additionally, decreased production, redistribution of healthcare expenditure, disrupted supply chains, and other factors affected the sales of drugs, especially during 2020. For instance, a study conducted with dermatologists in the U.S. by the American Association of Dermatology reported almost 43% decline in weekly patient consultations during the lockdown period compared to the pre-COVID-19 level.

Lack of new patients and limited access to dermatologists during the COVID-19 pandemic also affected the market growth. In terms of revenue, the market witnessed a decline of 5.8% in 2020. The dominant players report a significant decrease in generated profits during 2020. For instance, Bausch Health Companies Inc. registered a reduction of -6.7% in total income produced in 2020 compared to 2019. The ortho-dermatology segment witnessed a decline of around -2.1% in 2020.

However, during Q3-Q4 2021, patient visits to the hospitals and clinics started increasing as the regulations imposed by governments were relaxed. However, this increase in patient visits was lower than the patient visits in 2019. In 2021, the demand for drugs was high due to the increase in patient visits and the reopening of all the facilities in various geographies. Income registered by Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. in H1 2021 increased by 7.9% compared to H1 2020. Therefore, the reopening of services surged the usage of drugs used for acne treatment in a positive manner.

LATEST TRENDS

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Growing Clinical Approval of Drugs to Drive Market Growth

Rising prevalence of the condition among teenagers and adults has caught the attention of manufacturers, thereby boosting the demand for medications. Drug development focuses on the challenge of treating acne effectively and safely. For instance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the nod for the new abbreviated drug application for topical retinoid adapalene gel USP 0.3%, manufactured by Alembic Pharmaceuticals for treating acne vulgaris.

Additionally, in January 2022, GALDERMA announced that it received antitrust clearance from the U.S. authorities and completed the acquisition of ALASTIN Skincare, Inc. to develop innovative and clinically-tested physician-dispensed skincare products.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Occurrence of Acne Globally to Propel Market Growth

Globally, the prevalence of skin conditions has increased significantly. According to the American Association of Dermatology, in 2021, more than 50 million people in the U.S. will suffer from acne. Therefore, the number of patients opting for the treatment is increasing rapidly in the developing and developed countries in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

The introduction of various products used for the treatment, such as retinoids, isotretinoids, and antibiotics in oral and topical forms, is increasing the awareness about acne products and available treatment options in the global population. Thus, increasing patient awareness is projected to propel market growth.

Launch of Novel Drugs is Propelling Growth of Market

The demand for effective drugs to treat this condition is rising due to the growing prevalence of the condition globally. Thus, the key companies are focusing on introducing novel drugs to meet the demand, which is the key trend for the market growth.

• In June 2020, Bausch Health Companies Inc. launched ARAZLO lotion in the U.S. for patients nine years of age and older suffering from acne vulgaris.


• In September 2021, Mayne Pharma Group Limited announced the launch of isotretinoin capsules, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg. In the U.S., isotretinoin capsules are a generic version of ABSORICA indicated to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne.


• In March 2020, COSMEDIX, a global trailblazer in skincare products, announced correct rapid relief acne treatment.

Moreover, efficient product marketing to intrigue the target population is another significant factor in increasing market growth. For instance, in March 2020, Derma Group launched a new website for Acne Ultra Clear.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Side Effects Pertaining to Current Marketed Drugs is Limiting Adoption

Despite the higher prevalence of chronic acne globally, certain factors limit the acne treatment market growth. Among them is the side effect associated with acne treatment drugs. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are the most commonly seen side effects of the antibiotics and observed in around 7% of the total patients taking tetracycline and 4% in the patients taking macrolides.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerts the usage of certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can cause potentially life-threatening allergic reactions or severe irritation. Additionally, antibiotics, such as tetracycline and clindamycin, which are majorly used to treat this condition, may create antibiotic resistance in the patients, which is projected to limit the market growth. For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.8 million people in the U.S. have observed antibiotic resistance.

SEGMENTATION

By Product Analysis

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Increasing Prevalence of Moderate to Severe Acne to Propel Growth of Retinoid Segment

The market is divided into retinoids, antibiotics, isotretinoin, and others based on product.

The antibiotics segment held a dominant share of the market in 2021. This is attributable to the growing approval of antibiotics for acne treatment, along with its high efficiency in exudate management. Thus, antibiotics dominated the global market and is regarded as the highest shareowner regarding worth.

The retinoids segment is projected to register a higher CAGR by 2029 owing to rising prevalence of moderate to severe acne, rising the demand for retinoids. For instance, in February 2020, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced the launch of ABSORICA LD (Isotretinoin) capsules in the U.S. to manage severe recalcitrant nodular acne in patients 12 years of age older.

By Route of Administration Analysis

Easy Availability of OTC Topical Products Globally to Dominate Market Share

The market is broken down into topical and oral in terms of route of administration.

The topical segment is estimated to dominate the market across the forecast timeframe. The global market growth is attributable to the increasing number of companies manufacturing topical solutions for acne treatment. This is attributed to the patient population suffering from the condition, which is primarily intrigued by topical solutions as these products are easily available and comfortable.

The oral segment is anticipated to project a significant CAGR during the forecast period due to increase in the condition's prevalence and the growing number of product launches. For instance, in January 2019, Almirall, S.A. launched Seysara, the first oral antibiotic that has been specifically developed for use in acne in the U.S.

By Age Group Analysis

Rising Incidence of the Condition among Adults is Attributed to Dominance of 18 to 44 Years Segment

The market is fragmented into 10 to 17, 18 to 44, 45 to 64, and 65 above as per age group.

The 18 to 44 segment is expected to have a dominant share in the market during the forecast period. The dominance is due to an increase in patient population of this particular age group.

The 10 to 17 segment is estimated to witness considerable growth across the forecast period owing to increasing incidence of acne vulgaris amongst the mentioned teenage group.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Rising Demand for OTC Products to Dominate Retail & Online Pharmacy Segment in Market

The market is segmented into retail & online pharmacies and hospital pharmacies based on distribution channel.

The retail & online pharmacies segment is expected to witness a lucrative growth rate during the forecast period. This is due to the increasing number of online portals and websites commercializing acne treatment products such as Walmart, Amazon, and several others. Moreover, the growing demand for OTC drugs will strongly support the growth of this segment.

The hospital pharmacies segment is estimated to hold a significant market share during the forecast period due to increase in hospital consultations to treat this disease.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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Based on region, the market is segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa and Latin America.  

The market size in North America stood at USD 4.40 billion in 2021. The region's dominance is attributable to the increasing prevalence of acne across the region and the rising concerns related to beauty among the population. Thus, major players are introducing new drugs in the North American market. For instance, in November 2021, Sun Pharma launched Winlevi, a cream for the treatment of acne in the U.S. Additionally, factors such as significant rise in the patient population, rising awareness regarding advanced treatments, and the presence of major brands contributed to the region’s superiority globally.

Europe will account for the second most prominent shareholder due to the increasing patient pool in the region, strong investment in R&D for the drugs used for the treatment of dermatology conditions by the major companies, and increased adoption of advanced treatment products.

Asia Pacific is estimated to register the highest CAGR due to rising awareness among the population about several drugs combined with the increasing number of companies entering the Asia market.

Latin America will witness a significantly stable CAGR during the forecast owing to the rising prevalence of moderate to severe acne in the region and the rising recognition of the treatment.

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The Middle East & Africa will occupy a smaller market share and register a moderate CAGR since the market is still budding. Additionally, consumers' rising adoption of drugs will lead to growth during the forecast period.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Focus on Inorganic Growth Strategies Propelled Allergan and Botanix Pharmaceuticals to Lead Global Market

The market is characterized by a large number of major players offering various types of drugs. The prominent companies will have a strong revenue position coupled with a diversified product portfolio of the drugs. These companies have a robust stronghold in the pivotal growth regions, and some dominant players include Allergan, Galderma S.A., and Bausch Health Companies Inc. For instance, In April 2021, Bausch Health Companies Inc. announced significant topline results from its Phase 3 trials for IDP-126 Gel to treat Acne Vulgaris condition.

The competitive landscape further encompasses companies of a smaller size which offer limited products for their offerings. These companies contain a strong national local presence, such as Botanix Pharmaceuticals and Valeant Pharmaceutical International, Inc., are expected to amplify their expansion during the forecast period.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Allergan (Ireland)


• Botanix Pharmaceuticals (Australia)


• GALDERMA (Switzerland)


• Bausch Health Companies Inc. (U.S.) 


• GlaxoSmithKline Plc. (U.K.)


• Bayer AG (Germany)


• Valeant Pharmaceutical International, Inc. (U.S.)


• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. (U.S.)


• Pfizer Inc. (U.S.)


• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2022 – GALDERMA announced to receive its antitrust clearance from the U.S. authorities after completing the acquisition of ALASTIN Skincare, Inc. for developing innovative and clinically-tested physician-dispensed skincare products.


• January 2021 – GlaxoSmithKline plc announced that it agreed with Eligo BioScience to advance Eligobiotics for the treatment and prevention of Acne Vulgaris with CRISPR-based therapeutics for strain-specific microbiome modulation.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Acne Treatment Market

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The global acne treatment market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects such as market size & forecast, critical regions for 2018-2029, new product launches, pipeline analysis, and an overview of technological developments. It also focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, products, and distribution channels. Besides this, the report offers insights into the acne treatment market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the key factors mentioned above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the market growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation