Source

Liu 2020 — Cochrane topical acne review

Reviewed by SkinKnowledgeBase Editorial TeamLast updated May 10, 2026

Quick Summary

Systematic review covering topical salicylic acid and related non-prescription actives for acne-prone skin.

Structured source facts
Source typepeer_reviewed

What Studied

This Source page records the evidence item used by the blackheads-on-nose page. It is used for definition, consumer-care guidance, ingredient mechanism context, tolerability framing, or evidence support for salicylic acid and adapalene in comedone-prone routines.

Main Findings

For this page, the source supports conservative appearance-level guidance: blackheads are open comedones rather than dirt; gentle routines are preferable to scrubbing and squeezing; salicylic acid and adapalene are relevant topical actives; and irritation can happen when active routines are introduced too aggressively.

Why It Matters

This source helps keep the page grounded in verifiable dermatology, regulatory, public-health, or peer-reviewed material rather than marketing claims. It also supports the page's distinction between visible blackhead care and medical acne decision-making.

Original Source

Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne

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Source
Liu 2020 — Cochrane topical acne review
Quick Summary
Systematic review covering topical salicylic acid and related non-prescription actives for acne-prone skin.
What Studied
This Source page records the evidence item used by the blackheads-on-nose page. It is used for definition, consumer-care guidance, ingredient mechanism context, tolerability framing, or evidence support for salicylic acid and adapalene in comedone-prone routines.
Main Findings
For this page, the source supports conservative appearance-level guidance: blackheads are open comedones rather than dirt; gentle routines are preferable to scrubbing and squeezing; salicylic acid and adapalene are relevant topical actives; and irritation can happen when active routines are introduced too aggressively.
Why It Matters
This source helps keep the page grounded in verifiable dermatology, regulatory, public-health, or peer-reviewed material rather than marketing claims. It also supports the page's distinction between visible blackhead care and medical acne decision-making.
Supports
question_how-do-i-get-rid-of-blackheads-on-my-nose, ingredient_adapalene, side_effect_retinoid-dermatitis, product_differin-gel-adapalene