---
title: Liu 2020 — Cochrane topical acne review
entity_type: Source
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/liu-2020-cochrane-topical-acne
date_modified: 2026-05-10
date_reviewed: 2026-05-10
mcp_eligible: true
source_type: peer_reviewed
original_source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32356369/
evidence_sources: []
product_fact_sources: []
---

# 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.

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