Acne Medication Market Expected to Reach $24.2 Billion by 2035

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Acne Medication Market," The acne medication market was valued at $13.4 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $24.2 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2035.

Acne is a common skin condition characterized by the formulation of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, or nodules, typically appearing on the face, chest, back, or shoulders. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the proliferation of bacteria and inflammation. Several factors contribute to the development of acne, including hormonal fluctuations, genetics, excess oil production, bacteria, and certain medications or cosmetics. Acne can range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on individuals' physical appearance, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. The treatment includes retinoid, antibiotic, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and other medications.

Factors that drive the growth of the acne medication market size include surge in prevalence of skin disorders, new product development, and rise in adoption of medication to treat acne. There has been a growing awareness and acceptance of skincare and dermatological treatments, leading individuals to seek professional help for managing their acne. With greater access to in formulation through the internet and social media, people are more informed about the available treatment options and are increasingly willing to invest in their skincare routines.

In addition, according to acne medication market analysis, societal shifts towards prioritizing physical appearance and self-care have contributed to the normalization of seeking medical assistance for skin concerns such as acne. Furthermore, the prevalence of acne remains high globally, affecting individuals of all ages and demographics, which further drives the demand for effective treatment solutions. Thus, rise in adoption of the acne medication and increase in awareness about skin care are expected to drive the growth of acne medication market size.

In addition, according to acne medication market trends analysis rise in prevalence of acne is expected to drive the demand of acne medication. Rise in prevalence of acne can be attributed to various factors, such as hormonal changes associated with puberty, lifestyle shifts such as stress and dietary habits, and environmental factors like pollution and climate change. With acne affecting individuals across different age groups and geographical regions, the demand for effective treatment options is expected to surge. As acne can have considerable impacts on individuals' physical appearance, self-esteem, and quality of life, there exists a pressing need for accessible and innovative solutions to manage this common skin condition. Thus, the rise in prevalence of acne is expected to significantly impact the growth of the market. 

The acne medication industry is segmented on the basis of therapeutic class, formulation, type, acne type, distribution channel, and region. By therapeutic class, the market is divided into retinoid, antibiotic, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and others. By formulation, the market is classified into topical and oral medication. By type, the market is distributed into prescription medicine and over-the-counter medicines.

By acne type, the market is distributed into non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne. By distribution channel, the market is classified into retail stores, pharmacy and drug stores, and e-commerce. Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America (the U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, Australia, India, South Korea, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Rest of LAMEA)

Major key players that operate in the acne medication industry are Bausch Health Companies Inc., Mayne Pharma Group Limited, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Johnson and Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Mylan N.V., Almirall Sa, Galderma S.A., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Pfizer Inc.

By therapeutic class, the market is classified into retinoid, antibiotic, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and other medications. The retinoid segment dominated the market share in 2023 and is expected to remain dominant during the forecast period. This is attributed the fact that retinoids are versatile compounds that can be used to treat various types of acne, including whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammatory acne lesions. This broad spectrum of efficacy makes them highly desirable for both patients and healthcare providers.

By formulation, the market is classified into topical and oral medication. The topical segment dominated the market share in 2023 and is expected to remain dominant during the forecast period. Topical formulations allow for direct application to the affected area, ensuring that the active ingredients are delivered precisely over the affected area. This targeted approach enhances efficacy and minimizes potential side effects compared to systemic treatments like oral medications.

By type, the market is classified into prescription medicine and over-the-counter medicines. The prescription medicine segment dominated the market share in 2023 and is expected to remain dominant during the forecast period. This is attributed to the fact that acne is a multifactorial condition that can vary greatly in severity and underlying causes among individuals. For moderate to severe cases, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may not be effective, necessitating prescription-strength medications. These prescription drugs often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or are formulated with more potent compounds, making them more effective for treating stubborn or persistent acne.

By acne type, the market is classified into non inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne. The non inflammatory acne segment dominated the acne medication market share in 2023. This is attributed non-inflammatory acne being most common type of acne, affecting a significant portion of the population. It is often the first type of acne to appear during adolescence and can persist into adulthood.

By distribution channel, the market is classified into retail stores, pharmacy and drug stores, and E-commerce. The pharmacy and drug stores segment dominated the acne medication market share in 2023. This is attributed to the fact that pharmacy and drug stores are found in both urban and rural areas. This widespread presence makes them highly accessible to consumers seeking acne medications. Customers can easily visit these stores to purchase over-the-counter acne treatments without needing a prescription, which contributes to increased sales volume.

On the basis of region, North America accounted for largest share in 2023 and is expected to remain dominant during the forecast period, owing to well-established healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, there has been a growing awareness about skincare and dermatological conditions in North America. People are increasingly conscious of their appearance and are more likely to seek treatment for acne. However, according to acne medication market forecast analysis Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness notable growth, owing to rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles in many countries across Asia-Pacific. Rapid urbanization has led to increased exposure to environmental pollutants, stress, and dietary changes, all of which results in increased prevalence of acne.

Key Findings of the Study   

• On the basis of therapeutic class, the retinoid segment dominated the Acne Medication Market in terms of revenue in 2023. 
• On the basis of formulation, the topical medication segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023.
• On the basis of type, the prescription medicine segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023. 
• On the basis of acne type, the non-inflammatory acne segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023. 
• On the basis of distribution channel, the pharmacy and drug store segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023. 
• On the basis of region, North America dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023. However, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period