Acne Wipeout is a new skin care system designed by University Medical to help eliminate and prevent acne in teens and adults. While the brand is a new face in a category dominated by well-known players like Neutrogena, Differin and Clearasil, the range isn’t the Southern California company’s foray into the space.
 
The privately-held company also developed AcneFree, a mass market line that today is part of the L’Oréal stable. University Medical sold AcneFree to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International in a $64 million deal back in 2012.  Valeant sold it five years later to L’Oréal in a $1.3 billion deal that also included CeraVe and Ambi.
 
University Medical is out to make its mark again in a market that, according to Information Resources, Inc., fell by a scant 0.03% to $584.8 million for the 52 weeks ended March 21, 2021.  
 
“We have been formulating acne products for more than 20 years, but wanted to create Acne Wipeout to offer something new and different that is fast-acting, accessible and more affordable than anything that is available right now,” said Matt Stevens, vice president at University Medical.
 
“Acne Wipeout is “all of those things,” Stevens insisted.
 
The Acne Wipeout system is a three-SKU collection combining a topical retinoid with benzoyl peroxide to target both comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads) and inflammatory acne.
 
Products include:
 
• All Day Breakout Control Cream, which delivers micronized time-release benzoyl peroxide into pores to kill acne bacteria all day long while minimizing irritation and dryness;
 
• Time Released Retinol Plus, a night cream to unclog pores and smooth skin while sleeping. It features a natural alternative to adapalene for high speed results while minimizing dryness and irritation; and
 
• Clear Pore Oil Free Cleanser, which is said to gently exfoliate to deliver micronized medication while cleaning. 
 
All are non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, sulphate-free and paraben-free.
 
According to Stevens, the Acne Wipeout range is the only time-release combination therapy kit available over the counter as well as the only kit to feature a naturally-derived retinoid.
 
Acne Wipeout was inspired by the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommendations for combination therapy as the first line of defense against acne.  
 

Microencapsulation minimizes irritation and extends effectiveness, according to the firm. 
 
“The retinol is naturally-derived from vitamin A and is not synthetic unlike many competitive products in the market that include adapalene. Typically, adapalene takes a long time to see results and your acne can get worse before it gets better,” Stevens told Happi.
 
University Medical lauds the speed at which it can deliver relief.
 
“Many competitive products take 6-12 weeks to see results. Our research shows our products can start working in as little as three days—although, results always vary depending upon the individual and their degree of acne,” Stevens told Happi. 
 
“While synthetics in general are designed to reduce irritation and be available to the skin right away, Acne Wipeout’s natural, time-released retinol also reduces irritation, and by combining with benzoyl peroxide, has an overall effect of speeding up skin clearing benefits. The product also encapsulates its retinol with an antimicrobial/antiseptic booster to extend retinoid activity and help improve skin-smoothing benefits,” said Stevens.
 
“We also like the ease of our kit—just two steps, twice a day is all you need for results day and night,” he added.
 
This month, University Medical is rolling out an Eliminator Acne Spot Treatment, which has micronized 10% benzoyl peroxide. 
 
“The product helps eliminate even the most stubborn pimples fast and provides effective acne control on-the-go,” said Williams. It too has a time-released formula that helps minimize irritation and dryness, he said.
 
The spot treatment will be available only in the Walmart Acne Wipeout Kit as a value-add product, according to the company. 
 
Acne Wipeout products can be used as standalone products, but Williams said the most effective, fastest results come when they are used together.
 
Acne Wipeout is available to purchase at Amazon and Walmart starting at $12.99.