In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Salicylic Acid–Loaded Liposomes Against Cutibacterium acnes: A Microbiological Approach for Acne Treatment

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the antimicrobial activity of free salicylic acid, liposomal salicylic acid, and an arbutin-containing liposomal salicylic acid formulation against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), a key microorganism in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, and to assess the contribution of liposomal carrier systems to antimicrobial efficacy. Materials and Methods: C. acnes (ATCC® 6919™) was used as the test strain. Salicylic acid–loaded liposomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and process yield. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using broth microdilution and agar dilution methods according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M11 guidelines. Ampicillin, ampicillin–sulbactam, meropenem, tetracycline, clindamycin, and vancomycin served as reference antibiotics. Free salicylic acid and liposomal formulations were tested comparatively. Results: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the reference antibiotics were within CLSI quality control ranges. Free salicylic acid showed an MIC of 0.9 mg/mL, while the liposomal formulation reduced the MIC to 0.45 mg/mL, indicating a twofold enhancement in antimicrobial activity. The arbutin-containing liposomal formulation did not achieve complete inhibition at this concentration but resulted in approximately 50% growth reduction. Conclusion: Liposomal delivery significantly enhances the antimicrobial activity of salicylic acid against C. acnes. Incorporation of arbutin provided partial inhibition, suggesting liposome-based systems as promising topical strategies for acne treatment.

Keywords

• salicylic acid
• liposome
• Cutibacterium acnes
• Acne Vulgaris

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