Diya Rishi
Class of 2028Danville, California
About
Hello! My name is Diya Rishi, and my project is on natural and synthetic ingredients for acne management. I chose to work on this project to further learn about products that balance efficacy and safety to target acne treatments for various skin types, while minimizing adverse effects. After my project is complete, I would like to pursue a career in dermatology physician assistant.Projects
- "Safety and Efficacy of Topical Acne Ingredients: A Narrative Review " with mentor Austin (Aug. 10, 2026)
Project Portfolio
Safety and Efficacy of Topical Acne Ingredients: A Narrative Review
Started Dec. 2, 2025
Abstract or project description
Acne is one of the most common skin disorders, affecting the majority of adolescents and adults at some point in their life. With the sheer variety of acne treatments available, many choose products based on the belief that natural ingredients are gentler on the skin, while synthetic ingredients are more effective at reducing acne. This narrative review compared evidence on the efficacy and tolerability of selected botanical ingredients, including tea tree oil and aloe vera, with conventional agents including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid. Literature available through July 2026 was identified through PubMed, Google Scholar, JSTOR and the reference lists of relevant reviews and guidelines, with priority given to controlled human studies reporting lesion counts, acne severity, or adverse events. By reviewing naturally derived and synthetic topical acne ingredients, this review offers a comprehensive guide to understanding the products that balance efficacy and safety.