Mederma: Is it safe to use on acne or acne-prone skin?

Allium cepa, trademarked by Mederma as Cepalin (not to be confused with cephalin) is the active content of mederma derived from an onion called Allium cepa Linn[7], a readily available[8] and highly researched bioflavonoid with antihistamine and antiproliferative effects on both normal and malignant cells. This product is labeled as made in Germany, or originally developed in Germany.

Full Ingredients

Water (purified), PEG-4, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb Extract, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid, Fragrance

Mederma is an onion-extract-based topical gel produced by Merz Pharmaceuticals[1] of Greensboro, North Carolina. Mederma's marketing claims it can make scars "softer, smoother, and less noticeable"[2].

Most peer reviewed research articles dispute this however.

One published peer reviewed research article indicated no statistically significant change in hypertrophic scar appearance from products of this type[3].

Though Mederma appears to do better than nothing at all[4], it does no better than cheap emollients which simply keep the skin moist.[5]

However, a 1996 study into the therapeutic values of onion and garlic found that they may act as an anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic[6] and in 2002, researchers found that Mederma improved collagen organization after injury in rabbits.[7]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mederma

testimonials
http://forums.vogue.com.au/showthread.php?t=204598
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/Mederma-t103689.html

Onions? It's made from onions? Wow ahaha I did not know that.
But thank you so much; that was very helpful.
Since dry skin is usually a cause of acne (because pores are clogged by dead skin cells), and Mederma keeps the skin moist, I guess it should be better for acne-prone skin. I just hope that it won't cause acne by making my skin too oily.

Looks interesting, I'm quite surprised with the onion ingredients.

yes, it is safe to use acne or acne prone skin.