Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid have been the go-to OTC remedies for many skin maladies, but both workhorse materials can give skin a workout, leaving it dry and irritated. There’s a better way to better-looking skin, insist executives at Kamedis Bio-Herbal Skin Care, an Israeli-based company that made its US debut in February at the American Academy of Dermatologists in San Diego, CA (For more on AAD, click here).

 
According to Kamedis CEO Roni Kramer, the multibillion dollar acne treatment category screams for a formula that works, but is gentle on skin. Kamedis’ offers prebiotics-based formulas for dandruff, eczema and acne.

 
“The market goes to either extreme; natural formulas that don’t work or OTC products based on benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can cause irritation or an allergic reaction,” she explained.

 
Sales of OTC acne products rose a scant 0.4% last year to nearly $580 million, according to Information Resources, Inc. (IRI). Neutrogena is the sales leader in food, drug and mass merchandisers, with a market share of nearly 30%—nearly double J&J’s No. 2 share of 15.85. Rounding out the top 5 players are private label, Reckitt Benckiser and Alberto Culver.
 
 
A Strong Lineup
 

Each Kamedis product is derived from botanicals and active OTC ingredients, based on years of scientific study that included evaluating more than 400 botanical extracts that have been known for hundreds and in some cases thousands of years for their healing properties. The company’s patented botanical combinations and unique extraction process result in products that trigger the immune system to help restore the skin’s natural balance rapidly and effectively, according to company executives. Four products made their US debut earlier this year:

 
Kamedis Calm Eczema Therapy Cream and Eczema Therapy Wash is a botanical rhubarb-based treatment for eczema including the extremely dry, irritated, itchy and/or red skin characteristic of atopic dermatitis. According to Kamedis, Calm Eczema Therapy Cream (MSRP $19.99) has been clinically proven to reduce flare-ups by 50% in two weeks and can be used on both the body and face, wrapping the skin in a protective layer that provides long-term relief. Calm Eczema Therapy Wash (MSRP $11.99) is a rich foaming gel that both cleanses and calms affected skin. A companion Calming Lotion (MSRP $9.99) soothes and moisturizes. For adults, children and babies as young as 6 months. The formulas are free from steroids, fragrances, parabens and dyes.
 

Kamedis Clear Acne Kit is composed of three companion non-drying products formulated with botanical purslane and sold together (MSRP $29.99) or individually. Clear Acne Spot Treatment (MSRP $12.99) is a powerful gel treatment that is clinically proven to deliver clearer skin in just 12 hours. Clear Acne Face Moisturizer (MSRP $16.99) helps clear up oily skin symptoms like acne while working to prevent their recurrence and foster healthy, resilient skin. Clear Acne Face Cleanser ($9.99) is a lightly foaming, oil-free face wash that works to maintain a clear complexion. The formulas, for adults and children as young as 10, are free from steroids, benzoyl peroxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens and dyes.

 
Kamedis Control Dandruff Therapy Shampoo and Scalp Lotion is formulated for dandruff-related skin symptoms including flaky, itchy, irritated and red scalp. Formulated with botanical soapberry, Control Dandruff Therapy Shampoo (MSRP $14.99) has been clinically proven to reduce dandruff by 50% in just two weeks and can be used by adults and children 3 and older, according to company executives. Control Scalp Lotion (MSRP $12.99) is an overnight, leave-on cream that provides quick relief for adults, children and babies as young as 6 months. The shampoo and scalp lotion are free from steroids, sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, tar and dyes.

 
All products are manufactured in the US, dermatology-tested, and sold online at https://kamedis-usa.com. They will soon be available at Amazon, Natural Partners and Emerson Ecologics as well as select retailers around the country.
 

If the products are as effective as Kamedis executives boast, the question becomes, what took Kamedis so long to make its US debut? Kramer explained that the US is a huge, difficult market. Since Kamedis is based in Tel Aviv, it made sense that Europe would be the company’s first foray outside Israel.

 
Perfect Timing
 

“Now is the perfect time to enter the US,” insisted Kramer. “There is strong demand for effective, natural solutions. But there are limited options on the market in our categories.”

 
R&D director Yonit Bomstein, PhD, explained that Kamedis’ patented extraction process ensures the efficacy of ingredients.
 

“We formulate products based on Traditional Chinese Medicine; it’s the percentage of actives in the formulas, as well as how we put them all together,” said Bomstein. “It is the right combination (4-12%) of actives that makes our products different from what is on the market. Our products are safe, because of the low concentration.”
 
 
According to company executives, these whole-plant materials contain multiple ingredients that work with each other and the skin in ways far more complex than any synthetic drug can. The company’s patented extraction process produces a potent concentration of botanicals that restores the skin to its natural balance without the side effects of conventional products.
 
 
Company executives are quick to note that the formulas were tested for efficacy by Zoe Draelos, MD. They also told Happi that a product for psoriasis will debut in the second half of 2018.