The Effects of L-ascorbic Acid on Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin Phosphate, and Tretinoin
The objective of the experiment was to determine whether the addition of L-ascorbic acid into a pre-existing acne medication would boost its effectiveness and kill more bacteria. The research conducted is on a relevant topic, since skin care is a multibillion dollar industry, with millions of consumers relying on it. Finding a cheap, easy way to boost the effectiveness of medications could save consumers money, and give companies a competitive edge. The process of testing this involved growing a petri dish of Escherichia coli and introducing the various treatments by placing coffee filter disks soaked in treatment onto the surface of the bacteria. Six different treatments were tested. Each of three medications were used: Clindamycin Phosphate, Benzoyl Peroxide, and Tretinoin. Each was tested with and without L-ascorbic acid mixed into them. After a day had passed, the longest radius of the area of dead bacteria around the disk, the zone of inhibition, was measured. The results of the experiment determined that the Clindamycin Phosphate with L-ascorbic acid added into it produced the best results, meaning that it killed the most bacteria.
Research Done By:
Martin Alyass
CousinoHigh School
Kevin Stadler
CousinoHigh Schoo
Warren Consolidated Schools