Dermatology Residents Show Gains After Targeted Topical Formulation Education

A small survey-based study found that dermatology residents from 3 training programs reported limited formal education in topical vehicle formulation science, but showed improved comfort, confidence, and knowledge after a targeted educational intervention.

The study evaluated residents who attended the inaugural “Lab-to-Label: Science and Clinical Application in Sunscreen and Cosmeceutical Vehicles” conference. The intervention combined didactic lectures, panel discussions, and hands-on product evaluation. Content covered skin structure and function, topical vehicle chemistry, over-the-counter product categories and ingredients, FDA regulations, formulation considerations in acne and sunscreen therapy, and the role of social media in patient education.

Among 22 residents present, 17 completed both the pre- and post-conference surveys, for a 77% response rate. Most respondents, 81.8%, said they had received no formal training in cosmetic chemistry or topical vehicle formulation. Prior to the conference, only 13.6% of residents reported feeling very comfortable discussing topical vehicle formulations, while 31.8% said they felt somewhat comfortable.

After the intervention, residents demonstrated improvement across comfort, confidence, and objective knowledge domains, according to the authors. The study also found gains in foundational knowledge related to active ingredients and common OTC dermatologic product categories, including sunscreen and acne topicals. The authors said these findings support the value of structured education on topical vehicles and OTC products during residency.

“This study reinforces something dermatologists see every day in practice: the ingredients matter, but how they’re formulated often determines whether a product actually works for patients,” said Adam Friedman, senior author and Professor and Chair of Dermatology at George Washington University, said in a press release. “Understanding OTC formulation science helps dermatologists make better recommendations and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”

Source: March 17, 2026. GW Press release

Zarabian N, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2026;25(4):9802.