Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Acne Vulgaris
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) | Apply 4% gel twice per day |  [3 stars] In a double-blind trial, applying a topical 4% niacinamide gel twice daily for two months significantly improved acne. |
Tea Tree | Apply 5% oil twice per day | [3 stars] Although tea tree oil is slower and less potent than benzoyl peroxide, it has been shown to improve acne with far fewer side effects. |
Zinc | 60 to 90 mg daily | [3 stars] Several double-blind trials indicate that taking zinc reduces acne severity. Long-term use requires 1 to 2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency.
|
Guggul | 500 mg extract twice per day |  [2 stars] A controlled trial found that guggul(Commiphora mukul) compared favorably to tetracycline in treating cystic acne. |
Burdock | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Tonic herbs such as burdock are believed to have a cleansing action when taken internally and have been used historically to treat skin conditions. |
Pantothenic Acid | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In a preliminary trial, taking panthothenic acid supplements and applying atopical cream improved moderate acne in two months and severe acne within six months.
|
Vitamin A | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Under medical supervision, large quantities of vitamin A have been used successfully to treat severe acne. However, the acne typically returns after treatment is discontinued. |
Vitamin B6 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] While not proven in research, some reports suggest that it may alleviate adolescent and premenstrual acne, however, another report has suggested that it might make acne worse. |
Vitex (Premenstruation) | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Some older, preliminary research suggests that vitex might help clear premenstrual acne, possibly by regulating hormonal influences. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.