A novel oral nutraceutical may offer a safe, effective alternative for managing mild-to-moderate acne, according to a new double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

The 12-week study enrolled 102 women 18 to 50 years of age with mild-to-moderate acne and evaluated the efficacy of an oral nutraceutical combining several ingredients associated with some of the root causes of acne.

The primary outcome measurement in this study was the change in IGA at 12 weeks in active treatment vs placebo groups. Secondary endpoints included lesion counts (inflammatory and non-inflammatory) and improvement in skin parameters (investigator and patient assessment), and corneometry and sebumeter measurements.

A total of 92 women completed the study protocol (47 active, 45 placebo). All patients had a 2 or 3 IGA rating at baseline, per selection criteria. By week 12, 44% vs 13% (active vs placebo, respectively) had clear/almost clear skin (IGA 0/1)—a statistically significant difference (p<0.01). Skin parameters improved significantly overall compared to baseline and inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions significantly decreased compared to baseline in the active vs placebo groups.

“In summary, the results of this study show that the well-tolerated oral supplement significantly improves mild to moderate non-nodulocystic acne as well as other parameters of skin appearance,” write the authors. “In clinical practice, it is likely that this nutraceutical would be used in combination with other traditional therapies. Further studies exploring the effects of the oral supplement when taken in combination with conventional AV therapies would provide useful clinical insight.”

Reference: Draelos Z, Harper J, Farris PK, Hazan A, Raymond I. A 12-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial for the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Nutraceutical for Mild-to-Moderate Acne. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 May;24(5):e70220. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70220.