N-Acetyl Cysteine600–1200 mg · any
Tops up your body’s main antioxidant, which calms the inflammation behind breakouts.
Strong · 2 of 2 studies agreeResearch →
skin hair nails · symptom
Acne
Spots and breakouts that keep coming back.
Top proven supplements
Studied in people, at a dose you can actually buy.1Studied in people, at a dose you can actually buy.
Might help
Real research, but thin or split. Worth knowing, not worth counting on.6Real research, but thin or split. Worth knowing, not worth counting on.
Milk Thistle140–420 mg · with_food
Supports the liver in clearing hormones, on the theory that this calms skin inflammation.
Evidence · 4 of 4 studies agreeResearch →
Omega-31000–2000 mg · with_food
EPA blocks two of the chemicals that drive the inflammation in a breakout.
Evidence · 1 study, positiveResearch →
Vitamin A5000–10000 IU · with_food
Keeps skin cells shedding properly so pores do not clog, and calms oil production.
Evidence · 2 of 2 studies agreeResearch →
Vitamin B51000–2500 mg · morning
Involved in how your body handles fats, which is the basis for the claim it reduces oil.
Evidence · 1 study, positiveResearch →
Zinc30–50 mg · empty_stomach
Cuts oil production, slows the bacteria behind spots, and calms inflammation. Trials put it near low-dose antibiotics.
Evidence · 1 study, positiveResearch →
Evening Primrose Oil240–480 mg · any
Thought to steady hormone swings and shift skin oil toward a less inflammatory mix.
Evidence · 1 study, positiveResearch →
No research yet
People take these for it. We haven’t found trials we would stand behind.3People take these for it. We haven’t found trials we would stand behind.
Saw Palmetto160–320 mg · with_food
Meant to block the hormone signal that drives oil production in the skin.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
Glutathione250–500 mg · any
Meant to support the liver in clearing waste and to cut oxidative stress in skin.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
Chromium1000 mcg · with_food
No trials we can vouch forResearch →