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. 2022 Jan 1;12(1):e2022029.
doi: 10.5826/dpc.1201a29. eCollection 2022 Feb.

Acne Supplements Sold Online

Emily Burns  1 , Milbrey Parke  1 , Ariadna Perez-Sanchez  2 , Dina Zamil  1 , Rajani Katta  3
Affiliations

Acne Supplements Sold Online

Emily Burns et al. Dermatol Pract Concept. .

Abstract

Introduction: As no centralized database of acne supplements is available, we aimed to provide an overview of these products, with a focus on safety.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to document the number, formulation, contents, and marketing strategies utilized by acne supplements sold online.

Methods: An online search was conducted between March and May 2020. Products were included in the study if they used the terms: "whitehead", "blackhead", or "acne". Data were extracted from the website, box, and Supplement Facts label.

Results: 49 products were identified, which contained 146 unique ingredients. These included vitamins, minerals, food extracts, botanical extracts, amino acids, animal products, and distinct microbial strains. Few (4.1%) products were tested by third parties.

Conclusions: This survey of acne supplements available online raised concerns regarding lack of warning labels, teratogenicity, exceedingly large levels of vitamins and minerals, and lack of third-party testing. Given the limited regulation and oversight of dietary supplements, it is imperative that physicians educate patients on the potential risks of these products.

Keywords: acne supplement; diet; dietary supplement; nutrition; safety.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Example of product image of an acne supplement sold online
Figure 2
Figure 2
Example of Supplement Facts label image from an acne supplement sold online
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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