Zinc for Acne
Essential trace mineral and cofactor for over 300 enzymes; supports immune cell function, wound healing, and testosterone synthesis, with topical and oral forms used for acne.
Zinc for Acne
1 of 2 results reported a benefit, from 1 published study.
1 randomised trial, 52 people · the chart counts everything measured
- 1 reported a benefit
- 1 no clear benefit
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
- Other acne spotsNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedZinc did not benefit comedones, papules, infiltrates, or cysts compared to placebo.1 randomised trial1978 study ↗
- Pus-filled spots (pustules)Reported a benefitmeasurement not reportedZinc appeared somewhat beneficial for pustules compared to placebo.1 randomised trial1978 study ↗
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultThe connection
Inflammatory skin condition causing spots, pimples, and cysts. Affects face, back, and chest.
Also known as: Zinc Picolinate, Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Citrate
Zinc × Acne: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Zinc / Acne: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| No benefit | 1 |
| Benefit | 1 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Randomised trial | 2 |
- Studies
- 1
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc sulfate in acne vulgaris. (PMID 153730) | Other acne lesions | Not reported | Not reported | 12-week |
| Zinc sulfate in acne vulgaris. (PMID 153730) | Pustules | Not reported | Not reported | 12-week |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 153730 1978 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 52Duration: 12-week | Other acne lesions | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 153730 1978 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 52Duration: 12-week | Pustules | Not reported | Benefit |
Zinc × Acne: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Dietary patterns, metabolic pathways and metainflammation in hidradenitis suppurativa: a systematic reviewCelik E, et al. · Frontiers in immunology · 2026PMID 42233037 ↗02Effect of nutritional interventions on the psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in women of reproductive age: a systematic review of randomized controlled trialsRobinson J, et al. · Nutrition reviews · 2025PMID 38684926 ↗03Safety and efficacy of antioxidant therapy in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysisZhou P, et al. · PloS one · 2024PMID 38547138 ↗04An ancestral molecular response to nanomaterial particulatesDel Giudice G, et al. · Nature nanotechnology · 2023PMID 37157020 ↗05Safety and Effectiveness of Oral Nutraceuticals for Treating Acne: A Systematic ReviewShields A, et al. · JAMA dermatology · 2023PMID 37878272 ↗06The effect of zinc supplementation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and dose-response meta‑analysis of randomized clinical trialsTalebi S, et al. · Critical reviews in food science and nutrition · 2022PMID 34184967 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.