Physical Health

Acne

About Acne — Physical Health.

Inflammatory skin condition causing spots, pimples, and cysts. Affects face, back, and chest.

1studies analysed

1compounds with evidence

Randomised trialstrongest evidence

Where research is strongest

Zinc 22

Add your outcome — free & pseudonymous

Tried something for Acne? Share how it went — only ever published as part of a group of 10+.

2linked compounds

13linked studies

0published community reports

Results By the numbers Community Research Compounds

Headline results for Acne.

Figures as the studies reported them.

Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.

Zinc

1 of 2 results reported a benefit

1 randomised trial, 52 people

Other acne spotsNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedZinc did not benefit comedones, papules, infiltrates, or cysts compared to placebo.1 randomised trial1978 study ↗

No figure given: Pus-filled spots (pustules) (reported a benefit).

Every result

Where the evidence is concentrated.

Published research

Acne: findings by compound

What this means: Bars count reported findings, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.

One study may report several findings or appear in more than one pairing. Counts do not show the size of an effect. Comparable numerical estimates are not established for this summary.

View the full data table

Published research: reported directions by pairing
Compound and condition	Findings (count)	Studies (count)	Reported results (finding counts)	How sure?
Zinc	2	1	Benefit: 1; no benefit: 1; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded

Degree of benefit for Acne

Strongest evidence first.

Published research: Acne. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Compound	Study designs	Reported findings
ZincResearch score 22/100 · Mixed/Weak	1 randomised trial — 1 study	1/2 outcomes showed benefit Other acne lesionsNo clear benefit found — measurement not reportedno benefit1978 study ↗ Exact figures n=52 · Follow-up: 12-week · Sample (as reported): 52 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Zinc sulfate in acne vulgaris. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 153730 PustulesReported a benefit — measurement not reportedbenefit1978 study ↗ Exact figures n=52 · Follow-up: 12-week · Sample (as reported): 52 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Zinc sulfate in acne vulgaris. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 153730

Important: This page reflects observational, aggregate-only community reporting and independent published research. It is not medical advice, and it does not claim any compound treats, cures, or is effective for any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or treatment.

No community reports published yet.

We publish acne results only once at least 10 people report on the same compound, so no individual report is ever shown.

Zinc
Research saysResearch score 22/100 · Mixed/Weak1 of 1 study reported at least one benefit
People reportNot published yet — needs 10 or more reports