Acne

A skin condition characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, and cysts. A medically significant concern requiring careful product selection.

Understanding evidence levels
In VitroCell or tissue culture experiments — no human or animal data.
Ex VivoSkin model or tissue experiments — not in living humans.
Animal StudyResults in animals only — may or may not translate to humans.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study — preliminary results.
Controlled TrialControlled human study (often randomized) — stronger evidence.
Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.
Meta-AnalysisStatistical pooling of results from multiple studies.
GuidelineProfessional guidance or consensus statement from a dermatology society.

Research findings(657)

Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.PeptidesPublished: June 5, 2026

EGFR Inhibitors May Affect Skin Barrier Function and Microbiome

Researchers studied how epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) affect the skin in patients with solid cancers. They found that EGFRIs may compromise the skin's barrier function and alter the levels of certain antimicrobial peptides. The study also suggests that EGFRIs may change the types of bacteria living on the skin.

Why it matters: Understanding how EGFRIs affect the skin may help doctors and patients manage side effects and develop new treatments for skin problems.

This study involved a small number of patients and had a limited follow-up period of up to 48 weeks.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.TretinoinPublished: June 5, 2026

Isotretinoin Dosing for Acne Varies Widely Among Dermatologists

Researchers studied how dermatologists prescribe isotretinoin for acne and found that dosing varies widely. They looked at data from over 9,500 patients and found that some patients received higher or lower doses than others. The study suggests that there may be room for improvement in prescribing practices.

Why it matters: Understanding isotretinoin dosing variability may help improve acne treatment and ensure equitable care for patients.

This study was a retrospective cohort study, which means it looked back at existing data rather than conducting a new experiment. The study only included patients from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, which may limit its generalizability to other populations.

PubMed
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: June 5, 2026

Cinnamic Acid Bigel May Help Reduce Acne Inflammation

Researchers studied a new topical treatment for acne that combines cinnamic acid with a bigel system. They found that this treatment may help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause acne. The study was conducted in a lab and involved animal studies.

Why it matters: This research may lead to new treatments for acne that are more effective and have fewer side effects.

This study was conducted in a lab and involved animal studies, so its results may not translate to humans. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.Published: June 4, 2026

Oral probiotics and topical secretome may help acne treatment

Researchers studied whether oral probiotics and topical secretome can help treat acne vulgaris. A small group of patients with mild to moderate acne received either standard therapy with or without these treatments. The study aims to see if they can improve skin health and reduce inflammation.

Why it matters: This study may provide insights into alternative treatments for acne, which could help reduce antibiotic resistance.

A small study with 64 patients, short duration of 8 weeks, and limited secondary outcomes.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Published: June 4, 2026

Common Skin Conditions in Rural India: A Study of Dermatoses and Treatment Adherence

Researchers studied the types of skin conditions and treatment adherence in a rural health center in North India. They found that dermatophytic infections, eczema, scabies, acne, and pigmentary diseases were common. However, many patients did not follow up with treatment as prescribed.

Why it matters: This study highlights the need for improved dermatology services in rural areas, where access to care may be limited.

This study had a relatively small sample size of 538 participants, and the study duration was approximately six months. The study's findings may not be generalizable to other rural areas or populations.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.Published: June 3, 2026

New Study Examines Skin Infection Risk in Atopic Dermatitis Patients

Researchers studied the risk of skin infections in patients with atopic dermatitis who used different topical medications. They found that patients using difamilast had a slightly higher risk of skin infections compared to those using other medications. However, the study's results are uncertain and more research is needed.

Why it matters: This study may help skincare professionals understand the potential risks of different topical medications for atopic dermatitis patients.

This study used Japanese claims data from June 2022 to June 2023 and included 107,854 eligible patients. The study's results may not be generalizable to other populations or settings.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.RetinolPublished: June 3, 2026

New Strategies for Reducing Acne-Induced Hyperpigmentation

Researchers studied acne-induced hyperpigmentation, a common side effect of acne, and found that it can persist for months or years. They identified risk factors and treatment options, including topical agents and systemic therapies. More research is needed to develop standardized assessment tools.

Why it matters: Understanding and managing acne-induced hyperpigmentation may help improve the quality of life for individuals affected by acne.

This study did not address the effectiveness of all potential treatments, and more research is needed to develop standardized assessment tools for acne-induced hyperpigmentation.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.TretinoinPublished: June 1, 2026

Combination Treatment May Help Reduce Acne Symptoms

A small study looked at the combination of clascoterone cream and adapalene gel to treat acne. Researchers found that this combination may help reduce acne symptoms, including inflammation and lesion counts, and improve quality of life for patients. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Why it matters: Understanding effective treatments for acne can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their skin health.

This was a small, open-label pilot study with a short duration (16 weeks) and a small sample size (20 patients).

PubMed
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.PeptidesPublished: June 1, 2026

Lactobacillus gasseri proteins may help reduce acne inflammation and sebum production

Researchers studied the potential benefits of proteins from Lactobacillus gasseri on acne. They found that these proteins may help reduce inflammation and sebum production in lab experiments and animal studies. The proteins showed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and may also help protect the skin barrier.

Why it matters: This research could lead to a better understanding of how to manage acne symptoms and improve skin health.

This study was conducted in a lab and using animal models, and more research is needed to confirm its findings in humans. The study's results may not translate directly to human skin or acne conditions.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Benzoyl PeroxidePublished: June 1, 2026

Combination Treatment May Help Reduce Acne Symptoms

A small study looked at the combination of clascoterone cream 1% and clindamycin 1.2%/benzoyl peroxide 5% gel to treat acne in 9 patients. Researchers found that after 16 weeks, all patients had clear or almost clear skin, and there were significant reductions in acne lesions and symptoms. However, this was a small study, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Why it matters: Understanding effective treatments for acne may help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

This study had a small sample size of 9 patients and was an open-label pilot study, meaning that the researchers knew which treatment the patients were receiving. More research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the long-term effects of this combination treatment.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.RetinolPublished: June 1, 2026

New Acne Treatment May Help Reduce Inflammation and Improve Skin Appearance

A small study of 40 patients with moderate-to-severe acne found that a topical treatment combining retinol and site-specific salicylic acid may help reduce inflammation and improve skin appearance. The treatment was applied for 12 weeks and showed significant improvements in acne severity and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Why it matters: This study may contribute to the development of more effective acne treatments and improve our understanding of how to manage skin inflammation and appearance.

This study had a small sample size and a short duration of 12 weeks.

PubMed
In VitroCell or tissue culture experiments. No human or animal data.Published: May 30, 2026

Zinc oxide nanoparticles made from plant extract may help treat acne and skin infections

Researchers used a plant extract to create zinc oxide nanoparticles, which they tested for their ability to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. The nanoparticles were incorporated into various skincare products, including a nanogel, soap, and serum. The study found that these particles had strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Why it matters: This research may lead to the development of more sustainable and natural skincare products that address antibiotic resistance and synthetic chemical toxicity.

This study was conducted in a lab setting and tested on bacteria, not human skin. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating acne and skin infections in humans.

PubMed