Zinc and Acne
Does zinc help acne?
Reduced inflamed pimples in trials; talk to a clinician first
Partly. A meta-analysis found people with acne had lower blood zinc, and those treated with zinc had fewer inflamed pimples than those who were not. Stomach upset has been reported, and amounts and duration vary between studies, so speak to a doctor or pharmacist before trying it.
What the meta-analysis found
A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis compared blood zinc in people with and without acne, and pooled trials of zinc treatment. People with acne had lower serum zinc. Treated groups improved more on inflammatory papule counts, whether zinc was used alone or alongside other treatment. Overall side effects did not differ significantly from comparison groups.
The wider review
A 2023 systematic review of randomised trials of oral nutraceuticals found a possible role for some supplements in acne, did not list zinc among those showing benefit, reported gastrointestinal side effects with zinc, and stressed that many trials were small.
What this page does not do
It does not suggest an amount, because amounts and forms differ between trials and the right choice depends on you. Lower blood zinc in acne is an association and does not mean low zinc caused acne. Ask a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are pregnant or taking other medicines.
What trials found about supplements
This reports study results only. It does not suggest taking anything or an amount, because the right choice depends on you. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you are pregnant or take other medicines.
Zinc
Some evidenceZinc treatment reduced inflammatory papule counts compared with no zinc in a meta-analysis, alone or alongside other treatment. Gastrointestinal side effects were reported in another review.
Questions people ask
We did not find a trial testing zinc-rich foods for acne. The evidence on this page is about zinc treatment.
Research
Selected studies and reviews on zinc and acne. Each link opens the abstract on PubMed. This is background reading, not a substitute for advice from a dermatologist.
- Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Yee BE et al. Dermatol Ther, 2020 · PMID 32860489Note: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Safety and Effectiveness of Oral Nutraceuticals for Treating Acne: A Systematic Review.Shields A et al. JAMA Dermatol, 2023 · PMID 37878272Note: Systematic review of oral nutraceuticals for acne.
General information, not dietary or medical advice. These guides describe what studies found and how strong the evidence is. Talk to a doctor or dietitian if you have a condition, are pregnant or are changing your diet or supplements.