Evidence supporting the use of: Garlic bulb
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Garlic bulb (Allium sativum) has been traditionally used in various cultures for its medicinal properties, including as a remedy for skin ailments like acne. Historical records, particularly in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, describe garlic’s topical and dietary use for promoting skin health, reducing inflammation, and fighting infections. The rationale behind its use rests on garlic’s well-documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds, most notably allicin, which has demonstrated some ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes (now Cutibacterium acnes), a key player in acne development.

Despite its longstanding traditional use, scientific evidence for garlic’s efficacy in treating acne specifically is limited and largely preclinical. While laboratory studies confirm that garlic extracts can inhibit acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammatory responses in vitro, there are few high-quality clinical trials evaluating garlic (either topically or orally) for acne in humans. Most available evidence is anecdotal or extrapolated from garlic’s general antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Potential risks, such as skin irritation or allergic reactions with topical use, also need consideration.

In summary, garlic’s use for acne is primarily supported by tradition and plausible biological mechanisms rather than robust clinical evidence. It remains a popular folk remedy, but more rigorous studies are needed before it can be recommended as an evidence-based treatment for acne.

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Other ingredients used for Acne

15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Abrus
Ajoene
Allantoin
Allicin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
andrographolide
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
ash
Asteraceae
azelaic acid
babchi
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bee products
bee propolis
berberine
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black seed
blackboard tree
burdock
bасора
Calendula
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
carvacrol
caryophyllene
castile soap
Centipeda
chamomile
chinatree
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
chrysanthemum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
copaiba oil
cucumber
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
Dianthus
DIM (diindolylmethane)
Eclipta
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
essential oil blend
estrogen
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fatty acids
fulvic acid
gallic acid
garlic bulb
Glabridin
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycolic acid
green tea
heal-all
hemp
hemp oil
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
Himalaya berry
honey
honeysuckle
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
L-cystine
Labdanum
lactic acid
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Litsea
Mahonia
mangostin
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Momordica
Monolaurin
Monoterpenes
Morinda
Neem tree
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
Pansit-pansitan
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peptides
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
probiotics
Propolis
scrophularia root
seaweed
Self-Heal
Sesquiterpenes
shen-chu
Shikonin
Smoketree
Soapberry
Sophora
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stellaria dichotoma
Tagetes
Tea Tree Oil
Terpenoids
Terpinen-4-ol
thyme
Thymol
Thymoquinone
Tinospora cordifolia
trace minerals
Triterpenes
turmeric
Viola
Violet
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
White Tea
Witch Hazel
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol
Zinc