Evidence supporting the use of: Polyphenols (unspecified)
For the health condition: Acne

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Polyphenols are a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Their use in acne management is supported primarily by emerging scientific studies rather than long-standing traditional use. Several laboratory and small clinical studies have investigated polyphenol-rich extracts—such as green tea (epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG), resveratrol (from grapes), and curcumin (from turmeric)—for their potential to reduce sebum production, decrease inflammation, and inhibit the growth of Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria involved in acne pathogenesis.

Topical formulations containing polyphenols, especially green tea extracts, have shown some efficacy in reducing acne lesions and oiliness in small randomized controlled trials. For example, a study using a 2% green tea lotion noted a statistically significant reduction in acne lesions. The proposed mechanisms include downregulation of inflammatory pathways and antioxidant activity that may counteract oxidative stress in the skin. However, evidence is still limited by small sample sizes, short duration, and variability in polyphenol type and concentration used.

Oral supplementation with polyphenols has less robust evidence and is not widely recommended for acne at this time. Overall, while there is scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence for polyphenols in acne treatment, more large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and determine optimal formulations and dosages.

More about Polyphenols (unspecified)
More about Acne

Other ingredients used for Acne

Ajoene
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
berberine
bisabolol
black cumin
burdock
bасора
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
DIM (diindolylmethane)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
evening primrose oil
garlic bulb
green tea
hemp oil
honeysuckle
L-cystine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
monolaurin
niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phenolic compounds
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
tomato
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
seaweed
zinc
shen-chu
neem tree
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
chrysanthemum
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
fulvic acid
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Ash
Apple Cider Vinegar
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Allicin
Abrus
Andrographolide
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Allantoin
Asteracea
Argan nut oil
Anemarrhena
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Banyan
Bee products
Bassia scoparia
Coconut
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Chlorophyllin
Carvacrol
Curcuminoid
Chinese Raisintree
Curcumen
Centipeda
Curcuma
Chinatree
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Clerodendrum indicum
Cannabichromene
Cannabigerol
Dianthus
Eclipta
Essential Oil Blend
Evening Primrose Oil
Ethyl Linoleate
Eugenol
Estrogen
Fatty acids
Gallic Acid
Glycolic acid
Glyceryl monolaurate
Glabridin
Honey
Heal-All
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Himalaya Berry
Hemp
Isatis
Immortelle
Indian Fagonia
Jojoba Oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
Lactobacillus plantarum
Litsea
Lactic Acid
Lactobacillus
Labdanum
Melia
Monoterpenes
Mangostin
Momordica
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Nigella Seed
Propolis
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Phlorotannins
Probiotics
Pansit-pansitan
Peptides
Sophora
Sesquiterpenes
Shikonin
Self-Heal
Soapberry
Stellaria dichotoma
Sulfur
Smoketree
Terpenoids
Thymoquinone
Terpinen-4-ol
Triterpenes
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Tagetes
Violet
Viola
White Tea
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Xanthorrhizol

Products containing Polyphenols (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.