Evidence supporting the use of: Terpenoids
For the health condition: Acne
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Terpenoids, also known as isoprenoids, are a large and diverse class of naturally occurring organic chemicals derived from terpenes. Several terpenoids have demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, which are relevant to acne pathogenesis. Notably, some essential oils containing terpenoids (e.g., tea tree oil, which contains terpinen-4-ol) have been studied for their ability to reduce Propionibacterium acnes (now Cutibacterium acnes) colonization and skin inflammation. Clinical studies have shown that topical application of tea tree oil can modestly improve mild to moderate acne, with efficacy comparable to some standard treatments and generally fewer adverse effects.
Other terpenoids, such as those found in thyme and oregano oils (e.g., carvacrol and thymol), also possess antibacterial properties against acne-related bacteria. However, most evidence comes from in vitro studies or small-scale clinical trials, and the precise mechanisms and optimal formulations remain areas of ongoing research. While some terpenoids are used in traditional remedies for skin disorders, the contemporary evidence base, though limited, provides moderate scientific validation for certain terpenoid-rich products in the adjunctive management of acne. Larger, well-controlled clinical trials are needed to further clarify their efficacy and safety profiles.
Other ingredients used for Acne
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone IAbrus
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
Other health conditions supported by Terpenoids
Abdominal PainAcne
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Dandruff
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
