Synopsis

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

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for various skin conditions, including acne. Herbalists have historically prepared tinctures, infusions, or topical washes with thyme, attributing its benefits to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The primary rationale is that thyme contains compounds such as thymol and carvacrol, which are known to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, potentially helping to reduce the population of Propionibacterium acnes (now called Cutibacterium acnes), the bacteria associated with acne. Anecdotal and ethnobotanical reports frequently mention thyme as a topical remedy for blemishes and minor skin infections. Some laboratory studies have demonstrated that thyme extracts can inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria in vitro. For example, a 2012 study from Leeds Metropolitan University found that thyme tincture was more effective at killing P. acnes than standard concentrations of benzoyl peroxide in a petri dish. However, these findings have not been robustly confirmed in well-designed clinical trials involving human subjects. Currently, thyme's use for acne is primarily justified by tradition and some preliminary laboratory evidence, but it lacks strong clinical validation. Therefore, while it is a popular ingredient in traditional and natural skincare products, the overall quality and quantity of evidence supporting its efficacy for acne treatment remains modest.

More about thyme
More about Acne

Other ingredients used for Acne

Other health conditions supported by thyme

Products containing thyme

Metagenics CandiBactin AR
Metagenics CandiBactin-AR
Integrative Therapeutics Y Formula