Trace minerals, particularly zinc, have been studied for their potential role in supporting or treating acne. Zinc is the most researched trace mineral in this context. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that both oral and topical zinc may help reduce the severity and number of acne lesions, likely due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and sebum-regulating properties. For example, a 2014 meta-analysis in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that zinc supplementation produced modest improvements in acne, especially in individuals with lower baseline zinc levels. Other trace minerals such as selenium and copper have less direct evidence, though selenium’s antioxidant properties are sometimes theorized to be beneficial for skin health, including acne, but robust clinical evidence is lacking.

Despite some promising results, the overall quality of evidence is moderate at best, with studies varying in dosage, formulation, and participant characteristics. Most dermatology guidelines recognize zinc as a possible adjunct, particularly for patients unable to tolerate traditional acne medications. However, the evidence for other trace minerals is much less compelling, and there is little support for the use of multi-trace mineral supplements specifically for acne beyond zinc. Therefore, while there is some scientific basis—primarily for zinc—the evidence overall remains limited, warranting a rating of 2 out of 5.