Evidence supporting the use of: Turmeric
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

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

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various skin conditions, including acne. More recently, scientific studies have begun to investigate its efficacy in this context. The primary bioactive compound in turmeric, curcumin, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which are relevant to acne pathogenesis. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that curcumin can inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes—the bacteria implicated in acne—and reduce inflammatory markers associated with acne lesions. A few small clinical trials and pilot studies have reported improvements in acne severity with the topical or oral use of turmeric or curcumin-based formulations, often when combined with other ingredients. However, these studies are generally limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and methodological weaknesses.

Despite these limitations, the existing evidence points to a potential benefit, especially due to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory action. Turmeric is also commonly used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems to support healthy skin and treat various inflammatory skin disorders, including acne. However, more robust, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to establish its efficacy and optimal use. Currently, the scientific evidence supporting turmeric for acne is modest but growing, justifying a score of 2 out of 5.

More about turmeric
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

Other health conditions supported by turmeric

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Blood in Stool
Body Odor
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Bursitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Carbuncles
Cartilage Damage
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cysts
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diaper Rash
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diphtheria
Dislocation
Diverticulitis
Duodenal Ulcers
Dyspepsia
Edema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gangrene
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Giardia
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Glaucoma
Goiter
Gonorrhea
Gout
Halitosis
Hangover
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemochromatosis
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Jaundice (adults)
Jaundice (infants)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Knees (weak)
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Leukemia
Lice
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Lymphoma
Macular Degeneration
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Melanoma
Memory and Brain Function
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Mood Swings
Multiple Sclerosis
Mumps
Muscular Dystrophy
Nephritis
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pain (general remedies for)
Paralysis
Parasites (general)
Pets (supplements for)
Phlebitis
Pleurisy
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Polyps
Psoriasis
Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Sciatica
Scratches and Abrasions
Senility
Skin (infections)
Slivers
Snake Bite
Sprains
Staph Infections
Stiff Neck
Stye
Tendonitis

Products containing turmeric

Pure Encapsulations AI Formula
Designs For Health ArthroSoothe™
Metagenics Axis Endo™ Mango
Douglas Laboratories Ayur-Curcumin (Turmeric)
Pure Encapsulations Balanced Immune
Integrative Therapeutics Clinical Nutrients HP
Metagenics CoQ10 ST®-100 mg
Metagenics CoQ10 ST-100 mg
Metagenics CoQ10 ST-200 mg
Integrative Therapeutics Curalieve
Integrative Therapeutics Curalieve
Designs For Health Curcum-Evail® 400
Designs For Health Curcum-Evail® 400
Pure Encapsulations CurcumaSorb
Pure Encapsulations CurcumaSorb Mind
Integrative Therapeutics Curcumax Pro
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin 500 with Bioperine
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin 500 with Bioperine
Designs For Health Detox Antiox™
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Designs For Health Detoxification Support Packets
Pure Encapsulations Digestion GB
Pure Encapsulations Digestion GB
Metagenics EstroFactors®
Pure Encapsulations Glucosamine/MSM with Joint Comfort Herbs
Pure Encapsulations Glucosamine/MSM with Joint Comfort Herbs
Integrative Therapeutics Glutamine Forte Drink Mix
Metagenics Golden Fusion®
Pure Encapsulations Heartburn Essentials
Pure Encapsulations Heartburn Essentials
Designs For Health ImmunoMod-A™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Pure Encapsulations Joint Complex
Pure Encapsulations Joint Complex
Vitabase Life's Essentials Plus
Pure Encapsulations Ligament Restore
Pure Encapsulations Ligament Restore
Pure Encapsulations Lipotropic Detox
Pure Encapsulations Liver G.I. Detox
Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro
Designs For Health Migranol™
Pure Encapsulations NeuroMood Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations NeuroPure
Designs For Health OcuForce™
Douglas Laboratories Optimized Curcumin With Neurophenol™
Pure Encapsulations Phyto-4
Pure Encapsulations Phyto UltraComfort
Metagenics PhytoGanix® Tropical Fruit
Integrative Therapeutics Pro.Som
Integrative Therapeutics ProThrivers Wellness Flav Complex
Pure Encapsulations PureDefense Collagen with Bone Broth
Vitabase Quercetin Plus
Metagenics Rapid Relief
Metagenics Rapid Relief
Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate
Vitabase Super Fat Burner
Metagenics Testralin®
Integrative Therapeutics Theracumin HP
Integrative Therapeutics Theracurmin HP
Pure Encapsulations Thyroid Support Complex
Vitabase Turmeric Extract
Douglas Laboratories Turmeric Max-V
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Protein Green
Pure Encapsulations Ultra Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack
Metagenics UltraFlora® 3 in 1 Daily Probiotic
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Vitabase Vision Support
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Pure Encapsulations Women's Nutrients