Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A (retinol)
For the health condition: Acne
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Vitamin A, specifically in its retinoid forms (such as retinol, tretinoin, isotretinoin), is scientifically validated for the treatment of acne. Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A and have been a cornerstone of acne therapy for decades. Topical retinoids (like tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene) and oral isotretinoin are among the most effective treatments for moderate to severe acne. Their mechanisms of action include normalization of keratinization (preventing clogged pores), anti-inflammatory effects, and reduction of sebum production, all of which directly address the pathogenesis of acne. Multiple high-quality randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses support the efficacy of both topical and systemic retinoids in reducing both non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne lesions. Oral isotretinoin, in particular, is considered a definitive treatment for severe, recalcitrant acne and can induce long-term remission. However, high-dose Vitamin A supplements (as opposed to prescription retinoids) are not recommended due to the risk of toxicity and lack of evidence for comparable efficacy. The use of Vitamin A and its derivatives for acne is thus rooted in robust scientific evidence rather than mere tradition, though proper clinical supervision is necessary due to potential side effects, especially teratogenicity. The evidence rating of 4 reflects strong support from clinical research, with the caveat that not all forms of Vitamin A are equally effective for acne.
Other ingredients used for Acne
AjoeneAloe 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 Vitamin A (retinol)
AcneAge Spots
Aging (prevention)
Anemia
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Diaper Rash
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Injuries