Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A (retinyl acetate)
For the health condition: Acne
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin A and its derivatives have a scientific basis for use in acne treatment, though the primary agents are not retinyl acetate specifically, but rather retinoic acid derivatives (retinoids) such as tretinoin, adapalene, and isotretinoin. Vitamin A is essential for skin health and regulates epithelial cell growth and differentiation. Early use of orally administered vitamin A (in high doses) showed some efficacy in acne, but it was limited by toxicity and side effects. Modern acne therapy leverages synthetic retinoids, which are chemically related to vitamin A, and act by normalizing desquamation, reducing sebum production, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. Retinyl acetate is a storage form of vitamin A and is less active than retinoic acid. There is limited evidence that topical or oral retinyl acetate itself, at doses safe for human use, is effective in treating acne. Most scientific studies and clinical guidelines focus on retinoic acid derivatives rather than vitamin A esters like retinyl acetate. Therefore, while the scientific rationale for vitamin A derivatives in acne is strong, the evidence specifically for retinyl acetate is weak and not robustly supported by clinical trials or dermatological guidelines. Safety concerns also preclude the use of high-dose vitamin A supplementation for acne. In summary, while retinoids are foundational in acne therapy, the use of retinyl acetate itself is not well supported by high-quality evidence.
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 (retinyl acetate)
AcneAge Spots
Aging (prevention)
Anemia
Cuts
Diarrhea
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Infection
Measles
Night Blindness
Psoriasis