Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A (unspecified)
For the health condition: Acne
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Vitamin A has scientific validation for use in treating acne, primarily through its derivatives known as retinoids. Oral and topical retinoids, such as tretinoin, adapalene, and isotretinoin, are widely recognized and FDA-approved treatments for various forms of acne. These compounds are chemically related to vitamin A and influence cell turnover, reduce sebaceous gland activity, and possess anti-inflammatory properties. Isotretinoin, in particular, is reserved for severe or treatment-resistant acne and has demonstrated high efficacy in numerous clinical trials.
However, the use of unspecified or plain vitamin A (as opposed to its pharmaceutical derivatives) is less well studied. Some early research and case reports suggest that high-dose oral vitamin A can be effective against acne, but the therapeutic window is narrow, and the risk of toxicity (hypervitaminosis A) is significant. Because of this, retinoids are preferred due to their efficacy and more predictable safety profiles.
In summary, the scientific rationale for using vitamin A to treat acne is strong when referring to its derivatives (retinoids), which have a robust evidence base and are standard in dermatological practice. Direct use of vitamin A itself is less common due to safety concerns, but its historical use paved the way for the development of modern retinoid therapies.
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 (unspecified)
AcneAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Anemia
Burns and Scalds
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Diarrhea
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Leukemia