Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B5
For the health condition: Acne
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, has been investigated for its potential role in acne treatment, with some scientific evidence supporting its use, although the overall evidence remains limited and preliminary. The rationale stems from its role in lipid metabolism and the synthesis of coenzyme A, which is involved in fatty acid metabolism and possibly in reducing sebum production—a key factor in acne pathogenesis. A few small-scale clinical studies have reported that high doses of vitamin B5 supplementation may reduce acne lesions. For example, a 2014 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Dermatology and Therapy, 2014) observed a significant reduction in total facial acne lesions among participants who took pantothenic acid supplements compared to placebo. Earlier pilot studies also suggested potential benefits, but these were often limited by small sample sizes and lack of rigorous design.
Despite these findings, the evidence is not robust. Systematic reviews and dermatological guidelines do not currently recommend vitamin B5 as a standard treatment for acne due to insufficient high-quality, large-scale clinical trials. Side effects are generally mild but high-dose supplementation should still be approached cautiously. In summary, while there is some scientific validation for the use of vitamin B5 in acne, the level of evidence is low to moderate and more research is needed before it can be widely recommended.
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 B5
AcneBurning Feet or Hands
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cholesterol (high)
Convalescence
Cuts
Dermatitis
Energy (lack of)