Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B2 (mixed)
For the health condition: Seborrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, has traditionally been used to help manage a variety of skin conditions, including seborrhea (seborrheic dermatitis). The rationale for its use stems from early 20th-century observations that deficiencies in various B vitamins could lead to skin disorders characterized by scaling, redness, and inflammation—features also seen in seborrhea. Some early clinical reports and case series suggested that supplementation with B2, often in combination with other B vitamins, could improve seborrheic dermatitis symptoms, especially in individuals with demonstrable vitamin deficiencies. However, these reports predate modern understanding of the disease and its multifactorial etiology (including fungal involvement and genetic predisposition).
Despite these historical uses, there is limited contemporary scientific evidence to support the efficacy of riboflavin supplementation in treating seborrhea, except in cases where a deficiency is present. Modern clinical trials specifically examining B2 supplementation for seborrhea are lacking. Therefore, while the use of vitamin B2 for seborrhea is rooted in tradition and early clinical impressions, it does not have strong scientific validation outside of deficiency states. Supplementation is generally only considered if a patient is at risk for or is shown to have riboflavin deficiency.
Other ingredients used for Seborrhea
aloe veraomega-3 fatty acids
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
vitamin B6
zinc
Azelaic acid
Alpha Hydroxy Acids