A newly published 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology adds to the growing body of clinical research on the role of oral nutraceuticals in addressing skin concerns. The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Nutrafol Skin, an oral supplement developed for mild-to-moderate non-nodulocystic acne in adult women.
A trial involving 102 female participants found statistically significant improvements in acne severity and overall skin quality, positioning the supplement as a potential adjunct or standalone option in the clinical management of acne.
Study overview
The trial, “A 12-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial for the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Nutraceutical for Mild-to-Moderate Acne,” enrolled women who had been washed out of all acne treatments and placed on a standardized skin care regimen. Participants were randomized to receive either Nutrafol Skin or a placebo.
As detailed in the published trial, the primary endpoint was the change in Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) scores at week 12. Results showed that “subjects taking the supplement along with the same standardized skin care regimen saw significant improvements in IGA scores,” with more achieving “clear/almost clear ratings” compared to the placebo group.
In addition to reducing acne lesions, investigators observed improvements in non-targeted skin parameters. According to the study authors, “significant improvements were reported in blinded investigator assessments for skin tone, PIE, scarring, smoothness, softness, and overall skin appearance for the active group compared to placebo.”
Only one adverse event, moderate nausea, was reported and deemed possibly related to the supplement, and the supplement was otherwise well tolerated, the authors wrote. The researchers concluded that “the oral nutraceutical significantly improves mild-to-moderate acne and overall skin health in adult women when compared to a placebo.”
Expert commentary: Dr. Isabelle Raymond
We spoke to Dr. Isabelle Raymond, PhD, Senior Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs at Nutrafol and co-author of the study, who emphasized that the company’s approach targets internal drivers of acne. “We launched Nutrafol Skin in 2024 to address one of the most persistent and confidence-impacting concerns among adult women: acne,” she explained.
“While there are countless treatments available,” she continued, “we knew there was an opportunity to go deeper—to tackle internal imbalances that drive skin health using the same proven, whole-body approach we pioneered with hair.”
During the R&D and formulation process, Dr. Raymond explained how and why the ingredients were carefully selected. “Several ingredients in Nutrafol Clear Skin are specifically chosen to target underlying causes of acne and support overall skin health,” she shared. For example, “Maca was formulated to accompany selenium, which targets normal hormonal fluctuations.”
Other ingredients include curcumin, selected to support a balanced immune response and reduce oil and skin cell buildup, alongside berberine, to promote healthy glucose metabolism for a whole-body approach to healthier skin, she added.
Additionally, she further shared that holy basil was also included to help “manage the body’s response to daily stress, and a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics supports gut health, which is closely linked to skin clarity.”
The study results indicate potential for Nutrafol Skin to complement other treatments. “We showed in our clinical studies that Nutrafol Skin can serve on its own or as an adjunctive therapy alongside existing therapies by targeting the root causes of breakouts, including stress, hormones, the microbiome, immune function, metabolism, and lifestyle,” Dr. Raymond said.
On the broader implications for the supplement industry, Dr. Raymond added, “Healthcare professionals and consumers want confidence that what they’re recommending is both safe and effective, and that’s where a robust clinical program and published clinical research becomes essential.”
She concluded that “in our experience, when a supplement is backed by peer-reviewed, placebo-controlled studies, it shifts the conversation from anecdotal support to evidence-based care.”
Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
2025, 24(5), e70220. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70220
" A 12-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial for the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Nutraceutical for Mild-to-Moderate Acne."
Authors: Draelos, Z., Harper, J., Farris, P. K., Hazan, A., & Raymond, I.
