Open AccessAcne Supplements Sold Online
Author(s) -
Emily K. Burns,
Milbrey Parke,
Ariadna Perez-Sanchez,
Dina Zamil,
Rajani Katta
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
dermatology practical and conceptual
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2160-9381
DOI - 10.5826/dpc.1201a29
Subject(s) - acne , medicine , acne treatment , herbal supplement , internet privacy , alternative medicine , dermatology , computer science , pathology
As no centralized database of acne supplements is available, we aimed to provide an overview of these products, with a focus on safety.Objectives: The objectives of this study were to document the number, formulation, contents, and marketing strategies utilized by acne supplements sold online.Methods: An online search was conducted between March and May 2020. Products were included in the study if they used the terms: “whitehead”, “blackhead”, or “acne”. Data were extracted from the website, box, and Supplement Facts label.Results: 49 products were identified, which contained 146 unique ingredients. These included vitamins, minerals, food extracts, botanical extracts, amino acids, animal products, and distinct microbial strains. Few (4.1%) products were tested by third parties.Conclusions: This survey of acne supplements available online raised concerns regarding lack of warning labels, teratogenicity, exceedingly large levels of vitamins and minerals, and lack of third-party testing. Given the limited regulation and oversight of dietary supplements, it is imperative that physicians educate patients on the potential risks of these products.