Evidence supporting the use of: Lactobacillus rhamnosus
For the health condition: Acne

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a probiotic bacterium, has been studied for its potential benefits in managing acne, although the evidence remains preliminary. The rationale for its use is rooted in the relationship between the gut microbiome, immune modulation, and skin health—a concept known as the gut-skin axis. In vitro and some in vivo studies have demonstrated that L. rhamnosus can influence systemic inflammation, modulate immune responses, and improve the integrity of the gut barrier, which may indirectly benefit skin conditions such as acne.

Several small clinical trials and pilot studies have suggested that oral supplementation with probiotics, including L. rhamnosus, may reduce inflammation and lesion counts in individuals with acne. For example, a randomized controlled trial (Fabbrocini et al., 2016) found that a multi-strain probiotic supplement containing L. rhamnosus improved clinical outcomes in patients with acne vulgaris over 12 weeks. The proposed mechanisms include decreasing systemic inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and possibly altering sebum production via modulation of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling.

However, the direct evidence for L. rhamnosus alone as a treatment for acne is limited. Most available studies use mixed probiotic formulations, and sample sizes are small. There is a need for larger, well-controlled clinical trials to establish efficacy and optimal dosing. Therefore, while there is a scientific basis and some early clinical support for its use, the evidence remains modest (rated 2/5).

More about lactobacillus rhamnosus
More about Acne