Evidence supporting the use of: Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

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

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) has been investigated for its potential role in treating acne, with some scientific interest but limited robust evidence. The rationale for its use is based on the role of coenzyme A, for which pantothenic acid is a precursor, in fatty acid metabolism and skin barrier function. The hypothesis is that increasing pantothenic acid intake could enhance fatty acid metabolism, possibly reducing sebum production—a key factor in acne development.

A few small clinical studies have explored high-dose pantothenic acid supplementation for acne. A notable randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 2014 (Yang et al., Dermatology and Therapy) found that participants taking 2.2 grams/day of pantothenic acid for 12 weeks experienced a significant reduction in total facial lesions compared to placebo. However, the sample size was small (n=48), and the study has not been widely replicated. Other studies are limited in size, duration, and methodological rigor, and there is a lack of large, independent trials.

While the mechanism is plausible and preliminary data are promising, the overall quality and quantity of scientific evidence remain low, and pantothenic acid supplementation for acne is not widely endorsed in clinical guidelines. More research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Thus, the evidence supporting pantothenic acid for acne rates as weak/moderate (2/5) and is primarily based on limited scientific investigation rather than tradition or widespread clinical use.

More about pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
More about Acne

Other ingredients used for Acne

15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Abrus
Ajoene
Allantoin
Allicin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
andrographolide
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
ash
Asteraceae
azelaic acid
babchi
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bee products
bee propolis
berberine
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black seed
blackboard tree
burdock
bасора
Calendula
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
carvacrol
caryophyllene
castile soap
Centipeda
chamomile
chinatree
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
chrysanthemum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
copaiba oil
cucumber
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
Dianthus
DIM (diindolylmethane)
Eclipta
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
essential oil blend
estrogen
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fatty acids
fulvic acid
gallic acid
garlic bulb
Glabridin
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycolic acid
green tea
heal-all
hemp
hemp oil
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
Himalaya berry
honey
honeysuckle
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
L-cystine
Labdanum
lactic acid
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Litsea
Mahonia
mangostin
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Momordica
Monolaurin
Monoterpenes
Morinda
Neem tree
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
Pansit-pansitan
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peptides
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
probiotics
Propolis
scrophularia root
seaweed
Self-Heal
Sesquiterpenes
shen-chu
Shikonin
Smoketree
Soapberry
Sophora
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stellaria dichotoma
Tagetes
Tea Tree Oil
Terpenoids
Terpinen-4-ol
thyme
Thymol
Thymoquinone
Tinospora cordifolia
trace minerals
Triterpenes
turmeric
Viola
Violet
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
White Tea
Witch Hazel
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol
Zinc

Other health conditions supported by pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)

Acne
Adrenal Fatigue
Burning Feet or Hands
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Hair (loss or thinning)