Polyphenols are a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds found in plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, tea, and cocoa. Their potential role in acne management has been explored in scientific literature due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Several in vitro and small-scale clinical studies suggest that certain polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea and resveratrol from grapes, may inhibit the growth of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), the bacteria implicated in acne pathogenesis. Additionally, polyphenols can modulate inflammatory pathways involved in acne development.

For example, topical green tea extracts (rich in catechins, a type of polyphenol) have shown modest efficacy in reducing sebum production and lesion counts in small clinical trials. However, the quality of evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and variability in polyphenol preparations. Oral supplementation with polyphenol-rich extracts (such as from tea or pomegranate) has also been studied, but results remain inconclusive and larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed.

In summary, there is preliminary scientific evidence suggesting that polyphenols may have beneficial effects in acne management, primarily due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. However, the overall strength of evidence is low to moderate (rated 2 out of 5), and polyphenols are not considered first-line or standalone treatments for acne.