Natural Remedies for Acne
Natural approaches to clearer skin, from tea tree oil to zinc supplements. Below you'll find evidence-based remedies that grandmothers have used for generations, now verified by modern medical research.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Did this remedy work for you?
How It Helps
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial activity against Cutibacterium acnes (the acne-causing bacterium) and anti-inflammatory properties. A 5% solution is comparable to benzoyl peroxide but with fewer side effects.
🔬 What the Research Says
A 2017 systematic review in the International Journal of Dermatology found topical tea tree oil significantly reduced acne lesions, with 5% gel being comparable in efficacy to 5% benzoyl peroxide.
[1] Tea tree oil for acne: a systematic review - International Journal of Dermatology (2017)
📋 How to Use
Dilute tea tree oil to 5% concentration (mix with carrier oil or use a pre-made 5% product). Apply to individual pimples with a cotton swab. Do not apply undiluted.
💊 Dosage
5% tea tree oil gel or diluted solution applied to affected areas twice daily.
⚠️ Side Effects & Cautions
May cause skin dryness and irritation. Always dilute. Do a patch test first. Do not ingest.
🛒 Recommended Products
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
★★★★★ 4.5 · $10-16
2. Zinc
Did this remedy work for you?
How It Helps
Zinc reduces sebum production, has anti-inflammatory effects, and supports skin healing. Oral zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce acne lesion count significantly.
🔬 What the Research Says
A 2020 meta-analysis in Dermatologic Therapy found oral zinc supplementation significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo across multiple trials.
[1] Zinc supplementation for acne: a meta-analysis - Dermatologic Therapy (2020)
📋 How to Use
Take zinc supplements with food to prevent nausea. Zinc picolinate or gluconate forms are best absorbed. Combine with copper if taking long-term.
💊 Dosage
30-45mg elemental zinc daily with food. Take with 2mg copper to prevent copper depletion.
⚠️ Side Effects & Cautions
Nausea if taken on empty stomach. Long-term use may deplete copper. Don't exceed 40mg daily without medical supervision.
🛒 Recommended Products
NOW Zinc Picolinate 50mg
★★★★★ 4.6 · $8-12
3. Aloe Vera
Did this remedy work for you?
How It Helps
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. It soothes acne inflammation, reduces redness, and promotes healing of acne scars.
🔬 What the Research Says
A 2015 study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found aloe vera gel combined with tretinoin was significantly more effective for acne than tretinoin alone, suggesting additive benefits.
[1] Aloe vera gel for the treatment of acne vulgaris - Journal of Dermatological Treatment (2015)
📋 How to Use
Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to clean skin. Can be used as a moisturizer or mixed with tea tree oil for combined benefit. Use fresh aloe or 99%+ pure gel.
💊 Dosage
Apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel twice daily to affected areas.
⚠️ Side Effects & Cautions
Rare skin sensitivity. Do a patch test first. Avoid products with added fragrance or alcohol.
🛒 Recommended Products
Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel
★★★★ 4.4 · $12-18
4. Probiotics
Did this remedy work for you?
How It Helps
The gut-skin axis links intestinal health to skin inflammation. Probiotics reduce systemic inflammation, improve gut barrier function, and may reduce acne through immune modulation.
🔬 What the Research Says
A 2018 review in Dermatology and Therapy found probiotics reduced acne lesion counts through the gut-skin axis, with both oral and topical probiotics showing benefit.
[1] Probiotics and the gut-skin axis in acne - Dermatology and Therapy (2018)
📋 How to Use
Take a multi-strain probiotic supplement daily with food. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains are most studied for skin health.
💊 Dosage
10-50 billion CFU daily of a multi-strain probiotic containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
⚠️ Side Effects & Cautions
May cause mild bloating initially. Generally very safe for long-term use.
🛒 Recommended Products
Culturelle Daily Probiotic
★★★★★ 4.6 · $18-25
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Remedies
Know Another Remedy?
Explore More Conditions
Discover natural remedies for other common health issues, all backed by scientific evidence.
Browse All ConditionsLast reviewed: February 2026