Last update
5/1/2025

Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 17 Researches
7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 1 Review
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  1 softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
9
 
Calories from Fat
7
 
Total Fat
1 g
1%¹
Saturated Fat
0 g
0%¹
Unsaturated Fat
0.5 g
 
Trans Fat
0 g
 
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids
640 mg
+
DHA (Docosahexanoic Acid)
480 mg
 
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
104 mg
 
Other Omega-3s
56 mg
 

Top Medical Research Studies

We observed that acne is a common skin condition, particularly affecting individuals under 30. Our exploration into the role of diet revealed that nutrition significantly influences acne development. Among the various dietary components, omega-3 fatty acids stood out due to their potential anti-inflammatory properties.

The research indicates that foods rich in omega-3 can help reduce the production of inflammatory substances that may contribute to acne. Additionally, specific fatty acids, such as docosapentaenoic acid and γ-linolenic acid, have shown promise in improving acne lesions.

By integrating omega-3 into the diet, we might be able to mitigate some of the troublesome symptoms associated with acne. While the evidence is still unfolding, the link between omega-3 fatty acids and reduced acne severity offers a hopeful avenue worth considering for those battling breakouts.
Read More
9
Docosahexaenoic acid reduces acne risk
We investigated the relationship between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and the occurrence of acne. Using a method called Mendelian randomization, we looked at how genetic variations associated with DHA might influence acne development in large groups of participants, including over 115,000 individuals from the UK and nearly 364,000 of Finnish ancestry.

Our findings revealed that higher levels of DHA are actually linked to a lower risk of developing acne. Specifically, we found that a significant increase in DHA levels or its proportion compared to total fatty acids corresponded with a reduced likelihood of acne. In contrast, higher levels of linoleic acid (LA), another type of PUFA, were associated with an increased acne risk.

This suggests that balancing our intake of these fatty acids might be important for skin health. Notably, the results pointed towards a genetic connection involving the FADS1 gene, which appears to play a role in how these fatty acids affect our skin.

In conclusion, increasing DHA could be beneficial in protecting against acne, while excessive linoleic acid might have the opposite effect. Overall, our study highlights the importance of these fatty acids in understanding acne risk better.
Read More
We explored the potential benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, in treating acne. Over 16 weeks, 60 participants followed a Mediterranean diet paired with algae-derived DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation. We aimed to boost their omega-3 levels and observe any changes in their acne severity.

Remarkably, our study found that nearly all participants started with a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids. After the dietary and supplementation intervention, the average omega-3 index rose significantly, indicating improved levels of DHA and EPA. More importantly, participants experienced notable reductions in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.

While a few individuals reported that their skin appearance worsened, the collective quality of life among participants improved, especially for those with papulopustular acne. They also became more aware of dietary triggers and made healthier choices, like reducing cow's milk and dairy intake. Overall, we saw a promising link between increased omega-3 levels and improved acne outcomes.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

4
Sensitive skin response
4 people found this helpful
My skin didn't appreciate these at all. After a week of use, I developed bumps on my cheeks and forehead that resembled acne. I ceased using them, and the issue resolved. Despite this, many users may find these supplements effective.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 17 Researches
7
  • All Researches
9
Docosahexaenoic acid reduces acne risk
We investigated the relationship between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and the occurrence of acne. Using a method called Mendelian randomization, we looked at how genetic variations associated with DHA might influence acne development in large groups of participants, including over 115,000 individuals from the UK and nearly 364,000 of Finnish ancestry.

Our findings revealed that higher levels of DHA are actually linked to a lower risk of developing acne. Specifically, we found that a significant increase in DHA levels or its proportion compared to total fatty acids corresponded with a reduced likelihood of acne. In contrast, higher levels of linoleic acid (LA), another type of PUFA, were associated with an increased acne risk.

This suggests that balancing our intake of these fatty acids might be important for skin health. Notably, the results pointed towards a genetic connection involving the FADS1 gene, which appears to play a role in how these fatty acids affect our skin.

In conclusion, increasing DHA could be beneficial in protecting against acne, while excessive linoleic acid might have the opposite effect. Overall, our study highlights the importance of these fatty acids in understanding acne risk better.
Read More
We explored the potential benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, in treating acne. Over 16 weeks, 60 participants followed a Mediterranean diet paired with algae-derived DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation. We aimed to boost their omega-3 levels and observe any changes in their acne severity.

Remarkably, our study found that nearly all participants started with a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids. After the dietary and supplementation intervention, the average omega-3 index rose significantly, indicating improved levels of DHA and EPA. More importantly, participants experienced notable reductions in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.

While a few individuals reported that their skin appearance worsened, the collective quality of life among participants improved, especially for those with papulopustular acne. They also became more aware of dietary triggers and made healthier choices, like reducing cow's milk and dairy intake. Overall, we saw a promising link between increased omega-3 levels and improved acne outcomes.
Read More
We aimed to understand how omega-3 fatty acids could help manage acne by potentially changing our gut bacteria. In our study, we grouped untreated acne patients and saw how those who received omega-3 supplements fared compared to those who did not over the course of 12 weeks.

Additionally, we worked with rats that had an acne model. We treated these rats with isotretinoin, omega-3 fatty acids, or a combination of both. Afterward, we transferred the colonic contents from the treated rats to a separate group of rats with acne to further assess the impact.

By using the Global Acne Grading System to evaluate the patients, we found that omega-3 fatty acids improved the diversity of gut microbiota and positively influenced the strains of bacteria present. This resulted in decreased inflammation and fewer comedones in rats, while in patients, we noticed an increase in beneficial gut bacteria that produce butyric acid and an overall improvement in acne severity.

Our findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in alleviating acne symptoms by modifying gut bacteria, but more research is needed to isolate their specific effects from other treatments like isotretinoin.
Read More
8
Docosahexaenoic acid aids acne treatment
We conducted an interesting study to understand how docosahexaenoic acid (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) influences acne treatment. Over 10 weeks, 45 participants with mild to moderate acne were divided into three groups: one receiving omega-3 fatty acids, another taking gamma-linoleic acid, and a control group.

Remarkably, those who received omega-3 and gamma-linoleic acid experienced significant reductions in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. This improvement was reflected in participants’ personal assessments, highlighting their positive experiences with the treatment.

Additionally, we observed that laboratory tests showed decreased inflammation and a reduction in levels of interleukin-8, a marker linked to acne inflammation. Importantly, there were no serious side effects reported, which is encouraging for considering these supplements as adjunct treatments for acne.

Overall, our findings suggest that incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, like docosahexaenoic acid, may be beneficial for individuals struggling with acne, providing a natural option alongside conventional treatments.
Read More
8
Eicosapentaenoic acid shows promise
We aimed to explore the effectiveness of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) along with other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in treating acne and superficial infections caused by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus. In our investigation, we found that these fatty acids exhibited antibacterial properties, with a range of effectiveness against the two types of bacteria.

The study revealed that P. acnes showed more sensitivity to the growth-inhibiting effects of LC-PUFAs compared to S. aureus. Interestingly, while these compounds were capable of stopping P. acnes growth, they were only bactericidal, meaning they could kill S. aureus. Our findings also included the discovery of the antibacterial activity in previously unreported fatty acids such as 15-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (15-OHEPA) and 15-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (HETrE).

Additionally, we noted that when S. aureus was exposed to these fatty acids, the bacteria were effectively killed within a short timeframe, specifically between 15 to 30 minutes. Combining these LC-PUFAs with established treatments did not reduce their effectiveness and revealed potential potentiation of action, particularly in combinations with commonly used acne medications like benzoyl peroxide and neomycin.

In conclusion, our observations suggest that eicosapentaenoic acid and other LC-PUFAs may be valuable new options for treating skin infections caused by P. acnes and S. aureus, especially when used alongside conventional therapies. However, further studies are needed to fully understand their potential in clinical settings.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 1 Review
8.1
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
4
Sensitive skin response
4 people found this helpful
My skin didn't appreciate these at all. After a week of use, I developed bumps on my cheeks and forehead that resembled acne. I ceased using them, and the issue resolved. Despite this, many users may find these supplements effective.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

No FAQs are available for this product and symptom.

References

  1. Kim BR, Kim G, Jin SP, Choi CW, Kim J, et al. The causal association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and acne: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Br J Dermatol. 2025. 10.1093/bjd/ljaf052
  2. Guertler A, Neu K, Lill D, Clanner-Engelshofen B, French LE, et al. Exploring the potential of omega-3 fatty acids in acne patients: A prospective intervention study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23:3295. 10.1111/jocd.16434
  3. Jung JY, Kwon HH, Hong JS, Yoon JY, Park MS, et al. Effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid and gamma-linolenic acid on acne vulgaris: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial. Acta Derm Venereol. 2014;94:521. 10.2340/00015555-1802
  4. Aslan İ, Özcan F, Karaarslan T, Kıraç E, Aslan M. Decreased eicosapentaenoic acid levels in acne vulgaris reveals the presence of a proinflammatory state. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat. 2017;128-129:1. 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2016.12.001
  5. Desbois AP, Lawlor KC. Antibacterial activity of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus. Mar Drugs. 2013;11:4544. 10.3390/md11114544
  6. Rubin MG, Kim K, Logan AC. Acne vulgaris, mental health and omega-3 fatty acids: a report of cases. Lipids Health Dis. 2008;7:36. 10.1186/1476-511X-7-36
  7. Algarin YA, Pulumati A, Jaalouk D, Tan J, Nouri K. The role of vitamins and nutrients in rosacea. Arch Dermatol Res. 2024;316:142. 10.1007/s00403-024-02895-4
  8. Guertler A, Fiedler T, Lill D, Kuna AC, Volsky A, et al. Deficit of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Acne Patients-A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study in a German Cohort. Life (Basel). 2024;14. 10.3390/life14040519
  9. Huang Y, Liu F, Lai J, Jiang S, Tan X, et al. The adjuvant treatment role of ω-3 fatty acids by regulating gut microbiota positively in the acne vulgaris. J Dermatolog Treat. 2024;35:2299107. 10.1080/09546634.2023.2299107
  10. Shields A, Ly S, Wafae B, Chang YF, Manjaly P, et al. Safety and Effectiveness of Oral Nutraceuticals for Treating Acne: A Systematic Review. JAMA Dermatol. 2023;159:1373. 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.3949
  11. Gürtler A, Laurenz S. The impact of clinical nutrition on inflammatory skin diseases. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2022;20:185. 10.1111/ddg.14683
  12. Conforti C, Agozzino M, Emendato G, Fai A, Fichera F, et al. Acne and diet: a review. Int J Dermatol. 2022;61:930. 10.1111/ijd.15862
  13. Zainab Z, Malik NA, Obaid S, Malik S, Aftab K, et al. Effectiveness Of Oral Omega 3 In Reducing Mucocutaneous Side Effects Of Oral Isotretinoin In Patients With Acne Vulgaris. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2021;33:60.
  14. Baldwin H, Tan J. Effects of Diet on Acne and Its Response to Treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2021;22:55. 10.1007/s40257-020-00542-y
  15. Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ. The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review. J Cutan Med Surg. 2020;24:481. 10.1177/1203475420929925
  16. Mirnezami M, Rahimi H. Is Oral Omega-3 Effective in Reducing Mucocutaneous Side Effects of Isotretinoin in Patients with Acne Vulgaris?. Dermatol Res Pract. 2018;2018:6974045. 10.1155/2018/6974045
  17. Khayef G, Young J, Burns-Whitmore B, Spalding T. Effects of fish oil supplementation on inflammatory acne. Lipids Health Dis. 2012;11:165. 10.1186/1476-511X-11-165
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