Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 5 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 7 Reviews
8.3
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
N-acetyl-L-cysteine
600 mg
**

Top Medical Research Studies

8
Acetylcysteine effective for acne
We conducted a rigorous double-blind study to investigate the effect of a 5% acetylcysteine topical gel on grade I acne. With 99 participants, we aimed to see if this treatment could help reduce the number of comedones, which are those pesky clogged pores often seen in acne.

The results were promising. Our analysis showed that acetylcysteine significantly outperformed a placebo, with a statistical significance of P = .04. Both male and female participants benefited similarly, lending confidence to these findings.

This evidence suggests that acetylcysteine is a strong contender as a therapeutic option for those dealing with mild to moderate acne. The study underscores a potential new method for managing acne that could be appealing to many seeking effective treatments.
Read More
8
NAC's potential in acne treatment
Our investigation focused on the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for treating acne vulgaris, a common skin condition that impacts people of all backgrounds. We explored the potential benefits of NAC given its role as an antioxidant and its ability to combat oxidative stress in the body, which is increasingly recognized as a factor in acne development.

Through our review of extensive clinical studies, we found that NAC could influence several key factors in acne formation. These include decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines, reducing bacterial colonization, and promoting detoxification processes by enhancing glutathione levels. In essence, we observed NAC’s multifaceted approach to mitigate the complications associated with acne.

Importantly, our findings highlighted NAC’s effectiveness not just in treating acne, but also in addressing related comorbidities. With its demonstrated antibacterial properties and potential anti-inflammatory effects, NAC offers a promising alternative or complement to traditional acne treatments, especially in light of rising antibiotic resistance.

Therefore, we believe that N-acetylcysteine stands out as a valuable option for people seeking to manage acne vulgaris and its associated challenges, proving its worth for further exploration in clinical use.
Read More
We examined the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine as a treatment for acne based on a review of clinical trials. This involved a thorough search of the PubMed database along with a manual review of referenced studies published between 1966 and 2017.

N-acetylcysteine proved to be a viable option for various dermatologic conditions, including acne vulgaris. The review highlighted its potential benefits, stating that it may aid in reducing symptoms.

Overall, the findings suggest that N-acetylcysteine can be a safe and tolerable choice for treating acne, showing effective results for patients seeking new therapeutic options.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
NAC for severe acne
34 people found this helpful
Due to a severe acne problem, I was prescribed Accutane, which cleared the acne but left me deeply depressed. A friend recommended NAC, and it’s significantly improved my mood. I had felt hopeless for six months, so the relief now feels incredibly refreshing. This truly works for me.
Read More
9
Supports acne treatment
Great for achieving healthy, acne-free skin and strong nails! As recommended by my doctor, I incorporate it into my anti-acne routine. It helps maintain skin texture by protecting it from oxidation and regulating oil glands while making my skin look more even and brighter. It's better than glutathione.
Read More
7.5
Effective against acne
I usually purchase another brand’s NAC product. However, this brand’s NAC was linked on a website I trust, so I decided to try it since it's much cheaper than my regular brand. It helps with my acne.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 5 Researches
7.8
  • All Researches
8
NAC's role in acne treatment
We aimed to explore the effectiveness of various non-antibiotic agents, including N-acetylcysteine (NAC), in treating acne vulgaris. Our study involved forty-eight patients aged between 16 and 30, each presenting with different severity levels of acne. We specifically focused on understanding how NAC, along with isotretinoin and salicylic acid, can combat the bacteria responsible for acne, known as Cutibacterium acnes.

As part of our research, we assessed the sensitivity of the bacteria to antibiotics like azithromycin and doxycycline both before and after introducing these three agents. Interestingly, we found that the sensitivity of C. acnes to these antibiotics improved, and the bacteria's ability to form biofilms was reduced after treatment with NAC and the other agents.

While NAC showed promise in this combination treatment, it was difficult to isolate its specific impact since it was studied alongside isotretinoin and salicylic acid. Overall, we believe that including n-acetylcysteine can be a valuable part of acne treatment strategies, contributing positively to reducing bacterial resistance and biofilm formation.
Read More
8
NAC's potential in acne treatment
Our investigation focused on the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for treating acne vulgaris, a common skin condition that impacts people of all backgrounds. We explored the potential benefits of NAC given its role as an antioxidant and its ability to combat oxidative stress in the body, which is increasingly recognized as a factor in acne development.

Through our review of extensive clinical studies, we found that NAC could influence several key factors in acne formation. These include decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines, reducing bacterial colonization, and promoting detoxification processes by enhancing glutathione levels. In essence, we observed NAC’s multifaceted approach to mitigate the complications associated with acne.

Importantly, our findings highlighted NAC’s effectiveness not just in treating acne, but also in addressing related comorbidities. With its demonstrated antibacterial properties and potential anti-inflammatory effects, NAC offers a promising alternative or complement to traditional acne treatments, especially in light of rising antibiotic resistance.

Therefore, we believe that N-acetylcysteine stands out as a valuable option for people seeking to manage acne vulgaris and its associated challenges, proving its worth for further exploration in clinical use.
Read More
8
Combined therapy improves acne in PCOS
The study focused on the impact of a combination therapy that included n-acetyl-l-cysteine on acne in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). After 12 weeks of treatment, we observed notable improvements not just in acne, but also in other symptoms like menstrual irregularities and hirsutism among the participants.

What stands out is that both obese and lean participants experienced positive changes. While we noted a significant reduction in body weight and BMI among obese women, lean women maintained their weight but still benefited from the overall improvements. The comprehensive approach of combining insulin sensitizers, antioxidants, and vitamins seemed promising for managing PCOS and its related symptoms.

It's important to highlight that since n-acetyl-l-cysteine was part of a combined therapy, isolating its specific effect on acne remains challenging. The findings suggest that while n-acetyl-l-cysteine may contribute to improvements, the overall effectiveness can be linked to the synergy of all the components in the treatment.
Read More
8
Acetylcysteine effective for acne
We conducted a rigorous double-blind study to investigate the effect of a 5% acetylcysteine topical gel on grade I acne. With 99 participants, we aimed to see if this treatment could help reduce the number of comedones, which are those pesky clogged pores often seen in acne.

The results were promising. Our analysis showed that acetylcysteine significantly outperformed a placebo, with a statistical significance of P = .04. Both male and female participants benefited similarly, lending confidence to these findings.

This evidence suggests that acetylcysteine is a strong contender as a therapeutic option for those dealing with mild to moderate acne. The study underscores a potential new method for managing acne that could be appealing to many seeking effective treatments.
Read More
We examined the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine as a treatment for acne based on a review of clinical trials. This involved a thorough search of the PubMed database along with a manual review of referenced studies published between 1966 and 2017.

N-acetylcysteine proved to be a viable option for various dermatologic conditions, including acne vulgaris. The review highlighted its potential benefits, stating that it may aid in reducing symptoms.

Overall, the findings suggest that N-acetylcysteine can be a safe and tolerable choice for treating acne, showing effective results for patients seeking new therapeutic options.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 7 Reviews
8.3
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
NAC for severe acne
34 people found this helpful
Due to a severe acne problem, I was prescribed Accutane, which cleared the acne but left me deeply depressed. A friend recommended NAC, and it’s significantly improved my mood. I had felt hopeless for six months, so the relief now feels incredibly refreshing. This truly works for me.
Read More
9
Supports acne treatment
Great for achieving healthy, acne-free skin and strong nails! As recommended by my doctor, I incorporate it into my anti-acne routine. It helps maintain skin texture by protecting it from oxidation and regulating oil glands while making my skin look more even and brighter. It's better than glutathione.
Read More
7.5
Effective against acne
I usually purchase another brand’s NAC product. However, this brand’s NAC was linked on a website I trust, so I decided to try it since it's much cheaper than my regular brand. It helps with my acne.
Read More
7.5
Improves mood and acne
Excellent! I feel that it makes a difference in my mood and my acne.
Read More
6
Improves skin condition
I took it to support detoxification, following recommendations. My husband had liver issues, and after a month of taking it, he noted an improvement in his health. My skin has also improved—previously, I had persistent acne.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

6
Improves skin condition
I took it to support detoxification, following recommendations. My husband had liver issues, and after a month of taking it, he noted an improvement in his health. My skin has also improved—previously, I had persistent acne.
7.5
Improves mood and acne
Excellent! I feel that it makes a difference in my mood and my acne.
9
Supports acne treatment
Great for achieving healthy, acne-free skin and strong nails! As recommended by my doctor, I incorporate it into my anti-acne routine. It helps maintain skin texture by protecting it from oxidation and regulating oil glands while making my skin look more even and brighter. It's better than glutathione.
6
Reduces back acne
NAC is very useful. It reduces phlegm and inflammation. After taking it, my throat is no longer uncomfortable, and my inflammation is greatly reduced. Combining it with a Mediterranean diet has resulted in fewer acnes on my back, and I now feel less drowsy daily. It's very beneficial.
6
Helpful for acne
3 people found this helpful
I read a medical study about how this helps with PMS mood symptoms and decided to give it a go. I also take it because my dermatologist recommended it for patients with OCD tendencies, particularly if they pick at their acne. He advised me to take 600 mg twice a day. I believe it helps!
8
NAC's potential in acne treatment
Our investigation focused on the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for treating acne vulgaris, a common skin condition that impacts people of all backgrounds. We explored the potential benefits of NAC given its role as an antioxidant and its ability to combat oxidative stress in the body, which is increasingly recognized as a factor in acne development.

Through our review of extensive clinical studies, we found that NAC could influence several key factors in acne formation. These include decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines, reducing bacterial colonization, and promoting detoxification processes by enhancing glutathione levels. In essence, we observed NAC’s multifaceted approach to mitigate the complications associated with acne.

Importantly, our findings highlighted NAC’s effectiveness not just in treating acne, but also in addressing related comorbidities. With its demonstrated antibacterial properties and potential anti-inflammatory effects, NAC offers a promising alternative or complement to traditional acne treatments, especially in light of rising antibiotic resistance.

Therefore, we believe that N-acetylcysteine stands out as a valuable option for people seeking to manage acne vulgaris and its associated challenges, proving its worth for further exploration in clinical use.
We examined the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine as a treatment for acne based on a review of clinical trials. This involved a thorough search of the PubMed database along with a manual review of referenced studies published between 1966 and 2017.

N-acetylcysteine proved to be a viable option for various dermatologic conditions, including acne vulgaris. The review highlighted its potential benefits, stating that it may aid in reducing symptoms.

Overall, the findings suggest that N-acetylcysteine can be a safe and tolerable choice for treating acne, showing effective results for patients seeking new therapeutic options.
8
Acetylcysteine effective for acne
We conducted a rigorous double-blind study to investigate the effect of a 5% acetylcysteine topical gel on grade I acne. With 99 participants, we aimed to see if this treatment could help reduce the number of comedones, which are those pesky clogged pores often seen in acne.

The results were promising. Our analysis showed that acetylcysteine significantly outperformed a placebo, with a statistical significance of P = .04. Both male and female participants benefited similarly, lending confidence to these findings.

This evidence suggests that acetylcysteine is a strong contender as a therapeutic option for those dealing with mild to moderate acne. The study underscores a potential new method for managing acne that could be appealing to many seeking effective treatments.
8
NAC's role in acne treatment
We aimed to explore the effectiveness of various non-antibiotic agents, including N-acetylcysteine (NAC), in treating acne vulgaris. Our study involved forty-eight patients aged between 16 and 30, each presenting with different severity levels of acne. We specifically focused on understanding how NAC, along with isotretinoin and salicylic acid, can combat the bacteria responsible for acne, known as Cutibacterium acnes.

As part of our research, we assessed the sensitivity of the bacteria to antibiotics like azithromycin and doxycycline both before and after introducing these three agents. Interestingly, we found that the sensitivity of C. acnes to these antibiotics improved, and the bacteria's ability to form biofilms was reduced after treatment with NAC and the other agents.

While NAC showed promise in this combination treatment, it was difficult to isolate its specific impact since it was studied alongside isotretinoin and salicylic acid. Overall, we believe that including n-acetylcysteine can be a valuable part of acne treatment strategies, contributing positively to reducing bacterial resistance and biofilm formation.

References

  1. Essam R, Nasr M, Khater MW, Fayez B, Anis N. Anti-microbial impact of non-antibiotic agents; salicylic acid, N-acetylcysteine, and isotretinoin against Cutibacterium acnes in patients with acne vulgaris. Arch Dermatol Res. 2024;317:155. doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03608-7
  2. Mardani N, Mozafarpoor S, Goodarzi A, Nikkhah F. A systematic review of N-acetylcysteine for treatment of acne vulgaris and acne-related associations and consequences: Focus on clinical studies. Dermatol Ther. 2021;34:e14915. doi:10.1111/dth.14915
  3. Advani K, Batra M, Tajpuriya S, Gupta R, Saraswat A, et al. Efficacy of combination therapy of inositols, antioxidants and vitamins in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an observational study. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2020;40:96. doi:10.1080/01443615.2019.1604644
  4. Janeczek M, Moy L, Riopelle A, Vetter O, Reserva J, et al. The Potential Uses of N-acetylcysteine in Dermatology: A Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12:20.
  5. Montes LF, Wilborn WH, Montes CM. Topical acne treatment with acetylcysteine: clinical and experimental effects. Skinmed. 2012;10:348.
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