Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 18 Researches
7
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 7 Reviews
7.8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 3 Soft Gels
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
35
 
Total Fat
3 g
4%
Saturated Fat
0.5 g
3%
Trans Fat
0 g
Cholesterol
15 mg
5%
Vitamin A
30 mcg RAE
3%
Total Omega-3s
750 mg
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
240 mg
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
360 mg
Other Omega-3s
150 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
We focused our research on the potential benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, for individuals suffering from acne. Over a period of 16 weeks, we encouraged 60 patients to follow a Mediterranean diet while taking algae-derived EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements. Our goal was to see if increasing their omega-3 levels could improve acne symptoms.

At the start of the study, an impressive 98.3% of the participants were found to have low levels of EPA/DHA. By the end of the study, we observed a significant increase in their omega-3 levels from an average of 4.9% to 8.3%. This boost correlated with noticeable improvements in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.

Interestingly, we noted that while individual perceptions of appearance varied—some reporting no improvement—overall quality of life for the participants enhanced significantly, particularly in those with papulopustular acne. Alongside dietary changes, participants reduced their intake of cow’s milk and dairy products, and we did not encounter any negative side effects from the intervention.

Ultimately, our findings suggest that boosting omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, through diet and supplementation can effectively help manage acne severity in patients.
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

Most Useful Reviews

9
Skin appears supple
5 people found this helpful
I adore this cod liver oil. I usually take four a day for my skin, but it likely offers numerous other health benefits. I suffer from quite severe acne, and when I take this supplement, my skin becomes very supple, and my breakouts decrease dramatically.
Read More
9
Reduced adult acne
4 people found this helpful
A good source of natural vitamin A. I take these for the natural vitamin A to assist with my acne. There is a slight lemon flavour, and despite the large size, they are easy to swallow. After taking them for three months, my adult acne has drastically reduced. They are also natural.
Read More
9
Eliminated blemishes
I found this product very effective for my pimples, which gradually disappeared after regular use. It's fantastic for eliminating acne, and the excellent packaging along with the generous quantity adds to its countless benefits.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 18 Researches
7
  • All Researches
We focused our research on the potential benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, for individuals suffering from acne. Over a period of 16 weeks, we encouraged 60 patients to follow a Mediterranean diet while taking algae-derived EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements. Our goal was to see if increasing their omega-3 levels could improve acne symptoms.

At the start of the study, an impressive 98.3% of the participants were found to have low levels of EPA/DHA. By the end of the study, we observed a significant increase in their omega-3 levels from an average of 4.9% to 8.3%. This boost correlated with noticeable improvements in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.

Interestingly, we noted that while individual perceptions of appearance varied—some reporting no improvement—overall quality of life for the participants enhanced significantly, particularly in those with papulopustular acne. Alongside dietary changes, participants reduced their intake of cow’s milk and dairy products, and we did not encounter any negative side effects from the intervention.

Ultimately, our findings suggest that boosting omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, through diet and supplementation can effectively help manage acne severity in patients.
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 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
Omega-3s beneficial for acne
We explored the potential of eicosapentaenoic acid, a key omega-3 fatty acid, in treating acne vulgaris through a structured study involving 45 participants with mild to moderate acne. Over ten weeks, participants were divided into three groups: one received 2,000 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid with docosahexaenoic acid, another got 400 mg of gamma-linolenic acid from borage oil, and a control group received no supplements.

After this supplementation period, we observed notable reductions in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions in participants taking either the omega-3 or gamma-linolenic acid. The participants also reported improvements based on their personal assessments. Furthermore, histological examinations showed decreased inflammation and lower levels of interleukin-8, a marker related to acne inflammation.

Importantly, no severe adverse effects were reported, indicating that these fatty acids could be safely used alongside traditional acne treatments. Overall, this research suggests that eicosapentaenoic acid and gamma-linolenic acid may serve as valuable additions to acne management strategies.
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
Moderately Good
Based on 7 Reviews
7.8
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Skin appears supple
5 people found this helpful
I adore this cod liver oil. I usually take four a day for my skin, but it likely offers numerous other health benefits. I suffer from quite severe acne, and when I take this supplement, my skin becomes very supple, and my breakouts decrease dramatically.
Read More
9
Reduced adult acne
4 people found this helpful
A good source of natural vitamin A. I take these for the natural vitamin A to assist with my acne. There is a slight lemon flavour, and despite the large size, they are easy to swallow. After taking them for three months, my adult acne has drastically reduced. They are also natural.
Read More
9
Eliminated blemishes
I found this product very effective for my pimples, which gradually disappeared after regular use. It's fantastic for eliminating acne, and the excellent packaging along with the generous quantity adds to its countless benefits.
Read More
2
Acne increase noted
9 people found this helpful
Improve moods significantly but cause more acne. My anxiety has diminished, yet I've been experiencing more breakouts that leave behind hyperpigmentation. While I enjoy feeling stable, the acne is somewhat bothersome. I'll be trying ultimate omega D3 instead.
Read More
7.5
Cleared acne
Great quality with clean ingredients and good size. The packaging is helpful, and it significantly assisted in clearing my acne.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Eliminated blemishes
I found this product very effective for my pimples, which gradually disappeared after regular use. It's fantastic for eliminating acne, and the excellent packaging along with the generous quantity adds to its countless benefits.
7.5
Cleared acne
Great quality with clean ingredients and good size. The packaging is helpful, and it significantly assisted in clearing my acne.
7.5
Healed acne
Adding cod liver oil to my diet has transformed my skin. It's rich in vitamin A and omega fatty acids, which really helped heal my acne. This brand is excellent, as they test every batch and sell it online.
7.5
Reduced inflammation
As a long-time user of Nordic Naturals, I've noticed they benefit my skin and overall health. Being acne-prone, the omega and fish oil they offer help reduce inflammation and make skin oils softer, preventing clogged pores.
We focused our research on the potential benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, for individuals suffering from acne. Over a period of 16 weeks, we encouraged 60 patients to follow a Mediterranean diet while taking algae-derived EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements. Our goal was to see if increasing their omega-3 levels could improve acne symptoms.

At the start of the study, an impressive 98.3% of the participants were found to have low levels of EPA/DHA. By the end of the study, we observed a significant increase in their omega-3 levels from an average of 4.9% to 8.3%. This boost correlated with noticeable improvements in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.

Interestingly, we noted that while individual perceptions of appearance varied—some reporting no improvement—overall quality of life for the participants enhanced significantly, particularly in those with papulopustular acne. Alongside dietary changes, participants reduced their intake of cow’s milk and dairy products, and we did not encounter any negative side effects from the intervention.

Ultimately, our findings suggest that boosting omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, through diet and supplementation can effectively help manage acne severity in patients.
We evaluated the relationship between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels and acne vulgaris to better understand how this fatty acid influences skin health. Our study included serum samples from 21 healthy individuals and 31 patients with acne. We measured various fatty acids, along with specific proteins linked to inflammation and fat metabolism.

The findings showed that EPA levels were significantly lower in acne patients compared to the control group. This decrease in EPA was coupled with an increase in the ratio of arachidonic acid to EPA, suggesting a shift towards a more inflammatory state in those suffering from acne.

Additionally, we noted higher activity levels of secretory phospholipase A2 and lipoprotein lipase in acne patients. Increased LPL activity might actually provide some protective effects against skin issues related to lipid imbalance.

This study is pivotal as it highlights the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids, like EPA, in acne management. While more research is needed, the results suggest that incorporating EPA may complement existing acne treatments, potentially addressing inflammation and helping to improve skin health.
We explored how omega-3 fish oil supplements might influence inflammatory acne. Thirteen individuals dealing with this condition participated in our study, taking three grams of fish oil containing 930 mg of EPA daily for 12 weeks, alongside their existing acne treatments. We aimed to see if this supplementation could reduce acne severity by lowering inflammation, as suggested by previous observations connecting higher omega-3 consumption with lower acne rates.

At the end of the study, we found no significant overall change in acne severity or inflammatory lesion counts compared to where participants started. That said, responses varied widely among individuals. Eight participants experienced improvements, four saw their acne worsen, and one had no change. Notably, most who improved had moderate to severe acne at the beginning, while those who worsened tended to have milder cases.

While the broader findings didn’t show major benefits, there is some indication that fish oil might help those with more severe forms of acne. This suggests that the relationship between dietary fats and acne deserves more attention for future research.

References

  1. Goforoushan F, Azimi H, Goldust M. Efficacy of vitamin E to prevent dermal complications of isotretinoin. Pak J Biol Sci. 2013;16:548.
  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. doi:10.1111/jocd.16434
  3. 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. doi:10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2016.12.001
  4. 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. doi:10.2340/00015555-1802
  5. Desbois AP, Lawlor KC. Antibacterial activity of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus. Mar Drugs. 2013;11:4544. doi: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. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-7-36
  7. 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. doi:10.1093/bjd/ljaf052
  8. Algarin YA, Pulumati A, Jaalouk D, Tan J, Nouri K. The role of vitamins and nutrients in rosacea. Arch Dermatol Res. 2024;316:142. doi:10.1007/s00403-024-02895-4
  9. 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. doi:10.3390/life14040519
  10. 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. doi:10.1080/09546634.2023.2299107
  11. 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. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.3949
  12. Gürtler A, Laurenz S. The impact of clinical nutrition on inflammatory skin diseases. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2022;20:185. doi:10.1111/ddg.14683
  13. Conforti C, Agozzino M, Emendato G, Fai A, Fichera F, et al. Acne and diet: a review. Int J Dermatol. 2022;61:930. doi:10.1111/ijd.15862
  14. 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.
  15. Baldwin H, Tan J. Effects of Diet on Acne and Its Response to Treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2021;22:55. doi:10.1007/s40257-020-00542-y
  16. 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. doi:10.1177/1203475420929925
  17. 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. doi:10.1155/2018/6974045
  18. Khayef G, Young J, Burns-Whitmore B, Spalding T. Effects of fish oil supplementation on inflammatory acne. Lipids Health Dis. 2012;11:165. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-11-165
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