Last update
5/10/2026
Reviewed By
Infographics
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 11 Researches
6.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.5
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Lozenge
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Folate
167 mcg DFE(100 mcg folic acid)
42%
Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin)
1 mg (1,000 mcg)
41,667%
Top Medical Research Studies
9.5
We observed five notable cases of acneiform eruptions linked to vitamin B12 in women aged 21 to 62. These eruptions manifested between one week and five months after starting vitamin B12 therapy.
The primary symptoms consisted of papules and pustules appearing mainly on the face. In three of the patients, these skin issues also extended to areas like the neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back, but interestingly, there were no signs of comedones or cysts.
Out of the five women, two had particularly high levels of vitamin B12 in their blood. A closer look at one patient's skin under a microscope revealed eosinophilic folliculitis, a type of inflammation in hair follicles. Fortunately, all patients experienced spontaneous and complete recovery within three to six weeks after stopping vitamin B12 treatment.
Overall, while vitamin B12 did not provide a benefit for acne treatment, it highlighted an unusual side effect of acne-like symptoms in these cases.
The primary symptoms consisted of papules and pustules appearing mainly on the face. In three of the patients, these skin issues also extended to areas like the neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back, but interestingly, there were no signs of comedones or cysts.
Out of the five women, two had particularly high levels of vitamin B12 in their blood. A closer look at one patient's skin under a microscope revealed eosinophilic folliculitis, a type of inflammation in hair follicles. Fortunately, all patients experienced spontaneous and complete recovery within three to six weeks after stopping vitamin B12 treatment.
Overall, while vitamin B12 did not provide a benefit for acne treatment, it highlighted an unusual side effect of acne-like symptoms in these cases.
Read More
9.5
Vitamin B12 influences acne development
We observed a fascinating case involving a 47-year-old man who developed a skin condition after starting vitamin B12 treatment for pernicious anemia. Just six weeks into his weekly injections of hydroxocobalamin, he experienced a sudden and widespread outbreak of inflammatory acne-like bumps on his face and trunk. This skin eruption was not only extensive but also caused significant itching and included comedones, commonly known as blackheads, particularly on his chest.
Upon closer examination, the medical team diagnosed him with a vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption, which is different from typical acne vulgaris. This distinction came from several unique factors, including the patient's age, the sudden onset of the condition, and the presence of pruritus (itching) alongside a uniform type of lesions across non-seborrheic areas.
After normalizing his vitamin B12 levels, the hydroxocobalamin injections were stopped, and lymecycline—a type of antibiotic—was introduced. Remarkably, this led to a complete resolution of his skin lesions within three months. This case highlights how vitamin B12 can have an unusual, but significant impact on skin health, demonstrating that its effects are not just limited to its role in blood health but can extend into dermatological issues as well.
Upon closer examination, the medical team diagnosed him with a vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption, which is different from typical acne vulgaris. This distinction came from several unique factors, including the patient's age, the sudden onset of the condition, and the presence of pruritus (itching) alongside a uniform type of lesions across non-seborrheic areas.
After normalizing his vitamin B12 levels, the hydroxocobalamin injections were stopped, and lymecycline—a type of antibiotic—was introduced. Remarkably, this led to a complete resolution of his skin lesions within three months. This case highlights how vitamin B12 can have an unusual, but significant impact on skin health, demonstrating that its effects are not just limited to its role in blood health but can extend into dermatological issues as well.
Read More
9
We explored the impact of reintroducing vitamin B12 in individuals who had undergone treatment with isotretinoin for severe acne, known as acne medicamentosa. This study aimed to examine whether vitamin B12 could help improve acne conditions after completing isotretinoin therapy.
Although we discussed the effects of vitamin B12, the study’s structure didn’t isolate it from other treatments, which might make it hard to gauge vitamin B12's full effectiveness on its own.
We observed that while vitamin B12 had some interaction in the treatment process, the overall conclusion about its significant benefits for acne remains unclear due to the lack of controlled conditions in the study design.
Therefore, while reintroducing vitamin B12 after isotretinoin treatment shows some potential, it does not provide strong enough evidence to confirm a notable impact on acne improvement alone.
Although we discussed the effects of vitamin B12, the study’s structure didn’t isolate it from other treatments, which might make it hard to gauge vitamin B12's full effectiveness on its own.
We observed that while vitamin B12 had some interaction in the treatment process, the overall conclusion about its significant benefits for acne remains unclear due to the lack of controlled conditions in the study design.
Therefore, while reintroducing vitamin B12 after isotretinoin treatment shows some potential, it does not provide strong enough evidence to confirm a notable impact on acne improvement alone.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
10
Instant acne relief
Wow, my acne disappeared after just one use! TikTok made me buy it, and the quality is incredible. I rate it a 10/10!
Read More
8
Hormonal acne control
Its taste is delightful and the quality is excellent. One pack lasts two months. I briefly stopped using it to prevent worsening my acne due to hormonal imbalance, but I’ll repurchase it as it’s been fantastic.
Read More
7
Skin clarity improvement
I used to feel exhausted and struggled to sleep, but now I have more energy and sleep better. My skin is clearer and brighter, with noticeably less acne. While I'm uncertain if the B-12 is responsible, I'm delighted with these results. I take a small, flavourless lozenge every morning, and it appears to be a quality product.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 11 Researches
6.8
- All Researches
9.5
Vitamin B12 influences acne development
We observed a fascinating case involving a 47-year-old man who developed a skin condition after starting vitamin B12 treatment for pernicious anemia. Just six weeks into his weekly injections of hydroxocobalamin, he experienced a sudden and widespread outbreak of inflammatory acne-like bumps on his face and trunk. This skin eruption was not only extensive but also caused significant itching and included comedones, commonly known as blackheads, particularly on his chest.
Upon closer examination, the medical team diagnosed him with a vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption, which is different from typical acne vulgaris. This distinction came from several unique factors, including the patient's age, the sudden onset of the condition, and the presence of pruritus (itching) alongside a uniform type of lesions across non-seborrheic areas.
After normalizing his vitamin B12 levels, the hydroxocobalamin injections were stopped, and lymecycline—a type of antibiotic—was introduced. Remarkably, this led to a complete resolution of his skin lesions within three months. This case highlights how vitamin B12 can have an unusual, but significant impact on skin health, demonstrating that its effects are not just limited to its role in blood health but can extend into dermatological issues as well.
Upon closer examination, the medical team diagnosed him with a vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption, which is different from typical acne vulgaris. This distinction came from several unique factors, including the patient's age, the sudden onset of the condition, and the presence of pruritus (itching) alongside a uniform type of lesions across non-seborrheic areas.
After normalizing his vitamin B12 levels, the hydroxocobalamin injections were stopped, and lymecycline—a type of antibiotic—was introduced. Remarkably, this led to a complete resolution of his skin lesions within three months. This case highlights how vitamin B12 can have an unusual, but significant impact on skin health, demonstrating that its effects are not just limited to its role in blood health but can extend into dermatological issues as well.
Read More
9.5
We observed five notable cases of acneiform eruptions linked to vitamin B12 in women aged 21 to 62. These eruptions manifested between one week and five months after starting vitamin B12 therapy.
The primary symptoms consisted of papules and pustules appearing mainly on the face. In three of the patients, these skin issues also extended to areas like the neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back, but interestingly, there were no signs of comedones or cysts.
Out of the five women, two had particularly high levels of vitamin B12 in their blood. A closer look at one patient's skin under a microscope revealed eosinophilic folliculitis, a type of inflammation in hair follicles. Fortunately, all patients experienced spontaneous and complete recovery within three to six weeks after stopping vitamin B12 treatment.
Overall, while vitamin B12 did not provide a benefit for acne treatment, it highlighted an unusual side effect of acne-like symptoms in these cases.
The primary symptoms consisted of papules and pustules appearing mainly on the face. In three of the patients, these skin issues also extended to areas like the neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back, but interestingly, there were no signs of comedones or cysts.
Out of the five women, two had particularly high levels of vitamin B12 in their blood. A closer look at one patient's skin under a microscope revealed eosinophilic folliculitis, a type of inflammation in hair follicles. Fortunately, all patients experienced spontaneous and complete recovery within three to six weeks after stopping vitamin B12 treatment.
Overall, while vitamin B12 did not provide a benefit for acne treatment, it highlighted an unusual side effect of acne-like symptoms in these cases.
Read More
9
We evaluated the effectiveness of Tracnil™, a treatment combining myo-inositol, folic acid, and vitamin D3, specifically addressing acne in women with normal hormone levels who exhibit signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Conducting a single-arm study with 33 participants, we monitored acne symptoms, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities over the course of eight weeks, along with hormone level assessments and safety evaluations.
Our findings suggested that Tracnil™ significantly reduced both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. Additionally, it appeared to improve symptoms of hirsutism and help regulate menstrual cycles. While the exact mechanisms remain somewhat unclear, we believe that folic acid, in conjunction with the other components, plays a role in enhancing acne treatment responses, possibly by influencing receptor sensitivities to hormones.
Notably, throughout the study period, participants experienced minimal adverse reactions, and no severe side effects were identified. Even among those with normal hormonal levels, the combination therapy with myo-inositol and vitamin D3 underlined the potential benefits of Tracnil™ in managing dermatological signs associated with PCOS.
This research highlights the practicality of incorporating Tracnil™ into dermatological practice as a first-line approach for acne related to PCOS, broadening treatment options even in the absence of significant hormonal abnormalities.
Our findings suggested that Tracnil™ significantly reduced both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. Additionally, it appeared to improve symptoms of hirsutism and help regulate menstrual cycles. While the exact mechanisms remain somewhat unclear, we believe that folic acid, in conjunction with the other components, plays a role in enhancing acne treatment responses, possibly by influencing receptor sensitivities to hormones.
Notably, throughout the study period, participants experienced minimal adverse reactions, and no severe side effects were identified. Even among those with normal hormonal levels, the combination therapy with myo-inositol and vitamin D3 underlined the potential benefits of Tracnil™ in managing dermatological signs associated with PCOS.
This research highlights the practicality of incorporating Tracnil™ into dermatological practice as a first-line approach for acne related to PCOS, broadening treatment options even in the absence of significant hormonal abnormalities.
Read More
9
We've discovered that folate supplementation may play a role in managing musculoskeletal pain associated with isotretinoin, a medication commonly used for acne treatment. In our investigation involving six patients suffering from nodulocystic acne, we closely observed their experiences after starting isotretinoin. Each patient reported developing pain in their muscles and joints, a side effect that can significantly affect quality of life.
The patients were treated with daily doses of folic acid and vitamin B12, leading to successful pain relief. This suggests that these supplements could be beneficial in alleviating discomfort without halting the use of isotretinoin itself. It’s important to note that while our findings are promising, extensive trials with larger sample sizes are still necessary to confirm these results.
As we move forward, we encourage our peers to consider offering B12 and folate to patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain from isotretinoin. This could help maintain treatment effectiveness while addressing uncomfortable side effects. Our study sheds light on an important aspect of acne treatment and patient care, urging further investigation into the benefits of these vitamins for overall treatment satisfaction.
The patients were treated with daily doses of folic acid and vitamin B12, leading to successful pain relief. This suggests that these supplements could be beneficial in alleviating discomfort without halting the use of isotretinoin itself. It’s important to note that while our findings are promising, extensive trials with larger sample sizes are still necessary to confirm these results.
As we move forward, we encourage our peers to consider offering B12 and folate to patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain from isotretinoin. This could help maintain treatment effectiveness while addressing uncomfortable side effects. Our study sheds light on an important aspect of acne treatment and patient care, urging further investigation into the benefits of these vitamins for overall treatment satisfaction.
Read More
9
We explored the impact of reintroducing vitamin B12 in individuals who had undergone treatment with isotretinoin for severe acne, known as acne medicamentosa. This study aimed to examine whether vitamin B12 could help improve acne conditions after completing isotretinoin therapy.
Although we discussed the effects of vitamin B12, the study’s structure didn’t isolate it from other treatments, which might make it hard to gauge vitamin B12's full effectiveness on its own.
We observed that while vitamin B12 had some interaction in the treatment process, the overall conclusion about its significant benefits for acne remains unclear due to the lack of controlled conditions in the study design.
Therefore, while reintroducing vitamin B12 after isotretinoin treatment shows some potential, it does not provide strong enough evidence to confirm a notable impact on acne improvement alone.
Although we discussed the effects of vitamin B12, the study’s structure didn’t isolate it from other treatments, which might make it hard to gauge vitamin B12's full effectiveness on its own.
We observed that while vitamin B12 had some interaction in the treatment process, the overall conclusion about its significant benefits for acne remains unclear due to the lack of controlled conditions in the study design.
Therefore, while reintroducing vitamin B12 after isotretinoin treatment shows some potential, it does not provide strong enough evidence to confirm a notable impact on acne improvement alone.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.5
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
10
Instant acne relief
Wow, my acne disappeared after just one use! TikTok made me buy it, and the quality is incredible. I rate it a 10/10!
Read More
8
Hormonal acne control
Its taste is delightful and the quality is excellent. One pack lasts two months. I briefly stopped using it to prevent worsening my acne due to hormonal imbalance, but I’ll repurchase it as it’s been fantastic.
Read More
7
Skin clarity improvement
I used to feel exhausted and struggled to sleep, but now I have more energy and sleep better. My skin is clearer and brighter, with noticeably less acne. While I'm uncertain if the B-12 is responsible, I'm delighted with these results. I take a small, flavourless lozenge every morning, and it appears to be a quality product.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
10
Instant acne relief
Wow, my acne disappeared after just one use! TikTok made me buy it, and the quality is incredible. I rate it a 10/10!
7
Skin clarity improvement
I used to feel exhausted and struggled to sleep, but now I have more energy and sleep better. My skin is clearer and brighter, with noticeably less acne. While I'm uncertain if the B-12 is responsible, I'm delighted with these results. I take a small, flavourless lozenge every morning, and it appears to be a quality product.
8
Hormonal acne control
Its taste is delightful and the quality is excellent. One pack lasts two months. I briefly stopped using it to prevent worsening my acne due to hormonal imbalance, but I’ll repurchase it as it’s been fantastic.
9
We evaluated the effectiveness of Tracnil™, a treatment combining myo-inositol, folic acid, and vitamin D3, specifically addressing acne in women with normal hormone levels who exhibit signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Conducting a single-arm study with 33 participants, we monitored acne symptoms, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities over the course of eight weeks, along with hormone level assessments and safety evaluations.
Our findings suggested that Tracnil™ significantly reduced both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. Additionally, it appeared to improve symptoms of hirsutism and help regulate menstrual cycles. While the exact mechanisms remain somewhat unclear, we believe that folic acid, in conjunction with the other components, plays a role in enhancing acne treatment responses, possibly by influencing receptor sensitivities to hormones.
Notably, throughout the study period, participants experienced minimal adverse reactions, and no severe side effects were identified. Even among those with normal hormonal levels, the combination therapy with myo-inositol and vitamin D3 underlined the potential benefits of Tracnil™ in managing dermatological signs associated with PCOS.
This research highlights the practicality of incorporating Tracnil™ into dermatological practice as a first-line approach for acne related to PCOS, broadening treatment options even in the absence of significant hormonal abnormalities.
Our findings suggested that Tracnil™ significantly reduced both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. Additionally, it appeared to improve symptoms of hirsutism and help regulate menstrual cycles. While the exact mechanisms remain somewhat unclear, we believe that folic acid, in conjunction with the other components, plays a role in enhancing acne treatment responses, possibly by influencing receptor sensitivities to hormones.
Notably, throughout the study period, participants experienced minimal adverse reactions, and no severe side effects were identified. Even among those with normal hormonal levels, the combination therapy with myo-inositol and vitamin D3 underlined the potential benefits of Tracnil™ in managing dermatological signs associated with PCOS.
This research highlights the practicality of incorporating Tracnil™ into dermatological practice as a first-line approach for acne related to PCOS, broadening treatment options even in the absence of significant hormonal abnormalities.
5
We delved into the relationship between nutritional anemia, specifically vitamin B12 deficiency, and acne among young individuals in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia. Utilizing a case-control study design, we compared a group of people with acne to a control group of similar age and demographics. Our research involved Electronic Health Records from a local outpatient department, which allowed us to analyze a broad set of data.
Throughout our investigation, we found that those suffering from acne had a noticeably higher rate of vitamin B12 deficiency—38.6% in the acne group compared to the control group. However, while we saw this correlation, we did not establish a significant relationship between overall vitamin B12 levels and various blood parameters related to anemia. This means that although vitamin B12 deficiency was more prevalent in those with acne, it doesn’t necessarily imply that treating acne specifically with vitamin B12 will yield positive results.
Ultimately, our findings open the door for further investigation into how nutritional factors, particularly vitamin B12, might influence acne severity or development. We believe additional studies are necessary to confirm the possible connections we've observed and to explore potential treatment pathways.
Throughout our investigation, we found that those suffering from acne had a noticeably higher rate of vitamin B12 deficiency—38.6% in the acne group compared to the control group. However, while we saw this correlation, we did not establish a significant relationship between overall vitamin B12 levels and various blood parameters related to anemia. This means that although vitamin B12 deficiency was more prevalent in those with acne, it doesn’t necessarily imply that treating acne specifically with vitamin B12 will yield positive results.
Ultimately, our findings open the door for further investigation into how nutritional factors, particularly vitamin B12, might influence acne severity or development. We believe additional studies are necessary to confirm the possible connections we've observed and to explore potential treatment pathways.
9.5
Vitamin B12 influences acne development
We observed a fascinating case involving a 47-year-old man who developed a skin condition after starting vitamin B12 treatment for pernicious anemia. Just six weeks into his weekly injections of hydroxocobalamin, he experienced a sudden and widespread outbreak of inflammatory acne-like bumps on his face and trunk. This skin eruption was not only extensive but also caused significant itching and included comedones, commonly known as blackheads, particularly on his chest.
Upon closer examination, the medical team diagnosed him with a vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption, which is different from typical acne vulgaris. This distinction came from several unique factors, including the patient's age, the sudden onset of the condition, and the presence of pruritus (itching) alongside a uniform type of lesions across non-seborrheic areas.
After normalizing his vitamin B12 levels, the hydroxocobalamin injections were stopped, and lymecycline—a type of antibiotic—was introduced. Remarkably, this led to a complete resolution of his skin lesions within three months. This case highlights how vitamin B12 can have an unusual, but significant impact on skin health, demonstrating that its effects are not just limited to its role in blood health but can extend into dermatological issues as well.
Upon closer examination, the medical team diagnosed him with a vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption, which is different from typical acne vulgaris. This distinction came from several unique factors, including the patient's age, the sudden onset of the condition, and the presence of pruritus (itching) alongside a uniform type of lesions across non-seborrheic areas.
After normalizing his vitamin B12 levels, the hydroxocobalamin injections were stopped, and lymecycline—a type of antibiotic—was introduced. Remarkably, this led to a complete resolution of his skin lesions within three months. This case highlights how vitamin B12 can have an unusual, but significant impact on skin health, demonstrating that its effects are not just limited to its role in blood health but can extend into dermatological issues as well.
2
B12 alters acne-causing bacteria, promotes inflammation
Researchers investigated how vitamin B12 affects the skin bacteria responsible for acne. They discovered that when healthy people took B12 supplements, the skin bacterium P. acnes changed its behavior—specifically, it stopped making its own B12 and instead produced more porphyrins, inflammatory compounds linked to acne breakouts.
In fact, one out of ten study participants developed acne within a week of starting B12 supplementation. These findings reveal a surprising trade-off: while B12 is essential for human health, excess B12 can manipulate skin bacteria in ways that trigger acne in susceptible individuals, offering a molecular explanation for a long-observed clinical phenomenon.
In fact, one out of ten study participants developed acne within a week of starting B12 supplementation. These findings reveal a surprising trade-off: while B12 is essential for human health, excess B12 can manipulate skin bacteria in ways that trigger acne in susceptible individuals, offering a molecular explanation for a long-observed clinical phenomenon.
References
- Kang D, Shi B, Erfe MC, Craft N, Li H. Vitamin B12 modulates the transcriptome of the skin microbiota in acne pathogenesis. Sci Transl Med. 2015;7:293ra103. 10.1126/scitranslmed.aab2009
- Ahmed SH, El-Kelish AA, Hafeez NA, El-Bakry ST. Influential Factors of Depression in Patients with Moderate and Severe Acne. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020;13:13. PubMed
- Ramanan EA, Ravi S, Anbu KRR, Michael M. Efficacy and Safety of Tracnil™ Administration in Patients with Dermatological Manifestations of PCOS: An Open-Label Single-Arm Study. Dermatol Res Pract. 2020;2020:7019126. 10.1155/2020/7019126
- Feily A. Successful Treatment of Isotretinoin Induced Musculoskeletal Pain by Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019;7:3726. 10.3889/oamjms.2019.799
- Ghiasi M, Mortazavi H, Jafari M. Efficacy of Folic Acid and Vitamin B Replacement Therapies in the Reduction of Adverse Effects of Isotretinoin: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Skinmed. 2018;16:239. PubMed
- Alharbi NM, AlGhofaili FA, Alsaud JS, Asiri LM, Almutairi SM, et al. The Relationship Between Nutritional Anemia and Acne: A Case-Control Study. Cureus. 2023;15:e39109. 10.7759/cureus.39109
- Bahbouhi I, Aboudourib M, Hocar O, Amal S. Vitamin B12 induced acneiform eruption. Heliyon. 2023;9:e16120. 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16120
- Veraldi S, Benardon S, Diani M, Barbareschi M. Acneiform eruptions caused by vitamin B12: A report of five cases and review of the literature. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17:112. 10.1111/jocd.12360
- Lolatgis H, Su J, Nguyen R. Successful re-introduction of vitamin B12 after using isotretinoin to treat severe acne medicamentosa. Australas J Dermatol. 2016;57:320. 10.1111/ajd.12458
- Johnson T, Kang D, Barnard E, Li H. Strain-Level Differences in Porphyrin Production and Regulation in Propionibacterium acnes Elucidate Disease Associations. mSphere. 2016;1. 10.1128/mSphere.00023-15
- Gökalp H, Bulur I, Gürer M. Decreased vitamin B12 and folic Acid concentrations in acne patients after isotretinoin therapy: a controlled study. Indian J Dermatol. 2014;59:630. 10.4103/0019-5154.143533
