Botanical Therapies for Acne: A Clinical Review of Social Media Trends

Acne vulgaris affects the majority of adolescents, along with many adults, and a niche interest in “natural” remedies versus conventional therapies has driven some patients toward herbal treatments. However, the rapid dissemination of health information through digital platforms has raised concerns about misinformation and unsupported therapeutic claims. A narrative review examined the scientific evidence supporting medicinal plants for acne that are widely promoted on social media platforms, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram.¹

Methods & Materials

The authors systematically collected online promotions of herbal remedies during 2022 and compared these claims with evidence from multiple academic databases, including Google Scholar, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. About 21 distinct medicinal plants were identified from social media content. Of these, 13 had some level of clinical trial evidence supporting their use for acne, either as monotherapy or in combination formulations. However, 8 plants lacked direct clinical validation despite in vitro or preliminary data, and 1 plant had no scientific evidence supporting its use in acne treatment.

Treatments with Established Clinical Evidence

Several botanicals demonstrated relatively robust evidence. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) emerged as one of the most consistently supported treatments, with randomized controlled trials showing reductions in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions attributed to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects against Cutibacterium acnes. Green tea extract, rich in catechins, showed benefits through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and sebum-reducing mechanisms, with both clinical trials and meta-analytic data supporting its topical use. Basil oil (Ocimum species) and copaiba oil also demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, with some trials suggesting comparable or superior efficacy to conventional agents with better tolerability.

Other plant-based treatments showed benefit primarily in combination formulations. Aloe vera enhanced the efficacy and tolerability of topical regimens when combined with other botanical or antimicrobial agents. Licorice extract appeared to reduce sebum production and androgen activity, potentially addressing the hormonal contributors to acne. Turmeric, largely through its active compound curcumin, demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and showed benefit when included in topical cleansers. Seaweed-derived compounds, particularly oligosaccharide-zinc complexes, were associated with reduced sebum production and bacterial load. Cedar, soapwort, lavender, and rose extracts showed clinical benefit mainly when combined with standard therapies or other botanicals.

Misinformation and Safety Concerns

In contrast, several plants commonly promoted on social media lacked sufficient clinical evidence. Chamomile, thyme, heartsease (Viola tricolor), eucalyptus, coriander, and Senna italica demonstrated antibacterial or anti-inflammatory activity in vitro but had no randomized clinical trials confirming efficacy in patients with acne. Fenugreek, despite traditional use, failed to demonstrate meaningful clinical benefit in a comparative trial. Asparagus was particularly concerning, according to the authors.

“Asparagus was recommended online without any supporting scientific evidence for acne treatment. This finding underscores the risk of misinformation, which may mislead users and delay effective treatment or even cause harm,” the researchers wrote.

The review also addressed safety considerations, which are often underemphasized in social media discourse. Most reported adverse effects were local, including irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, particularly with essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, cinnamon, and turmeric. Rare systemic or endocrine effects were noted, including reports of prepubertal gynecomastia associated with topical lavender and tea tree oil exposure, highlighting the importance of cautious use.² Overall, systematic safety data for botanical acne treatments remain limited.

Clinical Implications

For dermatology clinicians, this literature underscores that while some herbal remedies may have a legitimate adjunctive role in acne management, many social media–promoted treatments lack scientific validation. The findings highlight the need for clinicians to proactively discuss herbal and “natural” remedies with patients, correct misinformation, and guide evidence-based decision-making. Expanded clinical research, improved public education, and dermatologist-led dissemination of accurate, evidence-based content are essential to ensure safe and effective integration of botanical therapies into acne care.

References

1. Parvizi MM, Saki N, Rostami Ghotbabadi Z, et al. Medicinal Plants for Acne Vulgaris: An Evidence-Based Review of Treatments Promoted by Social Media. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026;25(1):e70628. doi:10.1111/jocd.70628

2. Henley DV, Lipson N, Korach KS, Bloch CA. Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(5):479-485. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa064725