Red, swollen spots are a sign of inflammation. Curcumin, the yellow compound in turmeric, lowered two of four inflammation markers in the blood across 32 placebo-controlled trials. [1] ClearDerm with Probiotics includes curcumin as one part of a 22-ingredient formula, to help promote clear skin. [2] Here is what the research shows.
On this page
From Anirva, the maker of ClearDerm with Probiotics. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- Curcumin lowered two inflammation signals. A meta-analysis of 32 trials found lower IL-1 and TNF-α, two signals that drive inflammation, than with placebo. [1]
- Skin research is early. A 2016 review found "early evidence" that turmeric and curcumin, by mouth or on the skin, may help skin health. [3]
- In one acne study, curcumin with an enzyme sped up results. Added to standard acne care, 84% had complete or near-complete improvement at 2 weeks, against 28%. [4] The study was small and not randomized.
- ClearDerm provides 100 mg of curcumin (turmeric) root extract, alongside zinc and green tea. [2]
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient | Curcumin (from turmeric, Curcuma longa) root extract — form [FORM REQUIRED] [2] |
| Amount in ClearDerm | 100 mg a day of curcumin (turmeric) root extract, in 2 capsules [2] |
| EFSA acceptable daily intake for curcumin | 3 mg per kg of body weight a day, about 210 mg for a 70 kg adult (calculated) [5] |
| Kinds of evidence | A meta-analysis of inflammation markers, a skin review, one acne study, and one small skin trial [1][3][4][6][7] |
| Last reviewed | [DATE] |
What is curcumin?
Turmeric is a spice in the ginger family. Curcumin gives it its yellow color. [8]
The NIH's NCCIH says we do not yet know enough to conclude that turmeric or curcumin is beneficial for any health purpose. [8]
How curcumin relates to inflammation and skin
In a 2021 meta-analysis of 32 placebo-controlled trials, curcumin lowered IL-1 and TNF-α, two signals that drive inflammation. It did not significantly lower IL-6 or IL-8. [1]
None of these trials included people with acne. The research is still growing on how much curcumin taken by mouth reaches the skin. [1]
What the studies show
Acne: curcumin with an enzyme (2025)
Fifty people with mild to moderate inflamed acne used standard acne care; some also took 500 mg curcumin with serratiopeptidase, an enzyme, daily. [4]
At 2 weeks, 84% of the supplement group had complete or near-complete improvement, against 28% on standard care alone. There were no serious side effects. [4]
It was not randomized and lasted 2 weeks; the maker provided the supplement. [4]
Healthy skin: turmeric alone and in a herbal blend
In one 4-week pilot trial in 28 healthy adults, reported in two papers, turmeric tablets alone did not significantly change skin oil, water loss or facial redness. A herbal blend that included turmeric lowered water loss and facial redness compared with the start. [6][7]
What the review concludes
A 2016 review of 18 skin studies found "early evidence" that turmeric and curcumin products may benefit skin health. It said current studies "are limited." [3]
How much curcumin is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 100 mg of curcumin (turmeric) root extract. [2] Whether this is pure curcuminoids or a turmeric extract is [FORM REQUIRED].
EFSA's acceptable daily intake for curcumin is 3 mg per kg of body weight: about 210 mg for a 70 kg adult (calculated). [5] Even if all 100 mg were curcumin, it would be under half.
Is curcumin safe?
Turmeric or curcumin by mouth "is likely safe in the recommended amounts for up to 2 or 3 months," according to NCCIH, part of the NIH. [8]
- Side effects. Nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea and constipation. [8]
- Liver. NCCIH says highly absorbable curcumin products "may harm your liver"; these often contain piperine from black pepper. Stop and see a doctor if you notice tiredness, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine, or yellow skin or eyes. [8]
- Pregnancy. Turmeric supplements may be unsafe in pregnancy. [8]
- Medicines. Ask your doctor before use if you take any medicine. [8]
Curcumin is one part of ClearDerm
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule skin supplement with 22 ingredients: vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, an enzyme and six probiotic strains. They were chosen to promote clear skin, support a clear complexion and support the gut–skin connection. [2]
Curcumin and green tea are among the plant extracts; zinc, niacinamide and vitamin A are included too, all to help promote clear skin. [2]
ClearDerm has not been clinically tested as a finished product. When you take it, you are not relying on one ingredient alone.
ClearDerm is made in Phoenix, Arizona, in a cGMP-certified facility. Every ingredient is listed on the label, and the probiotic blend is given as one total. [2]
Curcumin is what makes turmeric yellow, and turmeric is used in cooking. [8] A few points help you use ClearDerm well: take ClearDerm with food and water, as the directions say; [2] if you also take another turmeric or curcumin supplement, add up the total; and if you are pregnant or nursing, have liver problems, or take any medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you start. [2][8]
22 ingredients, including curcumin and zinc
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule supplement that pairs curcumin with zinc, green tea and other vitamins, minerals and plant extracts chosen to support clear skin. Every ingredient is listed on the label.
See ClearDermIf you are deciding
Curcumin lowered two inflammation markers in placebo-controlled trials. [1] Skin research is early and limited, [3] and in one small acne study a curcumin-plus-enzyme supplement added to standard care sped up results. [4] ClearDerm includes curcumin with 21 other ingredients chosen to promote clear skin. [2]
The short version
Curcumin is the main yellow compound in turmeric and is studied for inflammation. ClearDerm includes it as one part of a formula to help promote clear skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is curcumin good for acne-prone skin?
Does turmeric by mouth help skin?
Is curcumin safe?
It is likely safe for up to 2 or 3 months. Highly absorbable forms may harm the liver. [8]
How much curcumin is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 100 mg of curcumin (turmeric) root extract. [2]
References
- Gorabi AM, Razi B, Aslani S, Abbasifard M, Imani D, Sathyapalan T, et al. Effect of curcumin on proinflammatory cytokines: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cytokine. 2021;143:155541. doi:10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155541. PMID: 33934954.
- Anirva. ClearDerm with Probiotics Supplement Facts label and product page. https://anirva.com/pages/clear-derm-with-probiotics (accessed October 12, 2026).
- Vaughn AR, Branum A, Sivamani RK. Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on skin health: a systematic review of the clinical evidence. Phytother Res. 2016;30(8):1243-1264. doi:10.1002/ptr.5640. PMID: 27213821.
- Junaid S, Naz Khan K, Zameer F, Mudassir M, Bukhari S, Maheshwary N, et al. Evaluating the efficacy of curcumin plus serratiopeptidase formulation in inflammatory acne: a quasi-experimental study. Drugs Context. 2025;14:2025-4-2. doi:10.7573/dic.2025-4-2. PMID: 40661790.
- EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of curcumin (E 100) as a food additive. EFSA Journal. 2010;8(9):1679. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1679.
- Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Notay M, Sivamani RK. Randomized controlled pilot study of dietary supplementation with turmeric or herbal combination tablets on skin barrier function in healthy subjects. J Med Food. 2018;21(12):1260-1265. doi:10.1089/jmf.2018.0015. PMID: 30457892.
- Vaughn AR, Pourang A, Clark AK, Burney W, Sivamani RK. Dietary supplementation with turmeric polyherbal formulation decreases facial redness: a randomized double-blind controlled pilot study. J Integr Med. 2019;17(1):20-23. doi:10.1016/j.joim.2018.11.004. PMID: 30527287.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Turmeric. Last updated April 2025. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric (accessed October 8, 2026).
