Acne shows up on your face, but part of the story may start in your gut. Acne is an inflammatory skin condition, and gut bacteria can influence inflammation throughout the body.[1][2] That is why researchers test probiotics in acne. A 2025 review of 9 trials, 7 of them pooled, looked at this — after 12 weeks, people taking probiotics had milder acne and fewer spots than control groups.[3] Here is how the gut–skin connection works, what the trials show for each of the six probiotic species in ClearDerm with Probiotics, and what is still unknown.
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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.
- Acne is an inflammatory skin condition, and gut bacteria influence inflammation. Researchers call this link the gut–skin axis.[1][2]
- Probiotics lower some inflammation markers in people. In 42 placebo-controlled trials in adults (not acne trials), probiotics lowered CRP, TNF-α and IL-6, three signals of inflammation.[4]
- Acne trials point the same way. After 12 weeks, probiotics reduced acne severity and the number of spots compared with control groups.[3]
- Two of ClearDerm's species have their own acne trials. L. plantarum did better than placebo in a small double-blind trial. L. rhamnosus did better in a pilot trial and, combined with spirulina, in a second trial.[6][7][8]
- ClearDerm provides 6 billion CFU a day from six species. The two acne trials that reported a dose used 3 billion and 10 billion CFU of one strain.[6][8][9]
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient | Probiotic blend of six species: B. lactis, B. longum, L. acidophilus, L. paracasei, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus |
| Amount in ClearDerm | 6 billion CFU a day, in 2 capsules |
| Amounts in acne trials | 3 billion and 10 billion CFU a day of one strain, in the two trials that reported a dose |
| Main research focus | Inflammation, the gut–skin axis, skin oil and moisture |
| Kinds of evidence | Placebo-controlled trials by mouth, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, lab studies |
| Human trials described here | 6 trials by mouth, 5 of them against placebo |
| Last reviewed | [DATE] |
What are probiotics, and what is the gut–skin axis?
Probiotics are live microorganisms meant to have a health benefit.[16] Most acne trials have used two groups, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.[5]
The idea that the gut affects the skin is not new. In 1930, two dermatologists, John Stokes and Donald Pillsbury, proposed a gut link to acne. They thought stress could change gut bacteria, make the gut lining leak, and add to inflammation in the body. Among their remedies were Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures.[1]
A 2011 review noted that research had since supported many parts of that idea. Gut bacteria and oral probiotics can influence inflammation, oxidative stress, blood sugar control and the fat content of body tissues.[1] A 2019 review describes a gut–brain–skin axis that links gut microbes, stress and diet to acne severity.[2]
Why does inflammation matter in acne?
Acne starts in the oil glands of the skin. Extra oil, skin cells in the pore and C. acnes bacteria all play a part, and the immune system reacts to them.[2]
This is where probiotics come in. Gut bacteria and oral probiotics can influence inflammation throughout the body.[1] A 2020 meta-analysis pooled 42 placebo-controlled trials in adults. Probiotics significantly lowered three markers of inflammation in the blood: CRP, TNF-α and IL-6. They also raised IL-10, a signal that calms inflammation.[4]
Those trials did not study acne. They show that probiotics can lower inflammation in people. The acne trials below show what happened to the skin.
Do probiotics help acne? What the trials show
What the reviews found (2023 to 2026)
A 2025 review in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology included 9 randomized trials and 623 patients, with 7 trials pooled. After 4 weeks, the differences were slight. After 12 weeks, probiotics significantly reduced acne severity and total spots, by about 10 spots more than control. They also reduced inflamed and non-inflamed spots and improved skin moisture and skin oil measures. No major side effects were reported.[3]
A 2026 review covered 33 studies, by mouth and on the skin. Total spots fell by 45% in probiotic groups and by 37% in control groups. The difference between groups was not statistically significant, and no serious side effects were reported.[5] A 2023 review in JAMA Dermatology, which graded trials by quality, listed probiotics among the supplements with potential benefit in fair or good studies.[14] A review limited to 3 double-blind trials (231 people) found a modest drop in inflamed spots, with low to moderate certainty.[15] A 2026 review of Lactobacillus products found no significant drop (see the gaps below).[17]
Probiotic, antibiotic, or both (2013)
A 12-week trial enrolled 45 women aged 18 to 35 with mild to moderate acne. One group took a probiotic supplement, one took the antibiotic minocycline, and one took both. All three groups had fewer spots by week 4. By weeks 8 and 12, the group taking both had the fewest spots.[11] The trial was open-label, so the women knew what they were taking.
What does the research show for each species in ClearDerm?
Effects can differ from strain to strain.[16] Where a study named its strain, we give it below.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus: a pilot trial, and a trial with spirulina
In a 2016 trial, 20 adults with acne, average age 34, took L. rhamnosus SP1 (3 billion CFU a day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. In the probiotic group, skin biopsies showed IGF1 gene activity 32% lower than at the start. IGF1 is part of insulin signalling, which is linked to acne. Doctors were more likely to rate the probiotic group as improved, though this small pilot gives an uncertain estimate.[6]
In a 2024 Spanish trial, 74 people aged 12 to 30 took L. rhamnosus CECT 30031 combined with spirulina, or a placebo, for 12 weeks. Acne improved in 50% of the probiotic group and 29% of the placebo group.[7]
Lactobacillus plantarum: fewer spots and less oil
In a 2021 Korean trial, 28 adults aged 19 to 39 took L. plantarum CJLP55 (10 billion CFU a day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Compared with placebo, inflamed spots fell by 42% and total spots by 50%. Skin oil fell by 16% and skin moisture rose by 15%. The maker of the strain funded the trial.[8]
A second strain, L. plantarum HY7714, was tested in 110 women aged 41 to 59 with dry skin and wrinkles. After 12 weeks, skin moisture and elasticity improved more than with placebo.[12]
Lactobacillus paracasei: calmer, less reactive skin
In a 2-month trial, 64 women with sensitive skin took L. paracasei NCC 2461 or a placebo. Skin sensitivity decreased, and the skin barrier recovered faster. This trial was not in acne.[13]
Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis: calming signals in the lab
L. acidophilus is the species Stokes and Pillsbury recommended.[1] In lab tests on human gut cells, heat-killed L. acidophilus and B. lactis each lowered inflammation signals, including IL-8 and COX-2. Together, they lowered them more than either one alone. This was not tested in people or in skin.[10]
Bifidobacterium longum
We found no acne trial of B. longum taken by mouth. In ClearDerm, it is part of the six-species blend.[9]
Study summary
| Study | Probiotic and amount | People and length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabbrocini 2016 | L. rhamnosus SP1; 3 billion CFU | 20 adults; 12 weeks; vs placebo | IGF1 −32% from the start; more rated improved |
| Eguren 2024 | L. rhamnosus with spirulina | 74 people aged 12–30; 12 weeks; vs placebo | Improved: 50% vs 29% |
| Kim 2021 | L. plantarum CJLP55; 10 billion CFU | 28 adults; 12 weeks; vs placebo | Inflamed spots −42%; total −50% |
| Lee 2015 | L. plantarum HY7714; 10 billion CFU | 110 women; 12 weeks; vs placebo | More skin moisture and elasticity |
| Gueniche 2014 | L. paracasei NCC 2461 | 64 women; 2 months; vs placebo | Less skin sensitivity |
| Lin 2025 | Various | 9 trials, 623 patients (7 pooled) | Milder acne, fewer spots at 12 weeks |
Which skin problems do probiotics help most?
The trials measured several things: inflamed spots, blackheads and whiteheads, skin oil and skin moisture. Probiotics helped on each of them in at least one trial.
- Red, inflamed spots. In the 2025 meta-analysis, inflamed spots fell more than in control groups.[3] In the L. plantarum trial, they fell by 42% compared with placebo.[8]
- Blackheads and whiteheads. Non-inflamed spots also fell in the meta-analysis.[3] In the L. rhamnosus trial with spirulina, they fell by about 19 against about 11 with placebo.[7]
- Oily skin. Skin oil fell by 16% compared with placebo in the L. plantarum acne trial.[8]
- Dry skin. Skin moisture rose in the meta-analysis and in both L. plantarum trials.[3][8][12]
How much is in ClearDerm compared with the studies?
| Source | Amount a day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ClearDerm (2 capsules) | 6 billion CFU | Six species in one blend |
| L. rhamnosus trial | 3 billion CFU | One strain |
| L. plantarum acne trial | 10 billion CFU | One strain |
| L. plantarum skin trial | 10 billion CFU | One strain |
The two acne trials that reported a dose used 3 billion and 10 billion CFU of a single strain.[6][8] ClearDerm provides 6 billion CFU in total, shared across six species, and the label does not give the amount of each.[9] The blend comes in the same two capsules as the vitamins, minerals and plant extracts, so there is no separate probiotic to take.[9]
How long do probiotics take to work for acne?
In the trials, the differences from control were slight at 4 weeks and clearest at 12 weeks.[3][6][7][8] The trials gave the probiotic every day for that time.
Are probiotics safe? Safety and interactions
Probiotics have a long history of apparently safe use, especially in healthy people.[16] In the acne trials, side effects were similar to placebo, and no serious problems were reported.[3][5][7][8]
The NIH notes that the risk of harm is greater in people with severe illness or a weakened immune system. It also notes that some products have contained microbes not listed on the label.[16]
Probiotics are 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. The probiotic blend is one part of them.
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.[9]
Probiotics have a long history of apparently safe use, especially in healthy people.[16] A few points help you get the most from them: give it time — the clearest results in the acne trials came at 12 weeks[3]; take 2 capsules a day with food and water, as the directions say[9]; and if you are pregnant or nursing, have a weakened immune system, or take any medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you start.[16][9]
22 ingredients, including 6 billion CFU from six species
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule supplement that pairs a six-species probiotic blend with other vitamins, minerals and plant extracts chosen to support clear skin. Every ingredient is listed on the label.
See ClearDermIf you are deciding
Here is the case in brief. Acne is an inflammatory condition, and gut bacteria influence inflammation.[1][2] In 42 trials in adults, probiotics lowered some inflammation markers.[4] In acne, a 2025 review of 9 trials found milder acne and fewer spots at 12 weeks.[3] L. plantarum did better than placebo in its own acne trial, and L. rhamnosus did better in a pilot trial and, with spirulina, in a second trial.[8][6][7] ClearDerm provides 6 billion CFU a day from six species, including both.[9]
The short version
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition, and gut bacteria influence inflammation. Probiotics lowered some inflammation markers in adults, and acne trials found fewer spots after 12 weeks. ClearDerm provides 6 billion CFU a day from six species, including two with their own acne trials.
Frequently asked questions
Do probiotics help with acne?
In a 2025 review of 9 trials, probiotics reduced acne severity and the number of spots after 12 weeks, compared with control groups.[3]
How do probiotics help skin?
Which probiotic species have acne trials?
How long do probiotics take to work for acne?
In the trials, differences from control were slight at 4 weeks and clearest at 12 weeks.[3]
Can probiotics cause breakouts?
Is gut health linked to acne?
How many probiotics should I take a day?
Can I take probiotics with an antibiotic?
In one trial, women took a probiotic with the antibiotic minocycline.[11] Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to time them.
Do probiotics help oily or dry skin?
What probiotics are in ClearDerm?
Six species: B. lactis, B. longum, L. acidophilus, L. paracasei, L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus, 6 billion CFU a day in total.[9]
References
- Bowe WP, Logan AC. Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut-brain-skin axis - back to the future? Gut Pathog. 2011;3(1):1. doi:10.1186/1757-4749-3-1. PMID: 21281494.
- Lee YB, Byun EJ, Kim HS. Potential role of the microbiome in acne: a comprehensive review. J Clin Med. 2019;8(7):987. doi:10.3390/jcm8070987. PMID: 31284694.
- Lin HW, Tam KW, Huang YC. Efficacy of oral probiotics in patients with acne: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2025;51(1):68-77. doi:10.1093/ced/llaf388. PMID: 40832719.
- Milajerdi A, Mousavi SM, Sadeghi A, Salari-Moghaddam A, Parohan M, Larijani B, et al. The effect of probiotics on inflammatory biomarkers: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Eur J Nutr. 2020;59(2):633-649. doi:10.1007/s00394-019-01931-8. PMID: 30854594.
- Warp PV, Bilik SM, Ferrari LM, Keri JE. Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics for acne vulgaris: a systematic review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2026;16(3):1531-1550. doi:10.1007/s13555-026-01659-4. PMID: 41703218.
- Fabbrocini G, Bertona M, Picazo Ó, Pareja-Galeano H, Monfrecola G, Emanuele E. Supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 normalises skin expression of genes implicated in insulin signalling and improves adult acne. Benef Microbes. 2016;7(5):625-630. doi:10.3920/BM2016.0089. PMID: 27596801.
- Eguren C, Navarro-Blasco A, Corral-Forteza M, Reolid-Pérez A, Setó-Torrent N, García-Navarro A, et al. A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of an oral probiotic in acne vulgaris. Acta Derm Venereol. 2024;104:adv33206. doi:10.2340/actadv.v104.33206. PMID: 38751177.
- Kim MJ, Kim KP, Choi E, Yim JH, Choi C, Yun HS, et al. Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP55 on clinical improvement, skin condition and urine bacterial extracellular vesicles in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1368. doi:10.3390/nu13041368. PMID: 33921829.
- Anirva. ClearDerm with Probiotics Supplement Facts label and product page. https://anirva.com/pages/clear-derm-with-probiotics (accessed October 9, 2026).
- Li SC, Hsu WF, Chang JS, Shih CK. Combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis shows a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than individual strains in HT-29 cells. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):969. doi:10.3390/nu11050969. PMID: 31035617.
- Jung GW, Tse JE, Guiha I, Rao J. Prospective, randomized, open-label trial comparing the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of an acne treatment regimen with and without a probiotic supplement and minocycline in subjects with mild to moderate acne. J Cutan Med Surg. 2013;17(2):114-122. doi:10.2310/7750.2012.12026. PMID: 23582165.
- Lee DE, Huh CS, Ra J, Choi ID, Jeong JW, Kim SH, et al. Clinical evidence of effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 on skin aging: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2015;25(12):2160-2168. doi:10.4014/jmb.1509.09021. PMID: 26428734.
- Gueniche A, Philippe D, Bastien P, Reuteler G, Blum S, Castiel-Higounenc I, et al. Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effect of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 on skin reactivity. Benef Microbes. 2014;5(2):137-145. doi:10.3920/BM2013.0001. PMID: 24322879.
- Shields A, Ly S, Wafae B, Chang YF, Manjaly P, Archila M, et al. Safety and effectiveness of oral nutraceuticals for treating acne: a systematic review. JAMA Dermatol. 2023;159(12):1373-1382. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.3949. PMID: 37878272.
- Tjiu JW, Lu CF. Oral probiotics in acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind randomized clinical trials. Medicina (Kaunas). 2025;61(12):2152. doi:10.3390/medicina61122152. PMID: 41470154.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Probiotics: usefulness and safety. Last updated August 2019. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-usefulness-and-safety (accessed October 9, 2026).
- Abedin ZU, Shah A, Mazhar S, Khan SM, Aamir AB, Yousaf S, et al. Lactobacillus-based microbiome therapy for acne vulgaris: a GRADE systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026;25(3):e70792. doi:10.1111/jocd.70792. PMID: 41853869.
