Yellow dock is a common wild plant with a long history in herbal medicine. [1] Dock plants have been used for the skin for centuries, and the root is used in traditional Korean medicine for skin and inflammatory conditions. [2][3] ClearDerm with Probiotics includes yellow dock root as one part of a 22-ingredient formula, to help promote clear skin. [4] 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.
- Yellow dock has a long history of use. People in many countries have used it as a tonic and a laxative, and dock plants have been used for the skin. [1][2]
- In a lab study, part of a yellow dock root extract calmed inflammation signals. It lowered TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in immune cells. [3]
- A compound from the root, chrysophanol, calmed skin inflammation in lab and animal studies. [5][6]
- ClearDerm provides 80 mg of yellow dock root powder. [4]
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient | Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) root, as powder [4] |
| Amount in ClearDerm | 80 mg a day, in 2 capsules [4] |
| Traditional use | A tonic, a laxative and a skin herb [1][2][7] |
| What it is studied for | Inflammation signals, antioxidant activity, bacteria and skin protection, in lab and animal studies [3][5][6][8][9][10] |
| Kinds of evidence | Reviews of traditional use, lab and animal studies, and a safety summary [1][2][3][5][6][7][8][9][10] |
| Last reviewed | [DATE] |
What is yellow dock?
Yellow dock (Rumex crispus), also called curly dock, is a perennial plant [3] in the buckwheat family. [11] Dock plants grow widely around the world. [2]
More than 200 compounds have been found in it, including anthraquinones, flavonoids and stilbenes. [1] The root contains the anthraquinones chrysophanol, emodin and physcion. [3]
A long tradition of use
In many countries, its traditional uses include a mild tonic, a laxative, a diuretic and an astringent. [1]
Dock plants have been used as food and for skin complaints by local people for centuries. [2] In traditional Korean medicine, yellow dock root is used for conditions of the skin and for inflammation. [3] Historically, it has also been used for skin inflammation. [7]
How yellow dock relates to acne-prone skin
Yellow dock research looks at how the root and its compounds affect inflammation signals, oxidative stress and bacteria.
What the studies show
Inflammation signals
In a 2020 lab study, a fraction of yellow dock root extract lowered nitric oxide and three inflammation signals (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in mouse immune cells. This fraction and one other also showed strong antioxidant activity. [3]
Skin inflammation: chrysophanol
Chrysophanol is found in yellow dock root. [3] In a 2018 lab study, chrysophanol and a mix of yellow dock and a mushroom (Cordyceps) lowered inflammation signals in human skin cells and immune cells. [5]
In a 2018 mouse study of allergic skin inflammation, the same mix and chrysophanol eased skin lesions, scratching and inflammation signals. [6] The research is still growing.
Antioxidant activity
Two compounds from the root, chrysophanol and physcion, were strong antioxidants in a 2019 lab test. [8]
Bacteria and skin protection
In lab tests, yellow dock root was active against MRSA, a drug-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Several compounds, including emodin, played a part. [9]
In a 2020 lab study, compounds from the root blocked enzymes that break down the skin's support structure (MMPs) and absorbed UV light. [10]
How much yellow dock is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 80 mg of yellow dock (Rumex crispus) root, as powder. [4]
22 ingredients, including 80 mg of yellow dock root
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule supplement that pairs yellow dock root with burdock, milk thistle and other nutrients chosen to support clear skin. Every ingredient is listed on the label.
See ClearDermWhat the research does not show yet
Is yellow dock safe?
Yellow dock root contains natural laxative compounds. Too much can cause diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. [7]
- Pregnancy and nursing. Do not take yellow dock if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. [7]
- Allergy. People allergic to ragweed may also react to yellow dock. [7]
- Medicines. Do not take yellow dock with digoxin or water pills (diuretics). If you take warfarin, ask your doctor before you start. [7]
- Kidneys. If you have kidney disease, ask your doctor before you start. [7]
Yellow dock 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. [4]
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. [4]
Take ClearDerm with food and water, as the directions say. [4]
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take digoxin or water pills, ask your healthcare provider before taking ClearDerm. [7]
If you have kidney disease or a ragweed allergy, or take any other medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you start. [7]
If you are deciding
Yellow dock has a long history of use as an herbal remedy and for the skin. [1][2] In a lab study, a root extract calmed inflammation signals. [3] In lab and animal studies, its compound chrysophanol did too. [5][6] Yellow dock is one of 22 ingredients chosen to promote clear skin. [4]
The short version
Yellow dock root is a traditional herb studied for its effects on inflammation signals and oxidative stress. [1][3] ClearDerm includes it as one part of a formula to help promote clear skin. [4]
Frequently asked questions
Is yellow dock good for acne-prone skin?
What is yellow dock used for traditionally?
How much yellow dock is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 80 mg of yellow dock root powder. [4]
Who should not take yellow dock?
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who take digoxin or water pills, should not take it. If you have kidney disease or a ragweed allergy, or take warfarin, ask your doctor before you start. [7]
References
- Qian H, Jia Y, Zheng K, et al. Rumex crispus L.: a comprehensive review on botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety. Int Immunopharmacol. 2024;143(Pt 3):113569. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113569. PMID: 39520965.
- Li JJ, Li YX, Li N, et al. The genus Rumex (Polygonaceae): an ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological review. Nat Prod Bioprospect. 2022;12(1):21. doi:10.1007/s13659-022-00346-z. PMID: 35710954.
- Eom T, Kim E, Kim JS. In vitro antioxidant, antiinflammation, and anticancer activities and anthraquinone content from Rumex crispus root extract and fractions. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(8):726. doi:10.3390/antiox9080726. PMID: 32784977.
- Anirva. ClearDerm with Probiotics Supplement Facts label and product page. https://anirva.com/pages/clear-derm-with-probiotics (accessed October 15, 2026).
- Jeong HJ, Kim HY, Kim HM. Molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effect of chrysophanol, an active component of AST2017-01 on atopic dermatitis in vitro models. Int Immunopharmacol. 2018;54:238-244. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2017.11.019. PMID: 29161660.
- Han NR, Moon PD, Yoo MS, et al. Regulatory effects of chrysophanol, a bioactive compound of AST2017-01 in a mouse model of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis. Int Immunopharmacol. 2018;62:220-226. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2018.06.046. PMID: 30025384.
- RxList. Yellow Dock: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews. https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/yellow_dock.htm (accessed October 15, 2026).
- Minh TN, Van TM, Andriana Y, et al. Antioxidant, xanthine oxidase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of bioactive compounds from Rumex crispus L. root. Molecules. 2019;24(21):3899. doi:10.3390/molecules24213899. PMID: 31671906.
- Pelzer CV, Houriet J, Crandall WJ, et al. More than just a weed: an exploration of the antimicrobial activity of Rumex crispus using a multivariate data analysis approach. Planta Med. 2022;88(9-10):753-761. doi:10.1055/a-1652-1547. PMID: 34695862.
- Uzun M, Guvenalp Z, Kazaz C, Demirezer LO. Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor and sunscreen effective compounds from Rumex crispus L.: isolation, identification, bioactivity and molecular docking study. Phytochem Anal. 2020;31(6):818-834. doi:10.1002/pca.2948. PMID: 32488908.
- Prakash Mishra A, Sharifi-Rad M, Shariati MA, et al. Bioactive compounds and health benefits of edible Rumex species: a review. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2018;64(8):27-34. PMID: 29981688.
