Many people are constantly searching for that one supplement that could clear their skin for good. Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, has recently been touted as a potential game-changer in the fight against acne. This essential vitamin, famously part of the B-complex family, plays many roles in our body – from energy production to maintaining healthy skin – and it might just be the boost acne-prone individuals need.
In fact, MDacne, a leading acne treatment brand, believes in pantothenic acid so much that it made it a star ingredient in the MDacne Skin Clearing Vitamins & Minerals supplement, which packs 250 mg of B5 in each daily dose. But is pantothenic acid truly the ultimate supplement for acne? Let’s explore its benefits, backed by science, and see why it’s creating a buzz in the skincare world.
What is Pantothenic Acid?
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is an essential B-vitamin that helps our bodies convert food into energy and supports healthy skin. It's found in many common foods, but only in small amounts – well below the high doses used in acne treatments.
When taken as a supplement, pantothenic acid can address two major acne triggers at once: excess oil and stress. It supports the adrenal glands to balance stress hormones, and it helps break down fats and oils more efficiently so they’re less likely to clog your pores. This unique combination of effects is what makes vitamin B5 so intriguing as an acne-fighting supplement.
How Does Pantothenic Acid Help with Acne?
1. Controls Excess Oil
Vitamin B5’s role in producing coenzyme A means it promotes the breakdown of excess oils in the skin. This helps regulate sebum production and prevents the pore-clogging buildup that leads to pimples.
2. Strengthens the Skin Barrier
Pantothenic acid isn't just about oil control. It also supports a healthy epidermal barrier – the outer layer of skin that keeps moisture in and irritants out. A stronger skin barrier makes your skin more resilient and less prone to the bacteria and irritation that can trigger breakouts.
3. Reduces Stress-Related Breakouts
Vitamin B5 helps balance stress hormones like cortisol by supporting the adrenal glands. Less stress on your body means less oil production and inflammation spurred by stress, so you may see fewer stress-induced acne flare-ups.
What Does the Science Say About B5 and Acne?
The idea of using B5 for acne first gained traction in the 1990s when one researcher theorized that acne could result from a relative deficiency of pantothenic acid leading to excess oil production. True vitamin B5 deficiency is extremely rare in humans, but this hypothesis opened the door to studying high-dose B5 as an acne remedy – and the early scientific results have been promising.
In one study, people with acne who took a pantothenic acid supplement daily saw a significant reduction in pimples after just 8 weeks. In another trial, participants experienced more than a 60% reduction in acne lesions after 12 weeks of supplementation. These results suggest that vitamin B5 can significantly improve breakouts for many and highlight its potential as a natural acne solution.
While more research is needed to confirm B5’s benefits across diverse groups, the existing studies reported no serious side effects and good tolerability, making it a low-risk supplement to try.
Is Pantothenic Acid Safe to Use?
Pantothenic acid has an excellent safety profile. Because it’s water-soluble, your body will flush out any excess B5 you don’t need. Even at higher doses, vitamin B5 isn’t known to cause serious problems – extremely large amounts might only cause mild side effects like stomach upset or loose stools.
You might also notice your urine turning bright yellow when taking B5 (or any B-vitamin) – this is normal and simply a sign of excess vitamins being excreted. It also doesn’t interact negatively with other acne therapies, so you can safely combine B5 with topical treatments or prescription medications if needed.
How Much Pantothenic Acid Should You Take for Acne?
There’s no official medical dose for using B5 to treat acne, but a common starting point is 250 mg per day. (For reference, MDacne’s Skin Clearing Vitamins provide exactly this amount.)
For more stubborn cases, some dermatologists suggest gradually increasing to higher amounts, up to 2–4 grams per day, but it’s best to do so under medical supervision.
Consistency is key – take your B5 supplement daily and allow time for results. Many people notice early improvements within 4–6 weeks, with more significant clearing by 12 weeks.
Choosing the Right Pantothenic Acid Supplement
Not all supplements are created equal. The most effective B5 supplements use d-calcium pantothenate, an easy-to-absorb form. Formulas that combine pantothenic acid with other acne-friendly nutrients, like vitamins B1, B2, B3, A, zinc, selenium, and chromium, can provide extra benefits by targeting multiple acne triggers.
One thing to be mindful of: avoid formulas with very high biotin levels, as excess biotin may interfere with B5 absorption and potentially worsen acne.
The Other Skin-Clearing Nutrients in MDacne’s Formula
While pantothenic acid is a star ingredient, the other vitamins and minerals in MDacne’s Skin Clearing Vitamins & Minerals work together to target acne from multiple angles:
- Vitamin A – Helps normalize skin cell turnover, preventing clogged pores and reducing inflammation.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – Supports healthy circulation and immune defense, which helps the skin recover from breakouts.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – Plays a role in maintaining healthy skin barrier function and can help reduce excess oil production.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps calm redness and irritation while supporting even skin tone.
- Zinc – One of the most studied acne-fighting minerals, zinc helps regulate oil production, reduce inflammation, and limit acne-causing bacterial growth.
- Selenium – A powerful antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage and supports the immune system, helping skin heal faster.
- Chromium – Helps balance blood sugar levels, which can reduce hormonal fluctuations that trigger acne.
By combining pantothenic acid with these targeted nutrients, MDacne’s formula supports skin health on multiple levels—from oil control and barrier protection to inflammation reduction and hormonal balance. This synergy makes the supplement a comprehensive inside-out acne care solution.
Final Thoughts: Is B5 the “Ultimate” Acne Supplement?
Pantothenic acid may not be a magic overnight cure, but it is one of the most promising natural supplements for acne-prone skin. By tackling multiple acne triggers – excess oil, inflammation, and stress – vitamin B5 offers a safe, affordable, and accessible option for clearer skin.
When combined with a healthy diet, a consistent skincare routine, and dermatologist-backed guidance, B5 can play a valuable role in reducing breakouts. And with MDacne’s Skin Clearing Vitamins & Minerals, you get not just pantothenic acid, but a complete package of skin-supporting nutrients – all in one simple daily dose.
References
- Li Y. Pantothenic acid deficiency and acne vulgaris. Med Hypotheses. 1995;44(6):490-492. doi:10.1016/0306-9877(95)90136-1
- Yang J, et al. A clinical study of the effect of a novel pantothenic acid-based dietary supplement in subjects with mild to moderate facial acne. Cutis. 2014;94(2):88-93.
- Jung JY, et al. The effect of a pantothenic acid-based dietary supplement on acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Dermatol Ther. 2021;34(1):e14604. Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Micronutrients. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1998. Pantothenic Acid.
- Ehlers S, et al. Safety and tolerability of high-dose vitamin B5 supplementation. Nutrients. 2020;12(7):1946.
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More Info:
- The Best Vitamins and Minerals for Acne-Prone Skin
- Best Supplements for Cystic Acne
- What Are the Best Non-Hormonal Supplements for Women With Acne?
- 7 Acne Myths to Stop Believing
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