What do user reviews say about the effectiveness of drinking apple cider vinegar for acne treatment?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Apple cider vinegar is often promoted as a natural acne remedy, but scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. In fact, applying it to the skin may cause irritation, redness, or chemical burns, and it can disrupt the skin's natural pH balance. Dermatologists generally do not recommend apple cider vinegar as a reliable acne treatment.

Because acne can stem from many underlying causes—hormones, diet, stress, or skin conditions—guessing at treatments can waste time and worsen symptoms. To better understand what's driving your breakouts and identify the most effective next steps, take a free, instant, online symptom check. It only takes a minute and can help you make informed decisions about your skin health.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if apple cider vinegar helps acne Learn what’s causing your acne breakouts See if acne needs medical care Find OTC acne treatment options Find an acne specialist near you Discover medically proven acne home remedies Understand whether acne could be another condition

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Explanation

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is often mentioned in user reviews as a natural remedy for acne, but scientific support for its effectiveness is limited. According to the references, ACV contains acetic acid, which has some antibacterial properties that might help with skin conditions. However, the evidence is not strong enough to confirm its benefits for acne specifically.

Potential Benefits:

ACV may help kill bacteria due to its acetic acid content.
Some people believe it can help balance the skin's pH.

Potential Risks:

ACV can cause skin irritation, especially if used undiluted.
Drinking ACV may lead to digestive issues or affect tooth enamel.

Conclusion: While some people claim success using apple cider vinegar for acne, scientific studies do not strongly support these claims. If you're experiencing persistent acne or skin concerns, consider using our free AI symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and determine if you should consult a healthcare provider. Be cautious when trying ACV, start with a diluted solution, and seek medical advice if irritation occurs.

(References)

Elhage KG, St Claire K, & Daveluy S. (2022). Acetic acid and the skin: a review of vinegar in dermatology. International journal of dermatology, 34350993.
Launholt TL, Kristiansen CB, & Hjorth P. (2020). Safety and side effects of apple vinegar intake and its .... European journal of nutrition, 32170375.
Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, Gansukh E, Jung S, Chul S, & Iyyakkannu S. (2019). Authenticating apple cider vinegar's home remedy claims. Natural product research, 29224370.

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