Spirulina for acne: Does it really work?

If you have acne, chances are you’ve spent time Googling new trends for treating and preventing breakouts. In your search, spirulina may have come up. But when it comes to plant-derived remedies, knowing what’s fact or fiction and which ingredients may harm more than they help isn’t always easy. As far as the potential benefits of spirulina for acne and other skincare concerns go, more research is needed. While spirulina’s ability to keep acne at bay hasn’t been proven, it might still be worth adding to your diet, supplement lineup, or skincare routine. Here’s what we can tell you about spirulina based on what experts know so far:

What is spirulina?

Spirulina comes from the biomass of blue-green algae that typically grows in warm lakes. Only a few areas worldwide have a sunny climate for it, including Greece, Japan, India, the United States, and Spain. It’s been used as a source of nutrients for centuries by the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica, thanks to its high levels of various B vitamins, beta-carotene, other carotenoids, and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc. It’s also a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, linolenic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid. Given its nutritional value, spirulina has recently become a commercial dietary supplement that you can find in many health food stores in the form of drinks or tablets.¹ It’s also becoming increasingly common in skincare products. 

Potential benefits of spirulina for your skin

More research about potential spirulina skin benefits is coming out every year. Its peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals make it a good candidate for makeup and skincare products. Spirulina is being used in products that may promise various effects, from cleansing and moisturizing to revitalizing and protecting. Spirulina has the following potential benefits for your skin:² 

• It may reduce signs of aging: Studies show that spirulina may protect against signs of aging and photodamage. 

• It may have antioxidant properties: When it was studied as an antioxidant for a sunscreen formulation, spirulina was found to have potential benefits for skin elasticity. The same study found that spirulina may also help with hyperpigmentation and photoaging.

• It may brighten your skin: Spirulina may decrease tyrosinase activity and melanin content, which could help brighten the appearance of your skin. 

• It may promote collagen production: Spirulina contains peptides, which may help stimulate the creation of structural proteins like collagen and elastin. 

• It may help heal wounds: One study showed that spirulina extract may have promising wound-healing activity because of its phycocyanin and carotenoids. Another study showed that, when incorporated into a skin cream, spirulina extract aided wound healing, thanks to its antioxidant activities.

• It may have antimicrobial properties: Spirulina contains flavonoids and triterpenoids, which could act as astringent and antimicrobial agents. Research shows that water-based skincare formulations containing spirulina can help slow the growth of bacteria.

When it comes to the benefits of spirulina for skincare, it’s important to note that there’s not a lot of research out there. If you want to incorporate spirulina into your skincare routine, our experts suggest reaching out to your healthcare provider for advice.

Spirulina and acne

While limited studies have been published about spirulina for acne, research thus far is promising. Some studies show that using spirulina in topical formulations may help treat acne with few side effects and no risk of antibiotic resistance.³ Spirulina’s potential anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antibacterial properties may also make it a good choice if you want to follow a plant-based acne treatment to help get clear skin. 

In one study, topical application of a phycocyanin-rich ointment with spirulina extract may have successfully treated acne breakouts. In another, an in-vitro evaluation of a face mask containing spirulina extract and biomass found that the face mask may inhibit the bacteria that cause acne.⁴

However, neither of these studies was totally conclusive. Because more research is needed, our dermatology providers do not recommend spirulina for acne at this time.

Potential side effects of spirulina 

Many toxicological studies have proven that spirulina is likely safe, and it’s recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a generally safe additive. However, it could still have a handful of adverse effects. These include the following: 

• It may contain toxins: Because spirulina is sometimes sourced from nature, it may contain toxins that can contribute to conditions such as acute poisoning, cancer, liver damage, and gastrointestinal issues.⁵ However, spirulina grown in a controlled environment may contain fewer toxins, and methods are being developed to help with quality control.⁶

• It may be linked to inflammatory myopathy: A case study found that the use of spirulina may result in inflammatory myopathy under specific conditions.⁷ This means that spirulina could cause muscle weakness and pain.

• It may be linked to acute rhabdomyolysis: Another case study found that using spirulina may result in rhabdomyolysis, a muscle condition that causes the muscles to break down.⁸

How to use spirulina 

When it comes to knowing how to take spirulina, you can add it to your food or apply it to your skin. It’s available in several forms, including spirulina powder and tablets for oral supplementation, and you can find it in topical skincare products like moisturizers, masks, and toners. There’s no consensus on whether oral or topical spirulina is better for skin care. 

Wondering where to find spirulina? Look for supplements at your local health food stores and online. You might also be surprised at which of your favorite skincare companies are already making products that feature this superfood. 

Get custom acne treatment with Curology

Some supplements aren’t yet proven to help skin health and acne and their risk of side effects are not fully known. Consulting a dermatology provider for research-backed treatment options can save you time, money, and effort.

Founded by board-certified dermatologists in 2014, Curology’s full-service skincare guidance can help take the guesswork out of your skincare routine. A licensed dermatology provider will create a custom routine to help you achieve your skincare goals. You can rely on our experts to determine which products your skin needs and create a personalized prescription formula to suit your goals. Our personalized prescription formulas include active ingredients like tretinoin, niacinamide, and zinc.

Ready to get started? Just answer a few questions and snap some selfies to help us get to know your skin better. If Curology is right for you, we’ll pair you with one of our in-house licensed dermatology providers who will be with you every step of the way. Sign up now to start your Curology skincare journey.*

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Karkos, PD., et al. Spirulina in clinical practice: evidence-based human applications. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. (2011).

2. Ragusa, I., et al. Spirulina for Skin Care: A Bright Blue Future. Cosmetics. (2021).

3. Józsa, L., et al. Formulation of Creams Containing Spirulina Platensis Powder with Different Nonionic Surfactants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. Molecules. (2020).

4. Ragusa, I., et al. Spirulina for Skin Care: A Bright Blue Future. Cosmetics. (2021).

5. Gogna, S., et al. Spirulina- An Edible Cyanobacterium with Potential Therapeutic Health Benefits and Toxicological Consequences. J Am Nutr Assoc. (2022).

6. Roy-Lachapelle, A., et al. Detection of Cyanotoxins in Algae Dietary Supplements. Toxins (Basel). (2017).

7. Konno, T., et al. A case of inflammatory myopathy with widely skin rash following use of supplements containing Spirulina. Rinsho Shinkeigaku. (2011).

8. Mazokopakis, E.E., et al. Acute rhabdomyolysis caused by Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Phytomedicine. (2008).

Meredith Hartle is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Curology. She earned her medical degree at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO.

* Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Results may vary. 

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Meredith Hartle, DO