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Saw Palmetto for Acne

D Early Research Only preliminary research exists (lab studies, case reports).

Preliminary research suggests saw palmetto's anti-androgenic effects (5-alpha-reductase inhibition) may reduce sebum production. Limited skin-specific evidence.

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            D

        

        

            
The Bottom Line

            
            
Preliminary research suggests saw palmetto's anti-androgenic effects (5-alpha-reductase inhibition) may reduce sebum production. Limited skin-specific evidence.

            
            
        

    










    

  
Key Study Findings





    

        
        

            

                
                    in vitro/ex vivo study
                
                
                
                
            

            
                A proprietary lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens promotes hair growth through mechanisms that extend beyond …
            
            

                
                Dose: USPlus DERM (lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens) at 0.4 and 10 μg/mL in hair follicle organ cu
                
                
                vs: Placebo
                
                
                
                Effect: USPlus DERM IC50=0.39 μg/mL (vs 29.1 μg/mL standard extract); 0.4 μg/mL significantly reduced melani
                
                
                None
                
            

            
        

        
        

            

                
                    case report
                
                
                n=1
                
                
                
            

            
                Sensitization to saw palmetto and minoxidil in separate topical extemporaneous treatments for androgenetic alopecia.
            
            

                
                Dose: minoxidil 4% with retinoic acid in propylene glycol base; saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) topical extr
                
                
                vs: Placebo
                
                
                
                Effect: None
                
                
                None
                
            

            
        

        
    







    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
2

        
Studies

    

    

        
100

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↑
            
        
        
Positive

    

    

        D

        
Grade

    




        


        
        
        

            

  
Referenced Papers





            

                
                

                    

                        
                            A proprietary lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens promotes hair growth through mechanisms that extend beyond 5-alpha reductase inhibition: Insights from …
                        
                        
                            
                                Other
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    

                    

                        International journal of …
                        2025
                        
                        1 citations
                        
                    

                

                
                

                    

                        
                            A review of the treatment of male pattern hair loss.
                        
                        
                            
                                Review
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    

                    

                        Expert opinion on …
                        2020
                        
                        147 citations
                        
                    

                

                
                

                    

                        
                            An overview of herbal alternatives in androgenetic alopecia.
                        
                        
                            
                                Review
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    

                    

                        Journal of cosmetic …
                        2019
                        
                        100 citations
                        
                    

                

                
                

                    

                        
                            Sensitization to saw palmetto and minoxidil in separate topical extemporaneous treatments for androgenetic alopecia.
                        
                        
                            
                                Case Report
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    

                    

                        The Australasian journal …
                        2002
                        
                        20 citations
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
320 mg/day standardized extract

                    

                    
                    

                        
skinacne:

                        
320 mg/day

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: Not established; generally well-tolerated
                

                
            

            

            
            

                
Dosages Studied in Research

                

                    

                        
                            

                                Dosage
                                Duration
                                Effect
                                N
                            

                        
                        
                            
                            

                                USPlus DERM (lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens) at 0.4 and 10 μg/mL in hair follicle organ cu
                                --
                                
                                    
                                    Positive
                                    
                                
                                --
                            

                            
                            

                                minoxidil 4% with retinoic acid in propylene glycol base; saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) topical extr
                                --
                                
                                    
                                    Negative
                                    
                                
                                1
                            

                            
                        
                    

                

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: With meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Headache (rare)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Dizziness (rare)
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Anticoagulants (may have mild antiplatelet effects)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Hormonal medications (oral contraceptives, HRT — may interfere)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Finasteride and dutasteride (additive 5-alpha-reductase inhibition)
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    

                        Tolerable upper intake: Not established; generally well-tolerated
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does Saw Palmetto help with Acne?
            
        
        

            Based on 2 studies with 100 participants, there is preliminary evidence that needs more research that Saw Palmetto may support Acne management. Our evidence grade is D (Very Early Research).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much Saw Palmetto should I take for Acne?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 320 mg/day standardized extract. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of Saw Palmetto?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, Headache (rare), Dizziness (rare). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for Saw Palmetto and Acne?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade D (Very Early Research). This rating is based on 2 peer-reviewed studies with 100 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  




            

                
                
                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    






  
References

  
    
    
    
  1. 
      [1]
      David Broadley et al..
      Int J Cosmet Sci.
      2025.
      A proprietary lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens promotes hair growth through mechanisms that extend beyond 5-alpha reductase inhibition: Insights from …
      doi:10.1111/ics.70035
      PubMed
    
    2. 
    
    
  2. 
      [2]
      Katherine York et al..
      Expert Opin Pharmacother.
      2020.
      A review of the treatment of male pattern hair loss.
      doi:10.1080/14656566.2020.1721463
      PubMed
    
    3. 
    
    
  3. 
      [3]
      Maria Yusuf Dhariwala et al..
      J Cosmet Dermatol.
      2019.
      An overview of herbal alternatives in androgenetic alopecia.
      doi:10.1111/jocd.12930
      PubMed
    
    4. 
    
    
  4. 
      [4]
      Rodney D Sinclair et al..
      Australas J Dermatol.
      2002.
      Sensitization to saw palmetto and minoxidil in separate topical extemporaneous treatments for androgenetic alopecia.
      doi:10.1046/j.1440-0960.2002.00620.x
      PubMed
    
    5. 
    
  















    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.