Effects of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners on acne vulgaris: A systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#acne-vulgaris #humans #non-nutritive-sweeteners #propionibacterium-acnes #anti-bacterial-agents

Effects of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners on acne vulgaris: A systematic review

Nguyen et al., 2026 | Fitoterapia | Systematic Review

Citation

Nguyen Trang Thi Minh, Yi Eun-Ji, ... Yi Tae-Hoo. Effects of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners on acne vulgaris: A systematic review. Fitoterapia. 2026-Jan;188:107022. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2025.107022

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder influenced by sebaceous gland activity, hormonal regulation, and microbial proliferation. Dietary factors, including sweetening agents, may modulate acne pathophysiology, affecting sebum production, inflammatory responses, and the skin microbiome. This systematic review summarizes the effects of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners on acne-related markers, with a focus on Cutibacterium acnes activity and associated inflammatory pathways. Non-nutritive sweeteners such as mannitol and xylitol show potential in regulating acne pathogenesis and exhibiting antibacterial activity against C. acnes. Strategic combinations of sweeteners with bioactive compounds, such as mannitol with bakuchiol or Ginkgo biloba extract, and xylitol with propanediol and caprylic acid, further enhance anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, offering a multifaceted approach to acne management. For nutritive sweeteners, experimental evidence suggests that glucose may enhance C. acnes biofilm susceptibility when combined with certain antibiotics. These findings emphasize the importance of careful selection and formulation of sweetening agents in dermatological interventions. Incorporating sweeteners, alone or in combination with bioactive compounds, could complement conventional acne therapies, reduce microbial proliferation, modulate inflammatory pathways, and support overall skin health. This review provides a scientific basis for dietary recommendations and the development of adjunctive acne treatments, highlighting sweetening agents as emerging functional modulators of acne pathogenesis.

Key Findings

This review provides a scientific basis for dietary recommendations and the development of adjunctive acne treatments, highlighting sweetening agents as emerging functional modulators of acne pathogenesis.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Acne Vulgaris
  • Humans
  • Non-Nutritive Sweeteners
  • Propionibacterium acnes
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginkgo

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09