Neem Oil: A Natural Acne Cure?
Meredith muses: Can you give me the scientist’s perspective on Neem? It’s a plant that has been called the “corner pharmacy” in India for ages. I’ve found a lot of information about it from Ayurvedic and naturopathic stores, and I’m not seeing a ton of hard science behind the claims. I’m looking specifically for info regarding its healing properties for acne and eczema.
The Left Brain’s not sure about Neem:
Like you, I’m always VERY skeptical of naturopathic remedies unless there is clinical data to back up their claims. Sometimes, these remedies do contain active, effective ingredients. Other times they do not. Interestingly, the effectiveness of Neem, or Azadirachta indica, as it is technically known, is pretty well documented.
Neem, the wonder drug
A search of Pubmed reveals over 400 different studies on Neem oil most of which deal with its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects. The data indicates that Neem does live up to its reputation as a wonder drug, at least in many respects.
There are studies showing that it gets rid of camel ticks, it’s a spermicide, stops hamsters from getting cheek cancer, it’s good for sheeps’ digestive systems, kills head lice, helps against some types of diabetes, repels mosquitoes, and stops mange. It’s also effective against plaque and cavities, can interrupt the breeding cycle of the diamondback moth, and guards against some forms of gastic cancer. To name a few.
Not for acne?
However, in all these studies (and I reviewed all 448 of them!) I couldn’t find a single reference to any testing on acne or eczema. Now, that doesn’t mean necessarily mean that Neem DOESN’T work. It is a plausible theory since it does have antibacterial properties. But there maybe other effects to consider. For example, it could kill the bacteria that cause acne (P. acnes) but it could also contribute to acne by clogging pores. Without some kind of test data it’s all speculation and hearsay.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
Unless someone out there can direct me to further studies showing Neem works on acne, this Beauty Brain remains skeptical. But if you want to buy some Neem oil and give it a try there’s probably little risk. But then again, why not use some acne medications that are proven to work?
What do YOU think? Do you trust the over the counter acne medications or do you prefer natural remedies? Leave a comment and tell us what you think about neem or any other natural cures you’ve tried.
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Meresankh Says:
I also stumbled across information on neem oil when I was looking for other essential oils to add to my henna mix. While neem is not good for darkening henna, it has done wonders for my skin. I found a line of soaps and lotions formulated with neem from a company called Organix South, and they do a great job of keeping my acne from rearing its ugly head(s). Straight neem oil is a bit heavy and really stinky for all-over use, but it is good to have around for the occasional zit, scratch, or bug bite.
Lisa Says:
I really wished that there was some solid evidence backing up Neem oil because I do prefer natural remedies to medications. However, I’d rather not waste money on something thats not scientifically proven to work.
Ginger Says:
I am a cosmetic chemist and have access to raw materials. I have recently get a sample of Neem with tons of documentations stating how miraculous this material is-all most like a cure all for all skin problems. I applied this oil to my skin directly for 3 days in a row now and feel my complexion is so clear (I had some acne scar), so radiant. I am now truly convinced about the power of neem and will use neem to formulate in skin care products.
Meade Says:
An Ayurvedic practioner recommended that I apply a neem oil daily to my face to improve my complexion. The oil consists of sesame seed and canola oils and neem extract. I have historically had pretty bad melasma, plus rosacea and acne. I think my complexion has definitely improved significantly over the past year. My acne has absolutely improved. I still get some every once in a while, but I go for long periods without any. My melasma has also evened out a good bit. I know part of this effect can be attributed to lots of sunscreen and staying out of the sun, but I was doing that for a couple of years prior to using neem oil. I don’t know that it has had much impact on my rosacea; that was never very bad. Overall, too, I think my skin is smoother and “fresher” looking. Of note, I don’t get facials or do anything else to smooth and improve my face. Finally, as I am a clinical researcher, I was a total sceptic at first! I only said, “Yes,” because the practioner was my sister-in-law at the time. I will definitely keep using this product, however.
thebeautybrains Says:
Ginger: We’re cosmetic chemists too and we get samples from raw material suppliers ALL the time. The kind of data they provide are usually sales materials, not clinical studies. The quality of this information is not the same, so we’re still skeptical until we see properly designed studies. Thanks for the comment!
Georgina Says:
Hi Meade - would you mind telling me what the name of the neem product is that you used to help clear up your acne?
Many thanks
Georgina
LeAnne@hairsmystory.com Says:
I know that Neem oil is a powerful antifungal and antiseptic. I’ve been wanting to try it for my hair.
J Says:
I prefer tea tree oil over neem oil because I think tea tree oil smells less unpleasant.
Meade Says:
Georgina asked for the neem product I use. First, a list of ingredients from the bottle: organic sesame oil, organic sunflower oil, Azadirachta indica, Pterocarpus santalinus, Rubia cordifolia, Tikta churna. The product (called Neem Oil - Sidha Soma Supreme) is distributed by The Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, NM; website http://www.ayurveda.com). Also, since many have commented on a bad smell, this product simply has a very mild smell that’s not really good or bad, at least to my nose. I am typically sensitive to bad smells. Maybe Beauty Brains could comment on the various ingredients? Azadirachta indica is Neem, but I am not familiar with the rest.
christina Says:
animal testing is horable if you want to test your products do it on humans
because the effects are not even the same between animals and humans people
are just so stupid and self-centered
there are people who would test products!
Madeline Ellison Says:
Neem oil has done miraculous things for me as well. I find that adding neem oil directly to bath water and soaking in it improves my complexion and helps the skin disorder I’ve had for years. I’m not sure what its called, but its little zits all over my arms, knees, and thighs. They’re small, though sometimes become mature pimples. I’ve been self conscious to wear shorts for so long because my pores would look big and purple-ish from this disorder. Ever since I’ve been using neem oil in my bath its been getting much better! I also used neem oil on my fiance’ when he acquired poison ivy. It went away overnight! Incredible herbal cure that’s a Godsend.
MenLYconfident Says:
I ate BITREEN pill made out of neem and for just 3 days my acne problem ‘improve’ like a miracle. Does it need prove or scientific studies further more? They say neem will detox your blood and it is blood purification. Before this over the years i tried many(more than 35+-) skin clear product from cheap to expensive skin clear product such as face wash, moisturising gel, and skin essence. I wish i know neem better when im 15 years old, that is when my acne and pimples broke out of control.
Mohini Says:
I come from Pakistan and we had a Neem tree in our backyard. We would make a paste of neem leaves to apply to the skin for itch, eczema, measles chicken pox, or acne, it works. Also it can be used to drink ( warning: very bitter) for detox. I have never used the powder or products that sell over the counter but real neem I can swear by.
gardenmandy Says:
Neem oil works for all other kinds of pest control so why not acne too?!!
shei raga Says:
if you stop using neem, will your problem return worse than before, or at all?
Anon Says:
I heard about neem oil when I had a facial and the lady suggested that I use it. I bought some and it STINKS but time will tell if it’s working (only have been using it now for a couple of days)
There is a study here
Seems more like an anti-inflammatory than bacteria killer when it comes to p.acnes but it would help I would think.
stop it. Says:
The beauty brains you sound so sceptical of everything and I dont want to be mean but your acting as if everything needs scientific proof which it doesnt. Just like you said castor oil doesnt make eyelashes long eh yea they do I’ve been usingit for a week and my eyelashes are already more full/longer. I suggest highly that you stop acting so above everything .. you sound so I dunno omg we need evidence look sweets if it works it works and some of the shit you spew isnt even true .. like seriously scientifically benzoyl peroxide is amazing with acne yet its done zilch for me . scientifically neem oil hasnt proved shit yet its done wonders for me.. I think you cant state anything as facts and stop acting like you think you know everything GEEZ.
Do The Beauty Brains Know Everything? | The Beauty Brains Says:
[...] If you go back and read our post on Neem Oil you’ll see that we said it does provide some scientifically valid benefits. It’s just [...]
Hormonal Acne for Years Says:
TO: “Stop It”
You said it just right, scientifically proven is a load of CRAP! Just because it hasn’t been, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. Scientists have their head’s buried so far up the Drug company’s Ass that they wouldn’t know a natural remedy if it hit them in the face. I agree with you. I just started using Neem Oil yesterday for my on going Hormonal Acne problem. I am 32 years old and still deal with this daily. I get Cysts on my chin monthly and they take forever to go away not to mention hurt like hell. That is on top of the daily zits I get. I put the oil in my reg. natural moisturizer and applied and I woke up to find a significant decrease in the redness and swelling. I was amazed. I will keep applying it daily to see the outcome. NOTHING else has worked, not in 15 years, NOTHING!!!! Except being pregnant, that completely cleared me but once I stopped nursing, all the hormonal hell returned!!!! So far, I am very excited about NEEM!!!!
thebeautybrains Says:
Oh my. The logical fallacies in the last two comments just demonstrate how much work we’ve got left to do.
Proof should be required for everything.
Scientists don’t care if something is natural or not, they want to find things that work.
Angie Says:
I have started using neem oil on my face for my rosecea and it has helped it 80%, however I did not purchase it for that reason initially. I have chronic candida and in the summer months my arms break out with yeast and it is a itch from hell, nothing not even the prescription meds help this hellish iche. This neem is awesome! It is the ONLY thing that has keep the itch away. I take the neem pills for internal and the neem oil on my skin, sometimes I apply it direct or other times I will mix it with Coconut oil.
It was a miricle for me.
Joey Says:
I appreciate your skepticism, and if you (the blogger) design cosmetics, that is good to be extra safe.
However, I must say that though making sure herbs you will use have proper scientific backup is very, well, scientific, it will not always lead you to the most effective path.
Why? Because scientific studies cannot patent herbs so they tend to stay away from them in general, they have very little funding. Companies would prefer you to buy products like say, clearisil and all the name brands, for example, look at that acne product sponsered by Jessica Simpson. These can be marketed patented and they want you to buy them, and large coorperations are paying for the scientific tests. Clearasil probably has more tests than Neem Leaf, despite the fact that Neem has unprecidented health benefits for a large variety of skin conditions.
What I am saying is they don’t WANT you to buy herbs, you can buy a pound of neem leaves for about 10 dollars, the same price as a 2 ounce tube of clearisil.
So what am I getting at? I suppose I am trying to say that if you ONLY use products that have been tested by science you are missing out on some of the very beneficial effects of herbs. Unsafe? I can tell you right now that most herbs are more safe than any pharmasutical you could buy, do your research, it depends on the herb and your personal conditions (some herbs for example shouldn’t be taken if one has say, diabetes) I suppose to some what I am saying will look quite stupid but I’m telling you this because I have benefited greatly in health because of it - one self test is worth 400 lab tests provided you have researched that the herb is basically safe for the use you are trying. Who cares if Neem has cleared acne in 8 out of 10 lab rats, does it clear your OWN acne?
I am personally in the process of testing this myself so I can’t really tell you if it works for me yet lol.
The isolated chemicals that western medicine uses tend to have more dramatic effects and accordingly more side effects. If you went to India and rubbed a neem leaf on your face for a few days, it is doubtful that this would give you any trouble.
Nancy Says:
I recently purchased Neem tablets for my daughter and soap as a remedy for her acne. I was astonished, it seemed by 24 hours the redness had calmed down, the raised pimples were flatter and seemed to be disappearing. Its only been two days but heck, I’m impressed.
Compared to the dermotologists creams that were making her face so sensitive to the sun and seemed her acne got even worse. I’m hoping this is going to work for her. Had to share.