Isotretinoin (oral)

INCI: Isotretinoin

Also known as: Accutane, Roaccutane

RetinoidsretinoidsyntheticStrong evidenceNot for pregnancyPrescription only

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

0/5

Irritancy

3/5

Best applied

Both

Effective range

Oral 0.5–1 mg/kg/d

How It Works

A systemic retinoid prescribed for severe acne. iPLEDGE-monitored due to severe teratogenicity.

Shrinks sebaceous glands, normalises keratinisation, reduces C. acnes, addresses every pillar of acne pathophysiology.

pH Range

Benefits

Research suggests may help with severe acne
Long-term remission possible
May help reduce the appearance of sebum

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

Severe nodulocystic acneTreatment-resistant acne

Best For

All skin types

Avoid If

Pregnant
Breastfeeding
Hepatic impairment
Hyperlipidemia

Layering Order

1/10

Apply early in routine, toner/essence step.

Max Safe Concentration

1 mg/kg/d

Concentration range in well-formulated products: Oral 0.5–1 mg/kg/d

Seasonal Use

Year-round; SPF non-negotiable.

Nutrition Connection

Take with fatty meal for absorption (Absorica formulation excepted).

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

iPLEDGE pregnancy registry mandatory. Cumulative dose target 120–150 mg/kg.

Prescription Only

Isotretinoin (oral) is a regulated medication. Use only under the guidance of a licensed physician or dermatologist. The information here is educational, Skinlumis does not dispense prescriptions or provide medical advice.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Isotretinoin (oral).

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Systematic Review

Gut microbiome dysbiosis is significantly associated with inflammatory skin conditions including acne and rosacea.

Dréno B, Dagnelie MA, Khammari A, Corvec S
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2020

View Study →

Systematic Review

EPA supplementation at 1.8g/day reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 42% over 12 weeks.

Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2020

View Study →

Systematic Review

Vitamin D deficiency significantly associated with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Mostafa WZ, Hegazy RA
Journal of Advanced Research, 2015

View Study →

Systematic Review

Androgen receptors in sebaceous glands directly regulate sebum production, establishing the hormonal basis of acne.

Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C
Dermato-Endocrinology, 2011

View Study →

Pairs Well With

Gentle ceramide moisturisersSPF

Conflicts With

Topical retinoidsVitamin A supplements

Your Skin Compatibility