Spironolactone (oral)

INCI: Spironolactone

Also known as: Aldactone

AcneactivesyntheticStrong evidenceNot for pregnancyPrescription only

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

0/5

Irritancy

0/5

Best applied

Both

Effective range

Oral 25–200mg

How It Works

An anti-androgen oral medication used off-label for adult hormonal acne and female pattern hair loss.

Blocks androgen receptors and reduces testosterone synthesis, lowering DHT effects on sebum and follicles.

pH Range

Benefits

Effective for hormonal acne
Helps female pattern hair loss

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

Hormonal acneFemale pattern hair loss

Best For

All skin types

Avoid If

Pregnant
Hyperkalemia
Renal impairment

Layering Order

1/10

Apply early in routine, toner/essence step.

Max Safe Concentration

200mg/d

Concentration range in well-formulated products: Oral 25–200mg

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Monitor potassium, limit high-K foods if doctor advises.

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

First-line for adult female hormonal acne; effects build over 8–12 weeks.

Prescription Only

Spironolactone (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 Spironolactone (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

Topical retinoidsBPO

Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility