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ingredientsSystematic Review1 min read
L-Carnitine in Dermatology: A Systematic Review of Therapeutic Potential and Biomarker Applications.
Authors · Chow EY, Sapijaszko M
Journal · J Cutan Med Surg · March 2026
What this means for you
The plain-language read
L-Carnitine, an amino acid derivative critical for fatty acid metabolism, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties, with emerging applications in dermatology. This review explores its therapeutic potential, both topically and systemically, and its role as a biomarker in various skin disorders. A systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, and PubMed (1946-January 2025) was conducted, focusing on L-carnitine and dermatologic conditions, excluding acetyltransferases, acyltransferases, breast, and genetic metabolic diseases.
Key findings
- Topically, L-carnitine (1%-5%) reduces acne lesions, sebum production, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and cellulite, particularly when combined with agents like licochalcone-A or salicylic acid.
Practical note
Relevant if you're working with retinol, salicylic acid for acne and hyperpigmentation.
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What this means for your routine
retinolPM routine1%
If you're targeting acne, this research supports adding retinol to your PM routine. Effective concentration range: 1% based on this study.
salicylic_acidAM/PM routine1%
If you're targeting acne, this research supports adding salicylic_acid to your AM/PM routine. Effective concentration range: 1% based on this study.
Translated from this study's findings, not a personal prescription. Pair with your existing protocol and your practitioner's guidance.
Technical Summary, For Professional Reference
Clinical context
1. J Cutan Med Surg. 2026 Mar 25:12034754261427402. doi: 10.1177/12034754261427402. Online ahead of print. L-Carnitine in Dermatology: A Systematic Review of Therapeutic Potential and Biomarker Applications.
Ingredients discussed
Full abstract→
1. J Cutan Med Surg. 2026 Mar 25:12034754261427402. doi: 10.1177/12034754261427402. Online ahead of print. L-Carnitine in Dermatology: A Systematic Review of Therapeutic Potential and Biomarker Applications. Chow EY(1), Sapijaszko M(1). Author information: (1)Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. L-Carnitine, an amino acid derivative critical for fatty acid metabolism, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties, with emerging applications in dermatology. This review explores its therapeutic potential, both topically and systemically, and its role as a biomarker in various skin disorders. A systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, and PubMed (1946-January 2025) was conducted, focusing on L-carnitine and dermatologic conditions, excluding acetyltransferases, acyltransferases, breast, and genetic metabolic diseases. From 420 articles, 59 were included after screening in Covidence. Data on study design, sample size, carnitine type, and outcomes were extracted and validated by two authors. Topically, L-carnitine (1%-5%) reduces acne lesions, sebum production, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and cellulite, particularly when combined with agents like licochalcone-A or salicylic acid. Systemic L-carnitine mitigates inflammation, oxidative stress, and treatment-related side effects (eg, from corticosteroids, isotretinoin, vismodegib) while improving skin elasticity, microcirculation, wound healing, and fibrosis in conditions like Raynaud's disease, venous leg ulcers, and sclerotic disorders. As a biomarker, altered carnitine levels and metabolites reflect disease mechanisms in genodermatoses (eg, restrictive dermopathy, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa), inflammatory dermatoses, and melanoma, aiding diagnosis and monitoring. L-Carnitine shows promise as a therapeutic and diagnostic tool in dermatology, with benefits in acne, sebum control, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, cellulite, inflammation, and tissue repair. Its biomarker potential enhances disease insights and personalized care. Further dermatology-specific trials are needed to optimize dosing, formulations, and long-term safety, particularly regarding trimethylamine-N-oxide-related cardiovascular risks. DOI: 10.1177/12034754261427402 PMID: 41879202
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