Can a Garlic Clove a Day Keep Pimples Away? Dermatologists Weigh in on the TikTok Trend

The latest trend sweeping social media involves users eating raw garlic cloves to get rid of acne—be it by downing spoonfuls of garlic or swallowing whole cloves.

In a TikTok video with nearly 24 million views, one user documented their journey of eating raw garlic to fight hormonal acne. Another user, whose video has 14.4 million views, shared progress in eating raw garlic to treat acne and dark spots. 

While garlic may seem like an accessible and affordable alternative to acne treatments—especially if you don’t have easy access to a dermatologist, there’s a couple of reasons you might want to think twice before giving this approach a go.

Can Eating Raw Garlic Cure Acne? 

Garlic has been used in medicine for centuries as a treatment for all kinds of ailments, like high cholesterol and coronary artery disease. However, there haven’t been enough studies to say for sure that the potent produce can clear acne, Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group, told Verywell.

“There is not enough science-backed evidence to support taking garlic orally as an acne treatment,” said Nazarian. “The truth is that no amount of garlic taken orally will help cure acne.” 

Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, told Verywell that while garlic alone might not have a major effect on facial acne, “it could be beneficial” if it’s part of a diet of low-glycemic, high-fiber, and whole foods.

Garlic has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help keep your skin healthy, similar to the benefits of antioxidant-rich foods like green tea, berries, and pomegranate, according to Nazarian. 

A 2014 review found that garlic has compounds that can prevent the growth of certain bacteria and fungi, potentially helping with certain skin conditions. However, the researchers didn’t say whether garlic would be useful for treating acne, specifically. Nazarian mentioned that because studies are lacking, “the consideration is purely theoretical.”

It’s also important to remember that the causes of acne can be very different for each person who has the condition. Acne can stem from hormonal changes or even using makeup or skincare products that clog pores and cause breakouts, according to Palm. 

“In both scenarios, eating garlic would do little to address and treat acne,” Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD, told Verywell. “There are likely more efficient and effective methods of treating acne than eating raw garlic on a daily basis, as this TikTok trend recommends.”

Do Experts Recommend Trying Garlic for Acne? 

If you really want to try eating raw garlic to fight acne despite the lack of evidence, Geddes-Bruce recommends starting in moderation. For example, simply start by using more garlic to season your dinner.

Geddes-Bruce does not recommend eating cloves of raw garlic daily to try and control your acne, as “too much raw garlic can be irritating, not to mention stinky. And we have much more effective ways to treat acne that are available.”

If you’re thinking rubbing garlic on your skin instead of eating it might be the way to go, experts don’t recommend that either.

“Raw garlic can be extremely irritating if rubbed directly on the skin, so please don’t try that,” said Geddes-Bruce. “We sometimes recommend it for at-home wart removal, so that can tell you how destructive it can be.”

Palm added that since there is a lack of research on garlic consumption or topical usage and acne control, “it is hard to make recommendations for who might respond better or more poorly to this form of unusual treatment.”

Geddes-Bruce and Nazarian said that eating garlic,—especially in high doses—is not healthy or safe for everyone. People with low blood pressure should be especially cautious, as garlic can affect bleeding and clotting because it functions as a blood thinner.

Palm added that if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants), eating garlic can change the effectiveness of these drugs. Garlic may also affect of other medications, including acetaminophen and certain HIV medications.

How Else Can You Treat Acne? 

While there’s no one-size-fits-all dietary recommendation to help manage acne, Palm generally recommends eating a nutritious diet that is rich in antioxidants, fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support overall skin health. A low-glycemic diet that limits the consumption of processed foods may also be beneficial in minimizing acne breakouts.

Other treatments for acne include topical gels, creams, or lotions like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, certain antibiotics, retinoids, laser and light therapies, chemical peels, and other products.

If you still can’t manage your acne at home, your best bet is to skip the TikTok trends and talk to a board-certified dermatologist.