Can perilla leaf water treat acne?

Jun 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Acne vulgaris, commonly known as acne, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit. The effectiveness of perilla leaf water in treating acne is related to the severity of the acne. For mild acne, perilla leaf water contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components that may improve symptoms. However, the pathogenesis of moderate to severe acne is complex and requires professional treatment, making perilla leaf water unlikely to be effective. A skin sensitivity test should always be performed before use.

  Acne vulgaris usually refers to acne. Whether perilla leaf water can treat acne depends on the severity of the acne. If it is mild acne, using perilla leaf water may have some improvement effect. However, if it is moderate to severe acne, it is difficult to achieve effective treatment with perilla leaf water alone. Detailed analysis is as follows:

  

  For mild acne, which involves only a small number of comedones or inflammatory papules without severe skin lesions such as cysts or nodules, perilla leaf water may exert some beneficial effects. Perilla leaf contains components such as perillaldehyde and rosmarinic acid, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These components can inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, alleviate local inflammation, and its mild properties can also reduce irritation to the skin, thereby assisting in improving symptoms of mild acne.

  When moderate or severe acne presents with numerous inflammatory papules, pustules, or even cysts and nodules, accompanied by obvious inflammatory reactions such as pain and swelling, perilla leaf water is unlikely to resolve the issue. The pathogenesis of this type of acne is complex, related to multiple factors including abnormal androgen levels, excessive sebum secretion by sebaceous glands, and abnormal keratinization of the hair follicle openings. It requires professional medication intervention and systematic treatment, as perilla leaf water cannot fundamentally regulate these complex pathological processes.

  When attempting to use perilla leaf water to treat acne vulgaris, a skin sensitivity test should be conducted first to avoid worsening skin problems due to allergic reactions or other adverse effects.