Does Creatine Cause Acne? Here’s What the Science and Real Life Say

Creatine is one of the most popular and widely researched supplements out there, especially among athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone serious about improving their performance in the gym. It’s affordable, effective, and backed by decades of data. But for all its benefits, one lingering question still circulates in locker rooms and Reddit threads: Does creatine cause acne?

The short answer? There’s no clear scientific evidence showing that creatine directly causes acne—but there’s more to the story. Some users do report breakouts after starting creatine, and while the supplement itself may not be the root cause, there could be a few indirect connections worth exploring.

Here’s a deeper look at what we know—and what might explain the confusion.

What Is Creatine and What Does It Do?

Before diving into acne, it helps to understand what creatine actually is. Creatine is a compound naturally found in your body, primarily stored in muscle cells, where it plays a key role in producing quick bursts of energy during high-intensity activity. Your body produces some creatine on its own, but it’s also found in foods like red meat and seafood.

When taken as a supplement—usually in the form of creatine monohydrate—it increases your body’s creatine stores, which helps improve strength, power, and lean muscle mass. It’s also used in some clinical settings for neurological and muscular conditions.

What the Science Says About Creatine and Acne

Despite its widespread use, no clinical studies have directly linked creatine supplementation to acne. Most research on creatine focuses on its effects on performance, recovery, or neurological health. Dermatological side effects like acne have simply not been a consistent finding.

So, where are these concerns coming from?

Possible Indirect Connections Between Creatine and Acne

While creatine might not cause acne directly, it can influence your body in ways that might increase the likelihood of breakouts for some people. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Increased Workout Intensity and Sweating

Many people experience better performance in the gym after starting creatine. More reps, more sets, longer sessions—it all adds up to more sweat. If your post-workout hygiene isn’t on point, all that extra perspiration can mix with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, potentially clogging pores and leading to acne.

This is especially true for back and shoulder breakouts, which are common among athletes.

2. Changes in Diet and Supplement Stack

When someone starts taking creatine, they’re often adding other supplements into the mix—like whey protein, which has been more closely associated with acne in some individuals. Dairy proteins, especially those rich in leucine and other growth factors, may stimulate oil production and inflammation in the skin.

So if you’ve introduced creatine alongside other new products, it might be hard to tell which is truly the culprit.

3. Hormonal Effects (Still Not Fully Understood)

There’s been some speculation—based on small or limited studies—that creatine could increase levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent form of testosterone linked to acne. However, the evidence is inconclusive and based on studies with small sample sizes or poor methodology.

Even if creatine has a mild effect on hormones, it’s unlikely to cause hormonal acne on its own unless you’re genetically predisposed or have an underlying condition.

Anecdotal Reports: Real, But Not Proof

If you Google “creatine acne,” you’ll find plenty of personal stories—some saying it caused breakouts, others saying it had no effect at all. While these accounts are worth listening to, they’re also highly subjective. Skin is influenced by dozens of factors, including genetics, environment, diet, skincare habits, and stress levels.

Just because someone broke out after starting creatine doesn’t mean the supplement was to blame.

Tips for Managing Skin While Using Creatine

If you’re concerned about your skin but still want to use creatine, here are a few tips to help keep acne at bay:

• Shower promptly after workouts to wash away sweat and bacteria.

• Keep your supplement stack minimal, and introduce new products one at a time so you can track any changes.

• Stay hydrated—creatine draws water into your muscles, but your skin needs hydration, too.

• Use non-comedogenic skincare products to avoid clogged pores.

• Eat a balanced diet, and avoid excessive sugar or processed foods, which may trigger acne for some people.

If acne persists or worsens, talk to a dermatologist. It’s possible you have a separate underlying issue unrelated to creatine.

The Bottom Line

Right now, there’s no solid scientific evidence that creatine directly causes acne. But depending on how you respond to it, how it changes your training routine, or what other supplements and habits you pair it with, it may contribute to breakouts in indirect ways.

For most people, creatine is a safe, effective supplement with very few side effects—and if you take care of your skin and pay attention to what else is going on in your routine, there’s no reason it should get in the way of clear skin.