Separating Fact from Fiction: Can Creatine Cause Skin Breakouts?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

While creatine is one of the most widely researched and effective performance-enhancing supplements, anecdotal reports often link its use to acne. However, the vast body of scientific evidence suggests that creatine itself does not directly cause skin breakouts, but rather, other lifestyle factors associated with intense training may be the culprit.

Quick Summary

Scientific evidence indicates creatine does not directly cause skin breakouts. Breakouts are more likely caused by increased sweating, hygiene issues, hormonal fluctuations, or other dietary changes associated with intense fitness routines.

Key Points

Creatine Does Not Directly Cause Acne: The link between creatine supplementation and breakouts is a myth not supported by scientific evidence.
Indirect Factors are the Culprit: Breakouts are more likely caused by lifestyle changes, like increased sweating during more intense workouts, poor hygiene, or dietary shifts.
Creatine is Not a Steroid: Confusion often arises from mistaking creatine for anabolic steroids, which are known to cause acne by significantly altering hormones.
The DHT Link is Minimal and Debated: While one limited study suggested a link between creatine and a temporary increase in DHT, this is not consistently replicated and is considered a minimal factor for most.
Hygiene is Key for Prevention: Simple steps like showering immediately after a workout, using non-comedogenic products, and wiping down equipment can prevent breakouts.
Creatine Has Skin Benefits: Research shows that topically applied creatine can offer anti-aging benefits, such as reducing wrinkles and protecting against sun damage.
It is a Well-Researched and Safe Supplement: Creatine is one of the most extensively studied and safest supplements for improving athletic performance in healthy adults.

Debunking the Myth: The Truth About Creatine and Acne

For many years, a persistent myth has circulated in the fitness community: that creatine supplementation leads to acne. The good news for supplement users is that this is largely unfounded by scientific research. Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps supply energy to your muscle cells, particularly during high-intensity exercise. It is not an anabolic steroid and, in healthy individuals, is considered a safe and effective supplement. The confusion often arises from several indirect factors that can appear in tandem with a new fitness regimen.

The Steroid Misconception

One of the main reasons for the misconception linking creatine to acne is the widespread confusion between creatine and anabolic steroids. Unlike creatine, anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone that can cause significant hormonal changes, including an increase in sebum production, which is a major contributor to acne. Many mistakenly lump creatine into the same category, unaware of their fundamental differences. The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) considers creatine safe, a designation not extended to illegal steroids.

The Limited Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Hypothesis

Some debate exists around creatine's potential impact on hormonal levels, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT). One small, limited study on male rugby players reported a temporary increase in DHT levels after creatine supplementation. DHT is a hormone associated with sebum production and acne. However, this study had significant limitations and its findings have not been consistently replicated in other, larger trials. The scientific consensus suggests that if creatine does have any hormonal effect, it is minimal and inconsistent, and is highly unlikely to be the primary cause of acne for most people.

The Real Culprits Behind Workout-Related Acne

If you have started taking creatine and noticed breakouts, the supplement is likely not the direct cause. Instead, several other lifestyle factors associated with an intensified training routine are far more probable offenders.

Indirect Factors That May Cause Breakouts

Increased Sweating and Clogged Pores: A primary reason for breakouts is simply more sweat. Creatine can boost your workout intensity and duration, leading to heavier sweating. When sweat mixes with dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria, it can clog pores and cause acne, especially if you don't shower immediately after.
Poor Post-Workout Hygiene: Not washing your face or showering promptly after exercising allows pore-clogging bacteria to thrive. Wearing sweaty, unwashed workout clothes can also contribute to body acne.
Changes in Diet: When starting a new fitness routine, many people also change their diet. Consuming more high-glycemic foods, like refined carbohydrates, can exacerbate acne for some individuals. Always consider your entire dietary picture, not just the supplement you've added.
Other Supplement Ingredients: Some workout supplements may contain additional ingredients, such as hormones or stimulants, that can trigger skin issues. The purity of your creatine product and the inclusion of other ingredients can play a role.
Contaminated Gym Equipment: Touching dirty equipment at the gym and then touching your face can transfer bacteria and grime, leading to breakouts.
Stress: High-intensity training and the pressure of meeting fitness goals can increase stress, which is known to cause hormonal fluctuations and increase inflammation that worsens acne.

Taking Care of Your Skin While Taking Creatine

If you are determined to use creatine to support your fitness goals but are concerned about your skin, there are several practical steps you can take to minimize the risk of breakouts. Adopting a comprehensive skincare and hygiene routine can address the most common culprits of workout-related acne.

Practical Skin Care Tips for Supplement Users

Shower Immediately Post-Workout: Wash your face and body as soon as possible after your training session to remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria.
Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Opt for oil-free and non-comedogenic (pore-clogging) skincare products, including sunscreens and moisturizers.
Stay Hydrated: Creatine draws water into your muscles, so it's essential to increase your overall water intake to maintain proper hydration levels for your skin.
Clean Your Equipment: Always wipe down gym equipment with a sanitizing wipe before and after use to reduce bacteria transfer.
Wash Your Clothes: Wear clean, breathable workout clothes for every session to prevent bacteria build-up that can cause body acne.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Be mindful of touching your face with your hands, especially during and after a workout, as this can transfer germs from equipment.

Creatine vs. Other Potential Acne Factors

To put the creatine-acne link into perspective, consider a comparison of different factors that can influence skin health. This helps illustrate why the supplement itself is rarely the cause of breakouts.


Factor	Acne-Causing Potential	Underlying Mechanism
Creatine Supplementation	Very Low to None	No direct link supported by evidence; minor, inconsistent hormonal effects possible in some individuals.
Anabolic Steroids	High	Significant hormonal changes that increase sebum production.
Increased Sweating	Moderate	Sweat, bacteria, and dirt clog pores, especially without proper hygiene.
High-Glycemic Diet	Moderate	Can increase inflammation and hormone levels related to sebum production.
Stress	Moderate	Increases stress hormones, potentially worsening existing acne.
Whey Protein	Possible	Some evidence suggests whey protein may correlate with acne, though more research is needed.

Conclusion: Should You Worry?

Based on current scientific evidence, creatine does not directly cause skin breakouts. The link is largely a myth perpetuated by misunderstanding and anecdotal correlations. If you experience acne after starting creatine, it is far more likely due to indirect factors associated with intense exercise, such as increased sweating, hormonal fluctuations, changes in diet, or poor hygiene. By focusing on good skincare practices and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy the performance benefits of creatine without unnecessary worry about your skin's health. For personalized advice, always consult a healthcare provider or a dermatologist.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is highly unlikely that creatine is the direct cause of your acne. The breakouts are more likely related to other factors, such as increased sweating from more intense workouts, changes in diet, or poor hygiene habits after exercise.

Some limited research has suggested a minor, inconsistent link between creatine and a temporary increase in DHT, a hormone related to acne. However, this effect is considered minimal and not a primary cause of significant breakouts for most people.

No, creatine is not an anabolic steroid. Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid, whereas anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs that mimic testosterone and can have significant side effects, including severe acne.

The most common cause is increased sweating combined with poor hygiene. When you work out more intensely, sweat can mix with bacteria and dirt, clogging your pores if you don't wash your face and body promptly.

To prevent breakouts, practice good hygiene by showering immediately after working out, use clean workout clothes, and wipe down gym equipment. You should also use non-comedogenic skincare products and stay well-hydrated.

While creatine itself is not a known cause of acne, some reports suggest a correlation between whey protein and breakouts. Certain other workout supplements may also contain ingredients that can trigger skin issues, making it important to check labels.

Yes, some research indicates that creatine can be beneficial for skin health, particularly when applied topically. It has been shown to improve skin wrinkles, sagging, and can offer protection against UV damage.