Does creatine cause acne?

Creatine is a compound that the body produces naturally. Some people, such as athletes, take creatine supplements to enhance performance during workouts and encourage faster recovery.

Some people may take creatine and then experience acne after working out. However, this is unlikely to be due to the creatine itself.

There is currently no research that suggests that creatine can directly cause acne.

However, creatine can help enhance exercise performance, which might include increased duration or intensity. This can then lead to sweating more during the workout, and sweating can contribute to acne.

Some people suggest that creatine can increase dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. DHT is a hormone that can play a role in the development of acne. However, according to a 2025 study, there is no difference in hormone levels or hair growth.

If a person believes that their workouts are causing or worsening acne, there are various steps they can take to help minimize this.

A dermatologist can provide more information about ways to prevent or manage acne. They can also help determine whether something else is causing the acne, such as: