Does Creatine Cause Acne or Skin Breakouts?

By Natasha Leaney, Registered Nutritionist (RNutr), BAppSc (Human Nutrition) · Published 2 November 2026 · 7 min read

Why creatine gets blamed for skin breakouts

Starting creatine often coincides with a broader change in routine. You may train more often, stay longer in sweaty clothing, wear tighter equipment, change your diet or add several supplements at once. When pimples appear soon afterwards, creatine can seem like the obvious cause. But the timing doesn't prove creatine caused them.

Acne is an inflammatory condition with several contributing factors. It affects the pilosebaceous unit, which includes the hair follicle and oil gland. Four main processes are involved: increased sebum (skin oil) production, abnormal plugging of the follicle, microbial changes and inflammation. Genetic, hormonal and environmental factors all influence these processes. Androgens are one influence on sebum production, so a change in a single hormone does not on its own mean acne will develop. ^5,6

The DHT theory behind creatine and acne

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): An androgen made from testosterone through the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Androgens can affect sebaceous glands and oil production, which is one reason DHT appears in explanations of acne biology. ^5,6

The creatine-acne theory usually follows this chain:

1. Creatine might increase circulating DHT.
2. DHT can influence sebaceous-gland activity.
3. More sebum may contribute to clogged and inflamed follicles.
4. Therefore, creatine might worsen acne in a susceptible person.

The weak point is the jump from the first step to a real skin outcome. The frequently cited 2009 crossover trial involved 20 college-aged male rugby players. Participants used 25 g of creatine daily for seven days, followed by 5 g daily for 14 days. Serum DHT increased during the creatine phase, while testosterone did not change. The researchers did not measure acne, sebum, pore blockage or any other skin outcome. ¹

A later 2021 review by Antonio and colleagues noted that the DHT finding had not been replicated. It concluded that the available evidence did not indicate that creatine increases total testosterone, free testosterone, DHT or hair loss. That review examined the broader androgen concern, not acne as a direct outcome. ²

A 2025 randomised controlled trial tested the DHT question more directly. Forty-five resistance-trained men aged 18–40 took 5 g of creatine monohydrate or a placebo daily for 12 weeks, and 38 completed the study. There were no significant differences between groups in DHT or the DHT-to-testosterone ratio. Like the 2009 study, this trial did not measure acne or skin outcomes. ⁹

Our guide to whether creatine causes hair loss covers DHT and the limits of the evidence in more detail.

What the evidence actually shows about creatine and acne

Current evidence does not support saying creatine causes acne, and a breakout that appears after starting creatine has several possible explanations. No acne-specific randomised trial was identified in the evidence search for this article. So the creatine research mostly shows what has and hasn't been measured.

The same 2021 review assessed a large body of research and discussed side effects and misconceptions. But it didn't show acne to be an effect of taking creatine. ² A 2025 safety analysis reviewed side effects reported across 685 human creatine trials and 49 side-effect categories. It found no significant overall difference in how often side effects occurred between people taking creatine and those taking a placebo. The paper didn't give direct evidence that creatine prevents or causes acne, so it doesn't show that creatine is “safe for skin”. ³

Where the evidence stands:

• a small, short DHT study created a plausible hormonal question; ¹
• the study did not assess acne;
• a later 12-week randomised trial using 5 g/day found no difference in DHT compared with placebo, although it also did not assess acne; ⁹
• broader creatine reviews do not show acne to be a side effect; ^2,3
• a lack of direct evidence doesn't rule out that some people could notice a change.

What else may change when you start creatine and training

Sweat, friction and occlusive gym gear

Heat, friction, pressure and covered skin can aggravate acne-prone areas, particularly under tight clothing, helmet straps, sports bras, backpacks or other equipment. This pattern is often described as acne mechanica. Sweat on its own isn't enough to explain every breakout. ^4,5

Practical steps that may reduce training-related irritation include:

• change out of damp training clothes soon after exercise;
• wash reusable straps, caps, helmets and other skin-contact equipment regularly;
• choose clean, breathable clothing that does not repeatedly rub the same area;
• cleanse gently rather than scrubbing or repeatedly stripping the skin;
• avoid picking or squeezing spots, which can worsen inflammation and scarring risk. ^4,7

Diet and multiple supplements

Starting creatine may coincide with higher energy intake, protein shakes or other dietary changes. A 2022 systematic review found modest evidence that high-glycaemic diets can worsen acne, while evidence on dairy varied by population and study design. ⁸ This does not prove that any one food or protein product caused an individual breakout.

If you started several products at once, it's harder to tell which one is the trigger. A GP, pharmacist, accredited practising dietitian or dermatologist can help you make sense of a pattern that keeps coming back.

Skincare and unrelated acne changes

Acne may flare because of stress, hormonal changes, medicines ⁶, skincare products or its natural course. Australian health guidance notes that acne involves oil and dead skin cells blocking pores, followed by bacterial growth and inflammation, and that androgens can increase oil production. ⁴

Don't assume every cluster of bumps is acne. Folliculitis, irritation and other skin conditions can look similar. Seek health advice if the breakout is painful, widespread, leaving scars, affecting your wellbeing or not improving with appropriate self-care. ^4,7

What to do if breakouts begin after starting creatine

1. Record the timing. Note when creatine, other supplements, diet changes, training frequency and skincare products changed.
2. Check the pattern. Breakouts under straps or tight clothing may point to friction and covered skin rather than an effect of the supplement.
3. Change one variable at a time. This makes patterns easier to spot. But don't stop prescribed medicine without advice.
4. Use gentle skin habits. Change out of damp gear, clean shared-contact equipment and avoid aggressive scrubbing or picking.
5. Get professional advice when needed. A pharmacist, GP or dermatologist can assess whether the spots are acne and recommend evidence-based treatment. ^4,7

Where Musashi Creatine Monohydrate Powder fits

Musashi offers creatine monohydrate in powder, capsule and chewable formats, and the amount of creatine in each labelled serve differs by format. If you choose to use creatine, Musashi Creatine Monohydrate Powder is a Fuel-system powder made with creatine monohydrate. It comes in Unflavoured (350 g and 600 g), Berry (420 g) and Blue Raspberry (420 g), with 5 g of creatine monohydrate per serve.

Follow the directions on the product label, and if breakouts continue, work through the steps above rather than assuming one cause. Our guide on how to take creatine covers dosing and timing.

Key takeaways about creatine and acne

• Current evidence does not show that creatine causes acne.
• The DHT theory comes mainly from one short study that did not measure skin outcomes.
• A later 12-week randomised trial found no difference in DHT between creatine and placebo.
• Sweat, friction, gear, diet and skincare changes can coincide with starting creatine.
• A timing link alone does not prove that creatine caused a breakout.
• Persistent, painful or scarring acne should be assessed by a qualified health professional.

Frequently asked questions about creatine and acne

Can creatine cause pimples?

Current evidence does not demonstrate that creatine causes pimples. One short study found a change in blood levels of DHT after taking creatine, but it did not measure acne, sebum or skin changes. If pimples appear after starting creatine, look at other changes you made at the same time, such as training volume, sweaty clothing, skincare, diet and other supplements. ^1,2

Does creatine increase DHT?

One 2009 study in college-aged male rugby players reported increased serum DHT during a three-week creatine protocol. The study was small and did not measure acne. A later review reported that the DHT result had not been replicated, and a 12-week randomised controlled trial published in 2025 found no difference in DHT between creatine (5 g/day) and placebo. The evidence therefore does not support treating a creatine-to-DHT increase as established. ^1,2,9

Can sweat from training cause acne?

Sweat isn't the sole cause of acne, but heat, friction, pressure and covered skin can aggravate breakouts in areas under tight or damp training gear. Changing out of damp gear promptly, cleaning skin-contact equipment and avoiding repeated rubbing may help. A clinician can tell acne apart from folliculitis or irritation when it's unclear what the spots are. ^4,5

Should I stop taking creatine if I break out?

A breakout does not by itself prove that creatine is the cause. Record what changed, and review other supplements, diet, skincare and training conditions. Then talk to a pharmacist, GP, dietitian or dermatologist if symptoms don't go away or they worry you. Seek professional advice before changing prescribed treatment or if acne is painful, widespread or causing scars. ^4,7

When should I see a doctor about acne?

Speak with a doctor when acne is severe, painful, scarring, affecting your wellbeing or not improving. A health professional can confirm whether the spots are acne, rule out similar conditions and recommend treatment for the type and severity involved. Australian guidance notes that effective topical and oral treatments are available. ^4,7

References

1. van der Merwe, J., Brooks, N. E., & Myburgh, K. H. (2009). Three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affects dihydrotestosterone to testosterone ratio in college-aged rugby players. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 19(5), 399–404. DOI record.
2. Antonio, J., Candow, D. G., Forbes, S. C., et al. (2021). Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: What does the scientific evidence really show? Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18, 13. DOI record.
3. Kreider, R. B., Gonzalez, D. E., Hines, K., Gil, A., & Bonilla, D. A. (2025). Safety of creatine supplementation: Analysis of the prevalence of reported side effects in clinical trials and adverse event reports. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 22(sup1), 2488937. DOI record.
4. Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). Acne: Treatments, causes and prevention. Healthdirect acne guidance.
5. Kim, H. J., & Kim, Y. H. (2024). Exploring acne treatments: From pathophysiological mechanisms to emerging therapies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(10), 5302. DOI record.
6. Vasam, M., Korutla, S., & Bohara, R. A. (2023). Acne vulgaris: A review of the pathophysiology, treatment, and recent nanotechnology based advances. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, 36, 101578. DOI record.
7. Reynolds, R. V., Yeung, H., Cheng, C. E., et al. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 90(5), 1006.e1–1006.e30. DOI record.
8. Meixiong, J., Ricco, C., Vasavda, C., & Ho, B. K. (2022). Diet and acne: A systematic review. JAAD International, 7, 95–112. DOI record.
9. Lak, M., Forbes, S. C., Ashtary-Larky, D., et al. (2025). Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 22(sup1), 2495229. DOI record.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Musashi products are formulated for healthy adults; consult a healthcare professional before use if you have a pre-existing medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medication.