Overview
This formula is not your typical acne system, because it does not feature any topical medications that are applied to the surface of skin. Instead, Vilantae is a capsule formula that the customer is advised to take with meals a few times a day, just like a daily multivitamin. While it is promising to think that it may be possible to take a pill to treat and prevent acne, so far the researchers at ClearSkinReviews.com have had mixed results with other similar products. However, given the fact that Vilantae has a fairly extensive web site, we decided to keep an open mind and objectively research this product.

Featured Ingredients
Our research revealed that Vilantae contains one active ingredient, called d-Calcium Pantothenate, which is a specific form of vitamin B5. The inclusion of this nutrient was based on research conducted in 1997 by a Chinese medical doctor named Dr. Lit-Hung Leung. This doctor published a paper that theorized that giving the body nutritional supplements that could increase production of a specific enzyme would help improve acne in the skin. That enzyme, known as coenzyme A, is produced by the body to counteract the production of oil that causes acne. Dr. Leung suspected that d-Calcium Pantothenate could be such a nutrient, since limited studies found that it stimulate coenzyme A. 

This theory does have some merit, since Dr. Leung’s initial first study did show an improvement in acne after consuming several capsules of d-Calcium Pantothenate every day. However, this strategy is not without its drawbacks. First of all, the optimum amount recommended comes out to about 20 capsules a day. Even after the initial treatment phase, customers are required to still take about 15 capsules a day to maintain a clear complexion. Not only does this seem inconvenient, but the effects of taking Vilantae do not seem superior to simply using a topical formula once or twice for maintenance. In addition, the initial study was so small (20 people) that it doesn’t mean Vilantae will work for everyone. Hopefully a larger study is planned.

Web Site at a Glance
The Vilantae web site is quite extensive, containing plenty of customer testimonials and a clear explanation of Dr. Leung’s research. There are several links to outside research on the formula, but after further searching, most of these links point to message boards with anecdotal evidence from customers who have used Vilantae. That being said, the average customer will find plenty of helpful information on the Vilantae web site.

Pros
- Encouraging initial research on the main ingredient 

Cons
- Does not contain any topical formulas to immediately address existing acne

- Initial study sample was small (20 people)

- Consumers are expected to take 20 capsules a day

Summary
For someone who would perhaps prefer to take a pill to treat acne, you could do a lot worse than Vilantae, since the research behind the formula does seem solid, at least initially. While we would prefer to see additional, larger studies on the formula, it could work as a welcome adjunct to using a topical formula, especially if you were able to find a cream with more proven ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, Silicol Dioxide and Infacin. But many customers may be hesitant to take 20 capsules a day.

Overview
Produced and distributed by Progressive Health Nutraceuticals, Actimine is not a topical acne treatment system. Actimine is a nutritional supplement intended to help control production of sebum (oil) in the skin which is one of the main causes of acne and decrease the inflammation that occurs with acne. While these are sensible objectives to have, the research staff at ClearSkinReviews.com tends to be skeptical of capsules or pills that claim to treat or prevent acne. But we decided to keep an open mind while conducting our full investigation of Actimine.

Featured Ingredients
Actimine capsules contain five main ingredients. Vitamin A is supposed to cut oil production in the skin, while the mineral Selenium is included for its supposed ability to affect an enzyme involved with the inflammation process. The only problem is that we are not aware of any studies that show a relationship between Vitamin A and oil production. In addition, no studies have been conducted on selenium’s effect on the specific kind of inflammation that occurs with acne. 

Actimine also includes Zinc, Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane (MSM) and Guggul. Zinc is a mineral that has been associated with testosterone levels, but any research showing its effect on acne is limited to non-existent. Even though MSM can be a beneficial nutrient for skin, hair, nails, bones and joints, there is no conclusive evidence that taking MSM capsules will help control acne. Even though a study did show a connection between Guggul (an Indian herb) consumption and better skin health, Progressive Health Nutraceuticals does not say whether “better skin health” necessarily means less acne. The company even admits that much of the research on nutrient intake and acne is just beginning now. It may be years before conclusive research is completed, and we simply don’t think that customers should base the fate of their acne on speculation.

Web Site at a Glance
The website for Progressive Health Nutraceuticals contains information on their entire product line, which includes a full array of nutritional supplements for several types of health problems. While the section on Actimine does contain an intriguing explanation and overview of acne, the page lacks specific research or information about the ingredients in the product. Even more concerning, the page contains inaccurate information, including the belief that stress causes acne, or that dietary concerns are mostly to blame. Dermatologists now know that these are simply not true. There is no free trial available for Actimine, meaning that customers will be required to pay $29.95 for a one-month supply before deciding if it’s right for them.

Pros
- Nutrients in the formula are relatively safe for human consumption

Cons
- No definitive studies on the effect of these ingredients on acne

- No free trial available

- Web site contains inaccurate information about acne

Summary
Someday, research may discover that using certain nutritional supplements will help to treat and prevent acne. But that day has not yet come, so we find Progressive Health Nutraceuticals’ claims that Actimine can stop acne to be problematic. Until research verifies these claims, we suggest that customers avoid this formula.

Overview
Since many acne products tend to contain the same active ingredients, it’s no surprise that some companies go out of their way to create original formulas. This is especially true of organic products, and now there are many organic formulas that claim to treat acne. Unfortunately, while it seems like a good idea to try and treat acne with natural ingredients, the research staff at ClearSkinReviews.com remain skeptical because of the general lack of research on these compounds and their impact on acne. That being said, we kept an open mind when looking at one such formula, called Juliet’s 3-Step Organic. This system consists of three products - A Facial Cleanser, Deluxe Scrub and Acne Gel. 

Featured Ingredients
The three formulas in Juliet’s 3-Step Organic acne system contain dozens of natural oils, plant extracts and other botanical ingredients. For the purposes of this review, it would be simply impossible to comment on all of these compounds. Therefore, we will limit our comments to the ingredients that the makers of Juliet’s 3-Step Organic seem to highlight as the active components of their formulas.Coconut, Olive and Palm Oils. The company claims that these oils are the main active factors in the Facial Cleanser formula. However, there is no scientific proof that establishes any of these oils and their direct effect on acne. To our knowledge, there are no scientific studies showing that coconut, olive or palm oil will do anything more for your skin than everyday hand soap. 

White Willow Bark and Tea Tree Oil. Even though White Willow Bark is the natural origin of Salicylic Acid (one of the most powerful anti-acne ingredients available), the company does not list any research substantiating whether White Willow Bark performs a direct effect on acne. While Tea Tree Oil is an effective astringent, we are concerned that it may dry out the skin too much. In addition, neither of these ingredients will help to control oil production in the skin, which to us is an essential part of treating and preventing acne.

Hydronium. Before reviewing Juliet’s 3-Step Organic acne system, we had honestly never heard of Hydronium. According to the company, this ingredient, also known as H30, is an “active cousin” of water and helps to hydrate the skin. But the company does not list any research on Hydronium’s reported abilities to treat acne, so we remain skeptical about this compound, since not much is known about it. 

Web Site at a Glance
We are concerned that Juliet’s 3-Step Organic acne system has no exclusive web site on its own. Most of the information we found about this product were gathered from eBay and other third party sales sites. Not only does this make it hard to verify the acne clearing claims made about the product and find any research on the ingredients, but it also makes us suspicious about the company itself.

Pros
None 

Cons
- Does not contain Salicylic Acid, Silicol Dioxide or other key acne ingredients

- No free trial available

- Does not have its own web site - available only on eBay or other sales web sites

- No scientific support for anti-acne claims

Summary
Even though we would like to believe that it is possible to clear acne with all-natural ingredients, we have yet to find a formula that supports its claims with the kind of scientific research that consumers deserve. Juliet’s 3-Step Organic simply has too many question marks, and we cannot recommend this formula at this time.

Overview
Lipovox is not a typical acne treatment formula. This product is not a topical cream, lotion or gel, but rather is a capsule formula that is meant to be taken internally several times a day. Upon visiting the Lipovox web site and conducting research on its ingredients, the team at ClearSkinReviews.com found that the company that makes Lipovox claims that this product is not only meant for acne, but also supposed to treat wrinkles as well as help the user to lose weight. After considering these claims, and the lack of research behind these ingredients, we approached the product with a lot of skepticism that it could do anything for acne.  Featured Ingredients
Upon further analysis, it becomes clear that Lipovox contains some remarkable herbs and superfood extracts, but nothing that convinces us that this product will do anything to affect acne. Even considering the fact that Lipovox contains such renowned natural ingredients as Brazilian Acai, Flaxseed and Soy isoflavones, we are not aware of any scientific data supporting these nutrients for acne reduction.

Even more concerning is that the ingredients that are claimed to help acne (Salmon Oil powder and Green Tea) have very little research concerning any effect on the skin, especially when taken internally. While Salmon oil is rich in helpful omega oils, scientists have yet to trace a definitive link between Salmon Oil and acne. While Green Tea is a powerful antioxidant and can have remarkable effects for the skin when applied topically, there are no studies that prove its effects on acne. More disturbing is the fact that the creators of Lipovox claim that Green tea works against acne because it reduces stress. But studies show that - contrary to public opinion - stress does not affect acne. A serious company with a serious interest in acne treatment should know this. 

Web Site at a Glance
The web site for Lipovox is fairly simple and straight forward, but it seems to be mostly designed to hype up claims of weight loss and wrinkle reduction rather than providing convincing research on the formula’s effects on acne. Even though the product seems to have an interesting story behind it, and the author does take some time to explain the basis for some of the ingredients, as we mentioned the company fails to provide the necessary research to back up its claims.

Pros
None

Cons
- No scientific research proving ingredients’ effects on acne

- Company makes false or misleading claims about formula

- Product seems mostly intended for weight loss or wrinkle reduction, not acne

- Does not contain any known acne fighters, such as Salicylic Acid

Summary
Based on our review of Lipovox, we strongly recommend that consumers avoid this product. There is no evidence that it can help reduce acne, even though it contains various natural herbs and plant extracts that could encourage overall health. But if you are looking for targeted help against acne, we recommend looking for a topical three-step system with Salicylic Acid, Silicol Dioxide, Inflacin and QuSomes.