The Truth About Using Egg Whites to Treat Acne Breakouts

Egg whites are a breakfast staple and an essential for making a soufflé, but are they also a choice complexion-clearing ingredient? According to the Internet, you may want to stop using egg whites in your morning omelette and start using them as a blemish-buster. But how much validity is there behind using egg whites to treat blemishes, and is it even safe to do so? Or is this yet another hyped up DIY spot treatment that can do more harm than good? (We're looking at you, toothpaste).

Ahead, Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City; board-certified dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics Marie Hayag, MD; and board-certified dermatologist Stacy Chimento, MD, of Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, explain whether or not you want egg (whites) on your face.

What Are Egg Whites?

At risk of sounding too obvious, the egg white (technical term: albumen) is the clear, viscous substance surrounding the yolk. From a biological standpoint, its function is to protect the yolk, but the two parts are very different compositionally. "Unlike the yolk, which is high in lipids or fats, the egg white contains almost no fat," explains Hayag. "Instead, it's made up of approximately 90 percent water and 10 percent proteins, including ovalbumin, which makes up about 55 percent of that total protein." Egg whites also contain a unique enzyme, lysozyme, which is not found in the yolk, she adds.

Benefits of Egg Whites for Acne

It's these unique components of the egg whites—that enzyme and those proteins—responsible for the benefits egg whites can (theoretically) have for skin. The key word here is theoretically, so don't head to the fridge quite yet.

• Target acne-causing bacteria: Lysozyme is antibacterial and destroys p.acnes, the bacteria involved in acne formation, says Hayag.
• Have some anti-inflammatory benefits: "Egg whites have long been used as DIY treatments for inflammatory skin conditions. The proteins form a protective coating that can help soothe inflammation," says Zeichner. When it comes to acne, that's why (again, theoretically) egg whites could be an option as a spot treatment for those big, one-off red pimples that always seem to pop up at the least opportune time.
• Are slightly astringent: Egg whites have astringent qualities so they can help draw blackheads out of skin. When using egg whites topically, they can help pull out some dirt, debris, and excess oil out of clogged pores as they dry, notes Chimento.

Other Benefits for Skin

• Act as a humectant: Egg whites have some moisturizing properties. Notes Hayag, "The proteins are humectants that attract and bind moisture to the skin. This can temporarily plump up fine lines and wrinkles, though the effects are transient."

Side Effects of Egg Whites

Broadly speaking, egg whites fall on the more mild end of the spectrum when it comes to comparable DIY acne-fighting ingredients, says Zeichner. Still, there's always a risk of allergic reaction; it should go without saying, but don't use egg whites topically if you're allergic or sensitive to eggs. Raw eggs also contain salmonella (it's why your mom wouldn't let you eat raw cookie dough as kid). And while the bacteria is more likely to be found in the yolk, putting raw egg whites on your skin does come with the risk of salmonella infection, especially if there's an open cut or wound in the area, cautions Chimento.

How to Use Them

We'll cut to the chase—while the three dermatologists we spoke with weren't necessarily vehemently opposed to using egg whites as an at-home acne treatment, they unanimously agreed that there are far better, more effective options out there. "The information we have on the use of egg whites is all anecdotal and I have not seen any scientific studies showing any definitive data," points out Zeichner. Hayag also underscores the lack of scientific evidence, while Chimento notes that even if they do have some benefits, they're not a miracle solution to clear blemishes overnight.

If you do still want to try them, reserve them for either an area of stubborn blackheads—they'll be more effective here since there's an opening on the surface of the skin, as compared to whiteheads or deeper cystic blemishes, says Chimento—or a singular red pimple. In other words, this is not going to solve your chronic, widespread acne. (For that, your best bet is always, always going to be an assist from a dermatologist).

Per our previous point about salmonella, Hayag advises to use only pasteurized eggs in order to minimize the risk of infection. You can also use pre-separated egg whites from the store. Whisk just the whites into a frothy foam (yes, you'll have to separate a few eggs to do this), then use a cotton swab to dab them on as a spot treatment or use a masking brush to spread them onto a larger area—think across your nose, where you'd apply a pore strip. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.

SkincareProducts With Egg Whites

Too Cool For School Egg Mellow Cream $36.00

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The firming and moisturizing benefits of egg whites come together in this sleeping mask, which delivers smooth, supple, plump skin come morning no matter your skin type.

Skinfood Egg White Perfect Pore Cleansing Oil $24.00

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Oily and combination skin types that require a deep clean will appreciate this lightweight cleansing oil that removes everything from stubborn SPF to this morning's waterproof mascara. It harnesses the powers of egg whites to purify, decongest pores, and tighten the skin.