Efficacy of Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies vs. Liquid Products

Apple cider vinegar (ACV for short) isn't just something you might find on a pantry shelf. Sometimes referred to as a "functional food," apple cider vinegar benefits include the skin (such as preventing acne and reducing signs of aging) and digestive health.

If you're considering adding it to your wellness routine to support your digestive health, you might be wondering about apple cider vinegar gummies vs. liquid products.

Is one better than the other, and if so, why? Who should take apple cider vinegar in gummy form? Is there any reason not to swallow apple cider vinegar liquid if you find it has a pleasant taste?

We'll answer these questions below to help you figure out the best way to use this dietary supplement for your unique needs and preferences.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from apple cider—raw, unfiltered, unsweetened apple juice. It can be used for cooking or as a natural remedy, both inside and outside the body, for various ailments and skincare woes.

ACV is made by first crushing raw apples and pressing them to squeeze out the juice. After that, the juice is fermented with yeast to convert the natural sugar (fructose) into an alcohol (ethanol). Next, acid-forming bacteria are used to ferment the ethanol, turning it into a combo of malic acid and acetic acid. This final liquid is apple cider vinegar.

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Skincare

Apple cider vinegar has been touted for its many skin benefits. Due to natural antimicrobial (bacteria-killing) and antioxidant properties, it might help prevent breakouts, promote elasticity, support even skin tone, and fight free radicals. ACV may even treat some forms of dermatitis, like eczema.

An ACV tincture is not only safe for all skin types, but it's also non-comedogenic. This means the fast-absorbing substance won't clog your pores, contribute to congested skin, or lead to blemishes.

Anti-Acne and Anti-Aging Properties of ACV

Apple cider vinegar might be particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone and mature skin because it:

• Reduces inflammation and acne breakouts. The acetic acid content of ACV has anti-inflammatory qualities that help reduce redness and support healing. It also inhibits bacterial growth, which can help treat and prevent acne breakouts.
• Promotes collagen production and skin elasticity. Apple cider vinegar also contains malic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). AHAs are natural, typically gentle exfoliants that dissolve dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover. This can help boost collagen production to make your skin smoother, stronger, and more elastic.
• Contains antioxidants that fight free radicals. ACV is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are widely used in skincare because of their well-known ability to combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress from environmental pollutants while addressing dark spots (a type of hyperpigmentation) and other signs of photoaging (sun damage).

Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies vs. Liquid: Key Differences

Apple cider vinegar comes in many forms, and not all are created equal. This leaves many wondering about apple cider vinegar vs. gummies and which is best for their health, skincare goals, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

These two types of apple cider vinegar supplements vary in terms of potency, absorption, and how convenient they are to use. We'll break down the differences of each ACV supplement in more detail below.

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies

Lots of folks are drawn to apple cider vinegar gummies because they're:

• Convenient and easy to take on the go. A vinegar gummy is often easier to consume than a swig of vinegar. And since it's not in liquid form, you can easily take it on the go or bring it on trips without worrying about the TSA's requirements for carry-on liquids.
• Tastier and more pleasant than liquid. Those who may not be fans of ACV's strong taste may find apple cider vinegar gummies more pleasant. They can be tasty, too—many come in fruity flavors.
• Less potent, which may be ideal for beginners. Gummies generally have a lower potency than straight apple cider vinegar. This can be good for beginners who want to avoid an upset stomach and those who just want to be cautious about taking a new dietary supplement.

You might also see other forms of non-liquid apple cider vinegar. For instance, ACV powder can be mixed with water or blended into smoothies. There may be apple cider vinegar pills too.

The Benefits of Liquid Apple Cider Vinegar

Some people prefer liquid apple cider vinegar because of its:

• Higher potency and faster absorption. Liquid ACV straight from the bottle is the purest form, meaning it has a higher potency of malic acid and acetic acid. Plus, it doesn’t have added sugar like some ACV gummies. When taken orally, it may absorb quicker in the gut than an ACV gummy supplement.
• Versatility for both internal and topical use: Pure apple cider vinegar can be used internally (such as swallowing a tablespoon a day) or topically as a skincare product.
• Ability to be mixed with other skincare or wellness products: Liquid ACV is strong and highly acidic. But as a concentrated substance, it can be diluted with water or mixed with other topical skincare products, such as facial toner. Some people might blend it with wellness tinctures like kombucha for the gut-health benefits.

We should note that overdoing it on ACV could cause cramping, affect healthy digestion, or exacerbate acid reflux. With ongoing use, there's also a possibility the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar could wear down your tooth enamel.

Why Choose Holistic Treatments for Your Skin?

A holistic approach to skincare means doing more than applying topical treatments. It's looking at yourself as a whole, including your lifestyle and what you put in your body, to promote well-being from the inside out. 

As both a health food and skincare ingredient, apple cider vinegar is a versatile substance to incorporate into your wellness routine.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Tincture in Your Skincare and Wellness Routine

Choosing non-comedogenic products is crucial, especially if you're dealing with breakouts or have sensitive skin.

Those interested in incorporating apple cider vinegar should consider an ACV tincture. This natural product won't clog your pores or leave you with a greasy T-zone. It's a perfect addition to any skincare routine aiming for a clear, healthy complexion.

Best Practices for Using ACV Tincture

Here's what we recommend when using a liquid apple cider vinegar tincture:

• Dilute with water for internal use. Since apple cider vinegar is highly concentrated and acidic, your best bet is to dilute it with water before using it for internal use. For instance, you might mix a tablespoon or two into a glass of water.
• Apply directly to the skin (diluted) for acne spot treatments. Diluting ACV is also wise before applying it to your skin, especially if you've never used it before. After watering it down, you can use it as a spot treatment for pimples.
• Use in a DIY toner for balancing skin's pH levels. Apple cider vinegar can also be used as an all-over toner. Dilute it first, then swipe it over your face, neck, and décolletage with a cotton pad.

Achieve Wellness Inside and Out With Apple Cider Vinegar

Both inside and outside the body, inflammation is a common culprit of acne, eczema, rashes, premature aging, and other skin issues. 

While remedies like apple cider vinegar can help, having a consistent, well-rounded skincare routine is key. That’s why CLEARSTEM offers an assortment of thoughtfully formulated anti-aging skincare products and non-comedogenic skincare products. Explore our collections today!

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National Eczema Association. (2021). Get the Facts: Apple Cider Vinegar.

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