Hollywood has always been quick to jump on the latest beauty fix, but the new craze sweeping Tinseltown is a far cry from invasive cosmetic procedures like injectables or pricey facelifts.
Instead, insiders reveal that a growing number of A-listers are turning to a tiny pill to keep their skin smooth, camera-ready and ageless – saying goodbye to the scalpel and needles.
Once only whispered about in dermatology circles, the trend involves isotretinoin, the powerful anti-acne drug often known by the brand name Accutane, now being taken in tiny, carefully controlled amounts by beauty-obsessed stars.
The practice even has a cheeky nickname: ‘the Hollywood dose.’
But with high-profile transformations like Anne Hathaway and Emma Stone’s seemingly ageless complexions or Kris Jenner’s much-discussed $100,000 facelift stealing the spotlight, the public is now following suit, with many having heard about the Hollywood secret on social media.
‘It seems to be everywhere right now,’ Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London, told the Daily Mail. ‘The idea of “microdosing” isotretinoin is not new in dermatology, although it has recently been repackaged on social media.’
Hollywood’s latest beauty hack is known as the Hollywood dose. It is being hailed by some as a shortcut to a youthful appearance without going under the knife
The trend involves isotretinoin, the powerful acne medication known as Accutane
Mahto added that dermatologists have used lower or intermittent dosing strategies for many years with select patients, particularly those with persistent adult acne, excess oiliness or a tendency to relapse after standard treatment courses.
Dr Stuart Kaplan, Beverly Hills dermatologist and founder and creator of Kaplan MD Skincare, echoed the sentiment, saying that ‘low dose Accutane, also called microdosing or Hollywood dosing, is becoming more popular.’
He explained the distinct differences between standard and low dosing.
‘Normally, Accutane, also known as oral isotretinoin, is prescribed as 1mg/kg – for example, 80mg per day for a 175lb person – with a normal treatment course lasting six months,’ Kaplan said.
‘Low-dose Accutane regimens can vary from ten to 40mg, one to three times per week. The duration of treatment can last from six months to 18 months or longer.’
Breaking down the process behind this viral beauty hack, dermatologist Dr Taylor Bullock said on Instagram: ‘Why do people do this? The obvious reason is because it shrinks oil glands, keeps pores clear and controls acne slowly and quietly with way fewer side effects.’
Celebrities, including Anne Hathaway, are often the subject of speculation around altering their appearances with surgeries or topical fixes. Folks often comment on Hathaway’s youthful appearance, but she has never confirmed having plastic surgery
Jim Carrey turned heads with his recent transformation
On standard, more-intensive doses of Accutane, common side effects include severe dryness and heightened sensitivity to sunlight. Joint pain can also occur, while some users have reported changes to mood or bouts of depression. Pregnant women are not allowed to take isotretinoin in any dosage.
Mahto said: ‘At lower doses, isotretinoin mainly works by suppressing sebaceous gland activity and reducing oil production. For some patients this can help keep acne under control over the longer term.’
But of course, celebrities living life in the spotlight aren’t just trying to avoid a pimple. And as Bullock said on Instagram, the ‘plot twist’ is more about picture-perfect skin.
‘Actresses hate oily skin – no one wants to see a flash reflected on their forehead,’ Kaplan told the Daily Mail.
As the Oscars red carpet last month proved – with Nicole Kidman looking refreshed, Gwyneth Paltrow appearing unrecognizable, and the taut faces of Hathaway and Stone raising eyebrows – A-listers are clearly trying to turn back time.
Kaplan explained that ‘low-dose Accutane may have anti-aging benefits. Some studies show that it increases collagen production and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
‘My patients notice that it reduces pores, improving the texture of their skin. As we get older, rosacea and enlarged oil glands become a problem. Low-dose Accutane treats both.
Accutane does carry side effects, and doctors are particularly worried about patients who may become pregnant while microdosing
Emma Stone has been rumored to have undergone some sort of cosmetic proceedure, though she has not confirmed
‘Patients absolutely see smoother, tighter, less oily skin. Think of it as a more powerful, systemic retinoic acid, that you take by mouth that improves the damage that the UV sun rays cause.’
But, as with many prescription drugs, Accutane carries side effects.
‘Severe potential risks include birth defects, mental health issues (depression, suicidal thoughts), liver damage and high cholesterol, requiring close monitoring by a dermatologist,’ the Cleveland Clinic has reported.
‘One risk that remains the same with low-dose Accutane is damage to a fetus should a patient become pregnant while taking the medication or within one month of stopping,’ Kaplan said.
‘For this reason, I still do a pregnancy test monthly in patients who can become pregnant.
‘I also do a blood test to check liver status every three months, at a minimum.’
Mahto stressed the seriousness as well.
‘Isotretinoin is a powerful prescription medication with strict prescribing guidelines,’ she said. ‘It is teratogenic, meaning it can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy, and patients require careful counseling and monitoring.’
And just like Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs – intended for diabetes but often repurposed for weight loss – the ‘Hollywood dose’ follows a modified approach compared with typical treatment.
Kris Jenner was the subject of conversation after her most recent cosmetic procedure – a $100,000 facelift
Kylie Jenner is known to have altered her appearance as she’s aged in the spotlight
‘Low-dose Accutane is an off-label use,’ Kaplan explained. ‘Patients take smaller doses of the medication less often but over a longer period of time compared to standard high-dose regimens.’
Still, according to the doctor, the Hollywood dose is effective for stars of all ages, including 28-year-old Kylie Jenner and her 70-year-old mother, Kris.
‘Low-dose Accutane is much better tolerated than the standard high-dose, especially in older individuals,’ Kaplan continued. ‘They don’t experience the dry skin, peeling, chapped lips, or joint pain either. This leads to much better compliance, meaning patients are more willing to take it.
‘Older patients have combination skin – dry in some areas, and oily in others. Older patients also get both acne rosacea, and adult acne. For both these conditions, I prefer low-dose Accutane even more than oral antibiotics or topical creams.’
It appears that, no matter the age, celebrities are flocking to the Hollywood dose.
