Apple cider vinegar soaks [0.5%] as a treatment for atopic dermatitis do not improve skin barrier integrity.
Lydia A LuuRichard H FlowersAnn L KellamsSteven ZeichnerDeVon C PrestonBarrett J ZlotoffJulia A WisniewskiPublished in: Pediatric dermatology (2019)
Dilute ACV soaks have no significant effect on skin barrier integrity but caused skin irritation in a majority of subjects. Study limitations include analysis of a single brand, dilution, and application of ACV. Future studies are needed to explore whether lower concentrations of ACV soaks or other applications such as a leave-on acidic ointment could improve skin barrier integrity in a safe, nonirritating way.