{"id":605134684466,"title":"Crystal Flush Review: The Best Natural Antifungal?","created_at":"2023-03-27T22:34:24-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Crystal Flush Review: The Best Natural Antifungal?\",\n \"keywords\": \"crystal flush, crystal flush review, crystal flush reviews, crystal flush side effects, crystal flush fungus, crystal flush toenail fungus, crystal flush toe fungus, crystal flush fungus reviews\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team analyzes the ingredients in Crystal Flush based on medical studies to give our take on whether the topical serum and the dietary supplement are likely to reduce nail fungus or if they're a waste of money. We feature real, unsponsored customer reviews.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/crystal-flush-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Taylor Graber\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": \"M.D.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/taylor-graber\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/taylor-j-graber-md-81351642\/\",\n \"https:\/\/www.asapivs.com\/\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Content Partner\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"medicine, health, anesthesiology, iv therapy, science, drugs, pharmaceutical, medical research, scientific research, medical journals, entrepreneurship, healthcare, orthopedic surgery, biomedical engineering\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"University of California San Diego\",\n \"Arizona University\",\n \"University of Arizona College of Medicine\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Crystal_Flush_Thumbnail.png?v=1679971051\",\n\"width\": \"4000\",\n\"height\": \"4000\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1936446\/\", \n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16178366\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/fungus-clear-review\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3768785\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11855736\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31334617\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/synogut-review\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3405664\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8243157\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15078424\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4808662\/\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"tolnaftate\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"FDA\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"tea tree oil\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Balance\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"oregano\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Amazon\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Dr. Mandell\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"essential oils\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-03-27\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ],\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Crystal_Flush_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1679970644\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDisclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s). We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to antifungals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eC\u003c\/span\u003erystal Flush is a two-part system used to treat toe fungus that includes a topical treatment and a dietary supplement. The brand claims that “In as little as 21 days, Crystal Flush helps restore the healthy and strong toenails of your youth.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBut can an oral supplement really treat toenail fungus? Does the topical Crystal Flush treatment contain research-backed ingredients? Does it contain any questionable additive ingredients? Will it cause side effects? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of Crystal Flush?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in Crystal Flush based on medical studies to give our take on whether the supplement is likely to be effective or if it’s a waste of money.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll share our thoughts on whether it’s likely to cause side effects and feature real, unsponsored Crystal Flush user reviews.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTopical Serum Ingredient Analysis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" alt=\"Crystal Flush topical serum active ingredient\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Crystal_Flush_Topical_Serum_Active_Ingredient_Optimized.png?v=1679970667\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe active ingredient in Crystal Flush’s topical serum is shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTolnaftate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is an FDA-approved antifungal agent that’s been clinically shown to be effective. A \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1936446\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCanadian Medical Association Journal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e found that 82.7% of patients using tolnaftate at the same 1% concentration as in Crystal Flush experienced “clearing or great improvement” of their fungal lesions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCrystal Flush also contains some botanical inactive ingredients shown below:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" alt=\"Crystal Flush topical inactive ingredients\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Crystal_Flush_Topical_Serum_Inactive_Ingredients_Optimized_d04dd346-bbe0-43e5-8907-ba4205b78c20.png?v=1679971414\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSome of these ingredients have clinical backing for their antifungal properties.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLavender oil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was shown in a 2005 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16178366\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to “reduce fungal progression.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTea tree oil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is highly effective against fungus when applied topically, as we documented in our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/fungus-clear-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFungus Clear reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e article on another product containing this ingredient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNeem\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was shown to be effective against all four types of fungus tested in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3768785\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrazilian Journal of Microbiology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we consider this product to be likely effective as a topical antifungal. One good thing about Crystal Flush’s topical formulation is that it’s entirely free of questionable additive ingredients like fragrance or synthetic preservatives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut what about the dietary supplement? We’ll analyze in the next section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDietary Supplement Ingredient Analysis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" alt=\"Crystal Flush dietary supplement ingredients\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Crystal_Flush_Dietary_Supplement_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1679970709\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in Crystal Flush’s dietary supplement, called Balance, are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere are some ingredients in this formulation with antifungal effects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOregano\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e has been shown to reduce levels of a fungus called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCandida albicans\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11855736\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMolecular and Cellular Biochemistry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal. However, oregano essential oil was used which is a different format than the oregano leaf extract in Balance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCaprylic acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was shown to be effective when combined with botanical ingredients against the same fungus strain in a 2019 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31334617\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e. This was an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein vitro\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e (test tube) study, which is a weaker standard of evidence than trials with human participants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProbiotics\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e can support gut health generally as we documented in our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/synogut-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSynogut reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e article, and a more resilient gut microbiome may prevent future fungal infections. However, we can’t find any clinical evidence that the probiotic in this supplement directly reduces skin fungus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAnise\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e has proven antifungal effects, although a 2012 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3405664\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e reports that “anise essential oil exhibited stronger antifungal activities rather than its extract,” and the format in Crystal Flush Balance is an extract not an essential oil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe want to be clear: we do not recommend ingesting any essential oils without the approval of a doctor as there can be significant health risks; we’re just reporting on some of the comparative study results.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBased on the ingredients in this supplement we consider it potentially effective as an antifungal. However, we consider the topical treatment more likely to be effective.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis supplement is entirely free of questionable inactive ingredients like artificial flavors or added sugar which is a good thing. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut how do real users rate and describe the effects of Crystal Flush? We’ll review in the next section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal, Unsponsored Crystal Flush User Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon is a better resource for honest customer reviews than a brand’s website in our opinion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCrystal Flush’s two-step system has been reviewed over 115 times on Amazon with an average review rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Tina Tracy” who claims the products can help prevent ingrown toenails:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“This stuff works amazing! I haven't had an ingrown toenail since using this! Mynails are going back to pink and they flattening out like they should be! Amazing product!”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top negative review from a verified purchaser is written by a user named “Concerned consumer” who describes it as a scam:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“The product is sold for toe nail fungus, but in tiny print on bottle, that requires a magnifying glass to read it states not effective on scalp and nails. I want my money back and to prevent others falling for the mid advertised scam.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCan You Treat Toenail Fungus at Home?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube video from popular health influencer Dr. Mandell claims that you can cure toenail fungus for pennies a day:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/afEkBtGau9k\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhere to Buy Crystal Flush for the Best Price\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCrystal Flush is sold at a variety of online retailers. Here’s a price breakdown at the time of publishing this article:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e2-pack (topical and supplement)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon: $74.95 (free shipping, \u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3sQVxXE\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e$59\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e (plus shipping, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.crystalflush.com\/#order\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTopical\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website: N\/A\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e$34.95\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Zu1Jzy\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink to official Amazon listing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe brand’s website has a 16% cheaper price on the supplement plus topical treatment, but depending on shipping rates that gap will narrow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePurchasing the individual topical treatment is not possible on the brand’s website, so consumers who want this product alone should go to Amazon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDoes Crystal Flush Cause Side Effects?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCrystal Flush doesn’t appear to have been studied in any clinical trials so it's impossible to say for certain whether or not the system causes side effects. However, we can make an educated guess based on the active ingredients used.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTolnaftate (the active ingredient in the topical formulation of Crystal Flush) appears to be a very safe antifungal. We can’t locate any clinical evidence that it causes side effects when used at a 1% concentration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBecause there are no questionable additives in this product and its active ingredient appears safe, we consider Crystal Flush unlikely to cause side effects in healthy adults.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOur only concern in regard to side effects is that the essential oil concentration is not published, and high concentrations of essential oils can cause irritation when used topically, according to a 2021 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8243157\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis suggests that consumers with very sensitive skin may wish to avoid this product. We hope that in the future Crystal Flush publishes the concentration for all essential oil ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOur Clean Antifungal Picks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/MCT_Oil_Image_8972b427-131a-4cb9-a18d-04b91b570afc.png?v=1700895076\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are some natural products with promising early research for treating fungus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil\u003c\/strong\u003e was shown in a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/pmid\/35631300\/\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/a\u003e published in the \u003cem\u003eNutrients\u003c\/em\u003e journal to be an effective oral antifungal:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMCT holds promise as a therapeutic intervention for reducing fungal colonization without significant impact on the bacterial composition of the host gastrointestinal tract.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/4eNQ4M\"\u003eBulletproof MCT Oil\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis our top MCT oil pick, because its only ingredient is MCT oil derived from coconuts and it has zero additives. It currently retails for\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eunder $16\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoconut oil\u003c\/strong\u003e was shown in a 2016 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4808662\/\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/a\u003e to have antifungal effects, however this was an \u003cem\u003ein vitro\u003c\/em\u003e (test tube) study so the results are weaker than if it were in humans. Nevertheless, it's a very safe, whole food ingredient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3jObsS9\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eDr. Bronner's Organic Coconut Oil\u003c\/a\u003e is our top coconut oil pick, as it's packaged in glass, virgin (meaning it's not heat-treated), and has no questionable additive ingredients. The only ingredient is organic coconut oil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterested consumers can check out Dr. Bronner's Organic Coconut Oil \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3jObsS9\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to its official Amazon listing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe're not suggesting that either of these products should be used to treat any disease or health condition; just sharing promising research on two natural compounds that individuals may wish to speak with their doctor or dermatologist about.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePros and Cons of Crystal Flush\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHere are the pros and cons of Crystal Flush as a brand in our opinion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEffective active ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNon-toxic inactive ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eQuestionable supplement efficacy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eExpensive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEssential oil concentrations not published\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMediocre Amazon reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCan’t purchase individual products on brand website\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCrystal Flush is one of the better OTC antifungals we’ve reviewed on Illuminate Health. Both the topical formulation and the oral supplement contain research-backed ingredients and are free of questionable additives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe consider the topical formulation more likely to work, because we’ve seen more convincing research for topical treatment of fungus than natural herbal supplement treatment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe topical Crystal Flush product contains essential oils but the concentration of those ingredients are not published, which is a slight concern because high concentrations of essential oils can irritate the skin. We hope that in the future the brand publishes this critical information.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis product is significantly more expensive than most OTC antifungals or purchasing essential oils and diluting them at home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor consumers intent on purchasing Crystal Flush’s two-part system, the brand’s website has the best price. Only Amazon has the option to purchase the topical treatment in isolation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-03-27T22:41:44-04:00","updated_at":"2023-11-25T01:51:45-05:00","summary_html":"We analyze the ingredients in Crystal Flush based on medical studies to give our take on whether the topical serum and the dietary supplement are likely to reduce nail fungus or if they're a waste of money. We feature real, unsponsored customer reviews.","template_suffix":"","handle":"crystal-flush-review","tags":"_related:athlete's-foot"}

Crystal Flush Review: The Best Natural Antifungal?

Crystal Flush Review: The Best Natural Antifungal?


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Disclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s). We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to antifungals.

Crystal Flush is a two-part system used to treat toe fungus that includes a topical treatment and a dietary supplement. The brand claims that “In as little as 21 days, Crystal Flush helps restore the healthy and strong toenails of your youth.”

But can an oral supplement really treat toenail fungus? Does the topical Crystal Flush treatment contain research-backed ingredients? Does it contain any questionable additive ingredients? Will it cause side effects? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of Crystal Flush?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in Crystal Flush based on medical studies to give our take on whether the supplement is likely to be effective or if it’s a waste of money.

We’ll share our thoughts on whether it’s likely to cause side effects and feature real, unsponsored Crystal Flush user reviews.

Topical Serum Ingredient Analysis

Crystal Flush topical serum active ingredient

The active ingredient in Crystal Flush’s topical serum is shown above.

Tolnaftate is an FDA-approved antifungal agent that’s been clinically shown to be effective. A clinical trial published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that 82.7% of patients using tolnaftate at the same 1% concentration as in Crystal Flush experienced “clearing or great improvement” of their fungal lesions.

Crystal Flush also contains some botanical inactive ingredients shown below:

Crystal Flush topical inactive ingredients

Some of these ingredients have clinical backing for their antifungal properties.

Lavender oil was shown in a 2005 clinical trial to “reduce fungal progression.”

Tea tree oil is highly effective against fungus when applied topically, as we documented in our Fungus Clear reviews article on another product containing this ingredient.

Neem was shown to be effective against all four types of fungus tested in a clinical trial published in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology.

Overall, we consider this product to be likely effective as a topical antifungal. One good thing about Crystal Flush’s topical formulation is that it’s entirely free of questionable additive ingredients like fragrance or synthetic preservatives.

But what about the dietary supplement? We’ll analyze in the next section.

Dietary Supplement Ingredient Analysis

Crystal Flush dietary supplement ingredients

The ingredients in Crystal Flush’s dietary supplement, called Balance, are shown above.

There are some ingredients in this formulation with antifungal effects.

Oregano has been shown to reduce levels of a fungus called Candida albicans in a clinical trial published in the Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry journal. However, oregano essential oil was used which is a different format than the oregano leaf extract in Balance.

Caprylic acid was shown to be effective when combined with botanical ingredients against the same fungus strain in a 2019 clinical trial. This was an in vitro (test tube) study, which is a weaker standard of evidence than trials with human participants.

Probiotics can support gut health generally as we documented in our Synogut reviews article, and a more resilient gut microbiome may prevent future fungal infections. However, we can’t find any clinical evidence that the probiotic in this supplement directly reduces skin fungus.

Anise has proven antifungal effects, although a 2012 medical review reports that “anise essential oil exhibited stronger antifungal activities rather than its extract,” and the format in Crystal Flush Balance is an extract not an essential oil.

We want to be clear: we do not recommend ingesting any essential oils without the approval of a doctor as there can be significant health risks; we’re just reporting on some of the comparative study results.

Based on the ingredients in this supplement we consider it potentially effective as an antifungal. However, we consider the topical treatment more likely to be effective.

This supplement is entirely free of questionable inactive ingredients like artificial flavors or added sugar which is a good thing. 

But how do real users rate and describe the effects of Crystal Flush? We’ll review in the next section.

Real, Unsponsored Crystal Flush User Reviews

Amazon is a better resource for honest customer reviews than a brand’s website in our opinion.

Crystal Flush’s two-step system has been reviewed over 115 times on Amazon with an average review rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

The top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Tina Tracy” who claims the products can help prevent ingrown toenails:

“This stuff works amazing! I haven't had an ingrown toenail since using this! Mynails are going back to pink and they flattening out like they should be! Amazing product!”

The top negative review from a verified purchaser is written by a user named “Concerned consumer” who describes it as a scam:

“The product is sold for toe nail fungus, but in tiny print on bottle, that requires a magnifying glass to read it states not effective on scalp and nails. I want my money back and to prevent others falling for the mid advertised scam.”

Can You Treat Toenail Fungus at Home?

A YouTube video from popular health influencer Dr. Mandell claims that you can cure toenail fungus for pennies a day:

Where to Buy Crystal Flush for the Best Price

Crystal Flush is sold at a variety of online retailers. Here’s a price breakdown at the time of publishing this article:

2-pack (topical and supplement)

Amazon: $74.95 (free shipping, link)

Brand website: $59 (plus shipping, link)

Topical

Brand website: N/A

Amazon: $34.95 (link to official Amazon listing)

The brand’s website has a 16% cheaper price on the supplement plus topical treatment, but depending on shipping rates that gap will narrow.

Purchasing the individual topical treatment is not possible on the brand’s website, so consumers who want this product alone should go to Amazon.

Does Crystal Flush Cause Side Effects?

Crystal Flush doesn’t appear to have been studied in any clinical trials so it's impossible to say for certain whether or not the system causes side effects. However, we can make an educated guess based on the active ingredients used.

Tolnaftate (the active ingredient in the topical formulation of Crystal Flush) appears to be a very safe antifungal. We can’t locate any clinical evidence that it causes side effects when used at a 1% concentration.

Because there are no questionable additives in this product and its active ingredient appears safe, we consider Crystal Flush unlikely to cause side effects in healthy adults.

Our only concern in regard to side effects is that the essential oil concentration is not published, and high concentrations of essential oils can cause irritation when used topically, according to a 2021 medical review.

This suggests that consumers with very sensitive skin may wish to avoid this product. We hope that in the future Crystal Flush publishes the concentration for all essential oil ingredients.

Our Clean Antifungal Picks

There are some natural products with promising early research for treating fungus.

Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil was shown in a clinical trial published in the Nutrients journal to be an effective oral antifungal:

"MCT holds promise as a therapeutic intervention for reducing fungal colonization without significant impact on the bacterial composition of the host gastrointestinal tract."

Bulletproof MCT Oil is our top MCT oil pick, because its only ingredient is MCT oil derived from coconuts and it has zero additives. It currently retails for under $16.

Coconut oil was shown in a 2016 clinical trial to have antifungal effects, however this was an in vitro (test tube) study so the results are weaker than if it were in humans. Nevertheless, it's a very safe, whole food ingredient.

Dr. Bronner's Organic Coconut Oil is our top coconut oil pick, as it's packaged in glass, virgin (meaning it's not heat-treated), and has no questionable additive ingredients. The only ingredient is organic coconut oil.

Interested consumers can check out Dr. Bronner's Organic Coconut Oil at this link to its official Amazon listing.

We're not suggesting that either of these products should be used to treat any disease or health condition; just sharing promising research on two natural compounds that individuals may wish to speak with their doctor or dermatologist about.

Pros and Cons of Crystal Flush

Here are the pros and cons of Crystal Flush as a brand in our opinion:

Pros:

  • Effective active ingredients
  • Non-toxic inactive ingredients

Cons:

  • Questionable supplement efficacy
  • Expensive
  • Essential oil concentrations not published
  • Mediocre Amazon reviews
  • Can’t purchase individual products on brand website
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Conclusion

Crystal Flush is one of the better OTC antifungals we’ve reviewed on Illuminate Health. Both the topical formulation and the oral supplement contain research-backed ingredients and are free of questionable additives.

We consider the topical formulation more likely to work, because we’ve seen more convincing research for topical treatment of fungus than natural herbal supplement treatment.

The topical Crystal Flush product contains essential oils but the concentration of those ingredients are not published, which is a slight concern because high concentrations of essential oils can irritate the skin. We hope that in the future the brand publishes this critical information.

This product is significantly more expensive than most OTC antifungals or purchasing essential oils and diluting them at home.

For consumers intent on purchasing Crystal Flush’s two-part system, the brand’s website has the best price. Only Amazon has the option to purchase the topical treatment in isolation.