The present invention relates to a phytandiol amine derivative represented by the following formula (I) and compositions for treating acne comprising the same: ##STR00001## wherein each of Y and Z is OH with the proviso that X is NH.sub.2, each of X and Z is zOH with the proviso that Y is NH.sub.2, and each of X and Y is OH with the proviso that Z is NH.sub.2.