The invention belongs to the field of medicines and relates to a novel use of paliurus or an extract thereof, in particular to a use of the paliurus or the extract thereof in preparing a drug for treating acne. The externally-used paliurus or the extract thereof can effectively relieve acne symptoms and tissue pathology, and has an effect which is superior to that of a clinical common contrast drug, and therefore, the curative effect, in treating the acne, of the externally-used paliurus or the extract thereof is superior to that of a current common drug.