Abstract The fluorescence spectra of colonies of Propionibacterium acnes were studied under various experimental conditions. The spectra contained peaks at 580 nm and 620 nm. These bands were due to two different components; the 580 nm component was likely to be a metalloporphyrin, and there are indications that the 620 nm component could be a coproporphyrin. The 580 nm fluorescence was destroyed by the combined action of light and oxygen (no destruction under strict anaerobic conditions). A dark period interrupting the bleaching light stopped the destruction of this component for the time of the dark period. The initial production of the 620 nm component was due to the oxygen exposure. Upon light irradiation this component was later destroyed by the combined action of oxygen and light.