Skin is the largest organ, and taking good care of it goes beyond topical treatments. After all, numerous factors impact our skin, including our dietary choices, smoking habits, and sun exposure. As skin supplements promise to nurture one’s skin from within, people interested in skincare may be curious if they should also include them in their routine.
However, as there are many options to choose from, we compiled a list of what we believe to be the best supplements for the skin. To craft this list, we checked the claims of their manufacturers and compared them to the current scientific knowledge, evaluated their safety measures, and ranked them.
Best supplements for skin: a shortlist
- Ritual — top pick supplement for skin hydration
- HUM — best probiotic supplement for skin health containing numerous strains
- Performance Lab — best skin supplement containing omega-3
- Clear Wellness 360 — best skin supplement for acne-prone skin
- A Quality Life — best skin supplement for aging skin health
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Comparison of the best supplements for skin
Brand | Price per bottle | Price per serving | Ingredients for the skin | Possible skin benefits | Brand transparency |
Ritual | $54.00 | $1.80 | Wheat (Triticum vulgare) oil extract and hyaluronic acid | Improves fine lines, hydrates the skin | Third-party testing, traceable ingredients |
HUM | $40.00 | $1.33 | Probiotics | Targets acne | Third-party testing |
Performance Lab | $49.00 | $1.63 | Omega-3 | Skin protection, wound healing | Third-party testing, FDA-registered and GMP-certified facilities |
Clear Wellness 360 | $39.00 | $1.30 | Probiotics | Targets acne | FDA-registered and cGMP-certified facilities |
A Quality Life | $37.45 | $1.25 | Collagen | Improves fine lines, hydrates the skin | Third-party testing, FDA-registered and GMP-certified facilities |
Best supplements for skin health: an overview
As skin supplement is a broad term, many different products fall under this category. We picked a few products that could be worth exploring. This list aims to provide you with insights on what to look for in skin supplements and allow you to make an informed decision.
1. Ritual — best supplement for skin hydration
Ritual HyaCeraâ„¢ is a skin supplement made from two active ingredients: wheat (Triticum vulgare) oil extract and hyaluronic acid. Both of these ingredients have been clinically tested and showed the potential to increase skin hydration from within.
Wheat oil extract is rich in ceramides and glycolipids. Very limited but promising studies on oral wheat oil extract intake indicate that it may reduce skin dryness and fine lines.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in various organs, including skin. While it is undoubtedly one of the most popular ingredients in topical skin products, oral supplementation also holds promise. Numerous studies suggest that taking hyaluronic acid orally may promote skin hydration and have anti-aging properties.
What makes Ritual special, is their emphasis on transparency and quality. You can check the supply chain of any of their products on their website. Moreover, their products are tested by independent laboratories for potential heavy metals and microbes and deemed to be safe for consumption.
Currently, one bottle of Ritual is priced at $54.00 with each bottle comprising 30 capsules. Given that the recommended serving size is one capsule, one serving would cost you $1.80.
2. HUM — best probiotic for skin health including numerous strains
Skin Squad by Hum Nutrition is a specialized probiotic complex for skin health. As claimed by the manufacturer, the main target of this supplement is to fight acne flare-ups and nurture the gut.
Skin Squad contains 9 strains of probiotics, totaling 40 billion CFU. As research evidence suggests, there is a connection between the skin and the gut (known as the gut-skin axis), thus a balanced gut microbiome may support healthy skin.
Moreover, the blend includes konjac root which is classified as a prebiotic. Prebiotics may foster good bacteria in the gut and, in turn, help to balance its microbiome.
As claimed by the manufacturer, this Hum Nutrition supplement has been third-party tested. However, they do not display the results on their website. The supplement does not contain artificial colorings, sweeteners, or preservatives.
One bottle (or 60 capsules) of HUM Nutrition is currently priced at $40.00. As this product's recommended dose is 2 capsules, one Skin Squad would cost you $1.33 per day.
3. Performance Lab — best skin supplement featuring omega-3
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that is needed for one's heart, brain, and other organs — including skin. For instance, some early studies suggest that omega-3 may be helpful in protecting the skin from the sun's rays, aiding wound healing, and reducing inflammation.
Since our bodies can not synthesize omega-3, we must get it from our diets or include it in our supplement regime. This Performance Lab supplement ranks among one of the best omega-3 supplements and may be beneficial for one's skin.
The omega-3 in Performance Lab's supplement is extracted directly from algae — the primal source of omega-3 in aquatic ecosystems. For this reason, this supplement is vegan-friendly and does not leave an unpleasant fishy aftertaste.
Performance Lab supplements are manufactured in FDA-registered and cGMP-compliant facilities ensuring strict quality control. Furthermore, the accuracy of the supplement's label is assured through third-party testing conducted by the Clean Label Project.
If you wish to purchase this Performance Lab skin omega-3 supplement, one bottle is currently priced at $49.00. As one bottle contains 30 servings (or 30 capsules), the price per serving would come to $1.63.
4. Clear Wellness 360 — best skin supplement for breakout-prone skin
Clear Wellness 360 Lip & Skin Health is a probiotic blend marketed as a supplement that may help to clear the skin up and protect it from cold sores.
The main ingredient of this product is probiotics. In total, this product contains 12 billion CFU (or colony forming unit) of good bacteria per serving. Although clinical studies are scarce, some limited evidence suggests that probiotics may be beneficial in the management of acne.
It includes two following strains of bacteria: Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophillus. In one clinical trial, oral supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain has helped to reduce adult acne. It is important to mention that it was a pilot study conducted on 20 participants only. However, studies on some other strains have shown similar results, making probiotics one of the possible options for acne management.
This product also contains prebiotics — compounds used to feed the good bacteria.
Lip & Skin Health supplement is manufactured in FDA-approved and cGMP-certified facilities, meaning it adheres to strict safety standards.
As of now, the price of one Clear Wellness 360 bottle stands at $39.00 if you opt to buy without a subscription. One bottle contains 60 capsules. As the recommended serving size is 2 capsules, one serving would cost you $1.30.
5. A Quality Life — best supplement for aging skin needs
This A Quality Life supplement is a great choice for individuals looking to diminish the signs of aging as it contains collagen, one of the most clinically studied ingredients in skincare supplements.
Collagen is a protein that is abundant in human skin. Various studies have shown that collagen may be beneficial for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The collagen used in this product has been hydrolyzed, meaning it may be better absorbed than intact collagen protein.
One serving of A Quality Life delivers 1,000 mg of collagen. It is important to mention that most studies examining collagen benefits used higher doses (between 2,500 and 10,000 mg), but some positive effects were noticed even in as low doses as 10 mg.
A Quality Life products follow strict safety measures as they are manufactured in FDA-registered and GMP-certified facilities. Additionally, third-party lab test results confirm the absence of heavy metals or microbes in these gummies.
One bottle of A Quality Life collagen gummies is currently retailed at $37.45 and contains 60 gummies in total. As a recommended daily serving is 2 gummies, this supplement comes to $1.25 per day.
How we compiled a list of the best supplements for skin?
Our list of the best supplements for skin has been compiled using the below criteria.
Ingredients | Price per serving | Skin benefits | Brand transparency |
Contains science-backed ingredients for skin | From $1.25 to $1.80 | May have different skin benefits | Third-party tested, traceable ingredients, GMP-certified facilities, other safety measures |
- Ingredients. When evaluating the active components within skin supplements, we rejected products that do not have any or very minimal scientific backing. We looked for products that included ingredients that were clinically tested for skin specifically.
- Price per serving. When choosing the products for our best supplements for the skin list, we compared prices per serving. However, it is important to note that we picked products that do not compromise on quality to lower the price.
- Skin benefits. As there is a wide range of skin supplements, we picked products that may be used to address different skincare concerns, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs.
- Brand transparency. We checked the information on the manufacturers’ websites to better understand what safety measures they are taking to ensure the quality of their products. We preferred products that were transparent regarding their manufacturing practices.
Why and when supplements might benefit skin health?
The connection between certain active ingredients in supplements and skin health is a topic of growing interest in the realm of skincare. While there are natural ways to take care of your skin from within, such as following a well-rounded diet, supplements may also play a role in skin health. Below we outlined a few ways how and when skin supplements may benefit the skin.
Unbalanced diet
Nutrition plays a crucial role in ensuring the skin's overall health. An unbalanced diet may result in micronutrient deficiencies. Given that certain deficiencies are associated with skin concerns, the use of vitamin and mineral supplements may, in some cases, help improve one’s skin.
Keep in mind that micronutrient deficiencies should be diagnosed by your healthcare provider. Moreover, supplements should never be used as a substitute for a healthy and balanced diet.
Skin conditions
Certain skin conditions could be helped by introducing supplements.
For example, probiotics may reduce the severity of acne. This effect may be attributed to their ability to balance the microbiome in the human body, including the skin. Moreover, the state of the gut microbiome may have far-reaching effects, including skin health.
However, supplements are not used to treat skin conditions. It is always advisable to talk with your doctor before starting to take supplements.
Aging skin
There are some ingredients widely used in skin supplements that may help minimize fine lines and wrinkles. A good example of this would be collagen. Some studies have shown that oral intake of collagen may improve skin elasticity and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Dry skin
Dry skin is a common dermatological concern. Certain supplements may help to relieve it, for example, hyaluronic acid. For instance, clinical studies show that orally administered hyaluronic acid may hydrate the skin. Furthermore, collagen peptides, although predominantly used for their anti-aging properties, have also shown promise in enhancing skin hydration and elasticity.
How age influences skin needs and supplement choices
As we progress through life, our skin undergoes significant transformations. During our teenage and young adult years, breakouts are more common. As we grow older, we begin to notice the first fine lines and our skin starts to sog. These two different skin concerns require different skincare, including supplements.
However, it is important to understand that the best supplement for your skin will depend not only on age but also on the current condition and individual needs of your skin.
For instance, while acne is more prevalent in younger populations due to hormonal fluctuations, it can still trouble individuals well into their adult years. If you are experiencing breakouts, probiotics may lessen the intensity of them no matter your age.
Benefits of using skin supplements
The benefits of using skin supplements will highly depend on the specific active ingredients in these supplements. We have gathered a few benefits that could be seen after using skin supplements, and what exact ingredients may achieve these results.
- Acne management. Certain supplements have the potential to mitigate acne breakouts. For instance, probiotics may help to balance the good bacteria in the gut. As there is a connection between the gut and skin (also known as the gut-skin axis), certain cases of acne may be reduced by probiotic supplementation.
- Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, the amount of collagen in our skin decreases, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Taking collagen supplements may alleviate the extent of these aging signs. In addition, some compounds such as vitamin C may stimulate collagen production and have similar effects as taking collagen itself.
- Hydration. Certain active ingredients in skin supplements may improve skin dryness. For example, hyaluronic acid can increase skin’s hydration both when applied topically and ingested orally. Collagen may also have similar effects, although it is mostly used to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin supplements for men vs. women: is there a difference?
As for now, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that certain active ingredients in dietary supplements for the skin may be more beneficial for one sex than another. This is not to say that gender-specific differences in response to supplements do not exist, but rather that further research is needed to fully understand any potential distinctions.
These differences may arise because women's and men's skin exhibit differences across several paraments, such as:
- hormone metabolism
- hair growth
- production of sebum
- sweat rate
- skin pH
- skin thickness
For instance, men typically have thicker skin. Moreover, sebum production, which is influenced by sex hormones, tends to be higher in men compared to women. Nonetheless, the findings concerning a few other parameters remain inconclusive.
Best supplements for skin health — conclusion
Caring for our skin includes more than just external treatments; it involves a holistic approach that includes diet, lifestyle, and, potentially, the use of supplements for the skin. In our quest to identify the best supplements for skin health, we reviewed various products based on criteria such as active ingredients, price per serving, target skin conditions, and safety measures taken by the manufacturer.
It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplement into your routine, especially if you have preexisting medical issues.
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FAQ
How soon can I see results when using skin supplements?
It varies. For instance, benefits from collagen supplementation may take 3-6 months to become noticeable. However, a range of factors, such as the condition of your skin and individual metabolism, can influence how soon you may see the results.
Can I take multiple skin supplements together?
Some skin supplements may be taken together. However, some ingredients may interact with each other or could be harmful in high doses. Always consult your physician before starting supplements, especially if you want to combine more than one product.
Can I use skin supplements during pregnancy?
The safety of most skin supplements, which often contain multiple ingredients, has not been tested in pregnant women. While some ingredients may be safe, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before you start using any supplements during pregnancy.
13 resources
- Microorganisms. Acne, Microbiome, and Probiotics: The Gut–Skin Axis.
- International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging.
- Microorganisms. Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions.
- American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. Effects of Diet on Acne and Its Response to Treatment.
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science. The moisturizing effect of a wheat extract food supplement on women's skin: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Polar lipids from wheat extract oil improve skin damages induced by aging: Evidence from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in women and an ex vivo study on human skin explant.
- Biomolecules & Therapeutics. Role of Micronutrients in Skin Health and Function.
- Beneficial Microbes. Supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 normalises skin expression of genes implicated in insulin signalling and improves adult acne.
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications.
- International Journal of Dermatology. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Microorganisms. Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions.
- Epidemiology. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and the risk of skin cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Frontiers in Immunology Omega 3 Fatty Acid and Skin Diseases
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