What is the best supplement for skin health?

There's rarely a single best — the options below are the supplements most commonly used for skin health. Evidence strength varies by ingredient and by person. Favor a form from a brand with independent third-party testing (NSF, USP Verified, Informed Sport), and check with a healthcare professional before starting.

Are skin health supplements FDA-approved?

No. The FDA regulates supplements as food, not drugs — they aren't approved for safety and effectiveness before sale. That makes third-party testing and certification the most useful quality signal, which is what we point to.

Do supplements replace medication for skin health?

No. Supplements are not a substitute for prescribed treatment. This page is general reference, not medical advice — talk to a licensed professional, especially if you take medication.

Best supplements for skin health

The 15 supplements people most often use for skin health. Supplements aren't FDA recall-rated like drugs and the evidence varies, so we list them as options — not a fabricated ranking — and tell you what to look for. Not medical advice.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against NIH & NCCIH sourcesHow we research

1
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin
A potent carotenoid antioxidant from algae, taken for skin and eye health.
Benefits, dosage & safety →
2
Black Seed Oil
Nigella Sativa
Oil from black cumin seeds, traditionally used for immune and inflammatory support.
Benefits, dosage & safety →
3
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyllin
A green plant pigment, taken (often as liquid drops) for detox and skin support; evidence is limited.
Benefits, dosage & safety →
4
Collagen Peptides
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Benefits, dosage & safety →
5
Copper
Copper
Copper (Cupric Chloride Injection, USP) 0.4 mg/mL is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution intended for use as an additive to intravenous solutions for tot
Benefits, dosage & safety →
6
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil
A source of GLA, popularly taken for PMS and skin.
Benefits, dosage & safety →
7
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed Oil
A plant source of omega-3 (ALA) for heart and skin.
Benefits, dosage & safety →
8
Glutathione
Glutathione
Benefits, dosage & safety →
9
Gotu Kola
Centella Asiatica
Benefits, dosage & safety →
10
Grape Seed Extract
Grape Seed Extract
A source of antioxidant proanthocyanidins for circulation and skin.
Benefits, dosage & safety →
11
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane
A sulfur compound taken for joint comfort and skin.
Benefits, dosage & safety →
12
Pine Bark Extract
Pycnogenol
An antioxidant extract (pycnogenol) for circulation and skin.
Benefits, dosage & safety →
13
Vitamin A
Retinol
A fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immunity, and skin.
Benefits, dosage & safety →
14
Vitamin E
Tocopherol
Fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin supporting skin and cell protection.
Benefits, dosage & safety →
15
Zinc
Zinc
Benefits, dosage & safety →

What to look for in a skin health supplement

With supplements, quality varies more by brand than by ingredient. Favor brands with independent third-party testing and certification — NSF, NSF Certified for Sport, USP Verified, Informed Sport — over unverified labels.

Thorne Pure Encapsulations NOW Foods Nordic Naturals Life Extension Garden of Life All tested brands →

FAQ

What is the best supplement for skin health?: There's rarely a single best — the options below are the supplements most commonly used for skin health. Evidence strength varies by ingredient and by person. Favor a form from a brand with independent third-party testing (NSF, USP Verified, Informed Sport), and check with a healthcare professional before starting.
Are skin health supplements FDA-approved?: No. The FDA regulates supplements as food, not drugs — they aren't approved for safety and effectiveness before sale. That makes third-party testing and certification the most useful quality signal, which is what we point to.
Do supplements replace medication for skin health?: No. Supplements are not a substitute for prescribed treatment. This page is general reference, not medical advice — talk to a licensed professional, especially if you take medication.

This page is general reference and not medical advice. Supplement evidence varies and is often limited; statements here have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting any supplement.