What Are the Benefits of MSM Supplements for Skin, Hair, and Nails?

When people think about beauty supplements, collagen, biotin, and vitamin C usually come to mind first. But there is another amazing material in nature worth knowing about: MSM.

MSM, short for methylsulfonylmethane, is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing compound found in plants, animals, and the human body. It has become popular as a wellness supplement, particularly among people interested in supporting healthy-looking skin, hair, and nails.

But what does MSM actually do, and are MSM supplements worth adding to your routine?

Let's take a closer look.

What Is MSM?

MSM is an organic sulfur compound that provides a source of sulfur for the body.

Sulfur is important because it is part of several proteins and compounds in the body. One of the most relevant for beauty is keratin, the structural protein found in your hair, skin, and nails.

This is one reason MSM has attracted attention in the beauty and wellness space.

Research has also explored MSM for its antioxidant and inflammation-related properties, although more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits.

MSM Benefits for Skin

One of the most interesting areas of research on MSM is skin health.

A clinical study involving oral MSM supplementation found improvements in several visible signs of skin aging. Participants taking MSM experienced improvements in facial wrinkles and skin roughness, with additional measurements looking at hydration, firmness, and elasticity.

That makes MSM particularly interesting for people who want to support:

• Healthy-looking skin

• Skin hydration

• Skin smoothness

• Skin firmness and elasticity

• A healthy-looking complexion

MSM is not a magic anti-aging ingredient, but research shows it has a useful role as part of a broader beauty-from-within routine.

MSM for Hair

Could MSM help support healthy hair?

This is one of the reasons MSM supplements have become popular in beauty routines. Hair is primarily made of keratin, and sulfur-containing amino acids are important components of that protein.

MSM itself is not a proven hair-growth treatment, and the human research specifically focused on hair growth is still limited. However, its sulfur content and potential effects on oxidative stress and inflammation are among the reasons researchers and consumers continue to be interested in MSM for hair wellness.

So instead of thinking of MSM as a quick fix for hair growth, think of it as a nutritional supplement that can complement your overall hair-care routine and make your hair stronger and healthier from the inside out.

MSM for Nails

Your nails are also primarily made of keratin, which means sulfur is relevant to their structure.

While there is less research specifically examining MSM supplements and nail growth or strength, MSM is often included in beauty formulas designed to support skin, hair, and nails because of its sulfur content.

If your goal is healthier-looking nails, MSM can be considered alongside a balanced diet with quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Why Is Sulfur Important for Beauty?

Here's where MSM gets interesting.

Keratin contains sulfur-containing amino acids, and keratin is a major structural component of hair, skin, and nails. MSM provides a source of organic sulfur, which is one reason it is often associated with beauty and structural support.

That does not mean that taking more sulfur automatically means faster hair growth or stronger nails. Your body needs a balance of nutrients, and MSM works best as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

MSM and Antioxidant Support

Another reason MSM is being studied is its relationship with oxidative stress.

Research suggests that MSM may influence antioxidant activity, including glutathione, one of the body's important antioxidant compounds.

Oxidative stress is also an area of interest in skin aging research, which helps explain why MSM has gained attention in beauty-from-within products.

What Does the Research Say?

The research on MSM is promising, but it is important to keep expectations realistic.

One clinical study in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, which specifically examined oral MSM, found that participants taking 3 grams daily for 16 weeks experienced improvements in facial wrinkles and skin roughness compared with placebo. The study also evaluated skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity.

Other research has looked at MSM as part of combination supplements for skin health, making it harder to determine how much of the observed effect came from MSM alone.

In other words, MSM shows potential, particularly for skin health, but more research is still needed to understand its full effects on skin, hair, and nails.

How to Choose a High-Quality MSM Supplement

Not all MSM supplements are created equal. When choosing the best MSM for your routine, look for high-purity MSM that is petroleum-free and made without fillers and anti-caking agents from a trusted source. 

For a clean and straightforward option, our Exceptionally Pure Organic Sulfur Crystals, MSM, provide a pure source of methylsulfonylmethane in convenient crystal form. It’s an easy way to add MSM to your daily wellness routine while keeping your supplement routine simple. We have been taking it for 15+ years, and the dogsheree take it daily too…why? That is going to be in another article, but to give you a hint: joint health!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of MSM supplements for skin, hair, and nails?

MSM provides a source of organic sulfur and has been studied for its potential benefits for skin health. Research has found improvements in areas such as facial wrinkles and skin roughness, while MSM is also commonly used in beauty routines focused on hair and nails.

Does MSM help hair growth?

MSM is often used in hair wellness supplements because hair contains keratin, a sulfur-containing protein. It is viewed as a nutritional ingredient that complements an overall hair-care routine and helps hair get stronger quite quickly.

Is MSM good for skin?

Research suggests that oral MSM supplementation may support several aspects of skin appearance, including wrinkles and roughness. If you are looking to improve skin conditions, anywhere from acne to rashes, etc. Taking pure MSM is definitely worth a try!

Can MSM help strengthen nails?

MSM is a source of sulfur, and sulfur is relevant to keratin, the structural protein found in nails. There is limited clinical research specifically demonstrating that MSM supplements strengthen or grow nails, but watch how strong your nails can get,t and you will understand why people stick with MSM. 

How long does MSM take to work?

There is no single timeline because results can vary depending on the person, serving amount, diet, and other factors. One clinical skin study evaluated MSM supplementation over 16 weeks and found improvements in certain skin measurements. Our experience? You can notice things the day of starting your new supplement (depending on what you are taking it for) or in a few days. 

Is MSM safe?

MSM is generally considered well tolerated, although some people may experience digestive discomfort such as nausea or diarrhea (if starting suddenly with too much). If you take medications, have an existing health condition, or are unsure whether MSM is appropriate for you, speak with a healthcare professional before using it.

The Bottom Line

So, what are the benefits of MSM supplements for skin, hair, and nails?

MSM is a sulfur-containing compound that has gained attention as a beauty-from-within supplement. Research is particularly interesting when it comes to skin, with clinical studies showing improvements in certain measures of skin appearance.

Its connection to keratin also makes MSM an interesting ingredient for people looking to support the overall health and appearance of their hair, skin, and nails.

It is not a miracle beauty pill, and more research is needed, particularly for hair and nails. But as part of a balanced wellness routine, MSM can be a simple way to support your beauty routine from within.