The supplement industry is big business, expecting to be worth around £350 billion by 2032.
And perhaps the area of largest expansion, with new-fangled products popping up most weeks, is the arena of beauty pills.
Gone are the days of a simple skin, hair and nails configuration. These days, there’s supplements with specific roles, whether that be plumping, youthifying, radiance-boosting and even spot-fighting.
Trendier options can set you back £80 for a month’s supply, while some on supermarket shelves, that appear to feature similar ingredients, cost little more than a few pence per pill.
So are any of these products worth investing in? And, if so, will a £4 pot from Sainsbury’s do the trick?
Here, some of the UK’s top experts in dermatology reveal the supplements that are most likely to live up to their claims – and the ones that are, at best, useless and, at worst, harmful.
Some studies have shown taking collagen supplements over a long period is linked to better skin elasticity, but are some types better than others?
Collagen
It’s perhaps the most popular skin supplement, with several shelves dedicated to brightly-coloured pots housing capsules that are said to inject youth back into ageing skin.
Collagen – the protein that gives skin its elasticity and youthful plump – is known to decline significantly with age.
So, it seems to make sense that a pill containing the substance would remedy the wrinkled, sagging areas that develop in mid-life.
However, experts say the truth isn’t so simple.
While some studies have found promising results from collagen supplements, benefits are only seen with hydrolysed types, which means the protein is broken down into small peptide chains which make for easier absorption by the body.
One study that analysed 26 trials involving 1,721 patients found taking hydrolysed collagen supplements ‘significantly improved’ skin hydration and elasticity.
‘There have been a number of studies that suggest collagen supplements may help to improve skin hydration and elasticity,’ says Dr Magnus Lynch, consultant dermatologist at Revessa Health.
However – and it’s a significant one – most of these trials are funded by the firms that produce the supplements, experts say.
‘Collagen is probably the supplement I am asked about most frequently,’ says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London.
She adds that, while some, small studies have shown benefits, the ‘quality of the evidence deserves scrutiny’.
‘A 2025 review found that when the researchers looked specifically at higher-quality trials and studies without pharmaceutical industry funding, the apparent benefits were no longer significant.
‘When it comes to collagen for skin, the marketing has run considerably ahead of the evidence.
Kourtney Kardashian promotes her supplement collection. Lemme gummies are sold at various retailers and include skin, hair and nail offerings.
‘I would certainly not describe collagen as essential for preventing skin ageing, nor would it be high on my list of things to spend money on.’
Instead, eating sufficient protein, not smoking and applying SPF are much more likely to preserve skin quality, Dr Mahto adds.
Ceramides
Ceramides – available from around 46p a tablet – are lipids that make up about 50 per cent of the fats in the outer layer of your skin.
They help to keep the outer layer intact, and help to prevent water from escaping, therefore keeping it plumped and moisturised.
Trials show that oral ceramides can indeed prevent water from escaping the skin barrier, and result in less dryness over the course of a few months.
But experts say the best evidence supports the use of ceramides in topical treatments, like moisturisers or serums.
What’s more, there’s very little evidence that oral ceramides reduce or prevent wrinkles, or any other sign of ageing.
‘They are effective in moisturisers,’ says Dr Lynch. ‘However I would not advise taking them as oral supplements.’
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can be found in a variety of foods, and helps to protect cells from damage.
This includes the impact of the sun on our skin – one of the biggest causes of spots, creases and hyperpigmentation.
According to Dr Mahto, however, vitamin E supplements are only worth taking if you have a recognised deficiency in the nutrient, which is found in fruits, vegetables and some cereals.
‘In somebody with an adequate diet there is not convincing evidence that routinely taking oral vitamin E produces visibly younger or healthier skin,’ she says.
What’s more, taking too much of the vitamin could be dangerous.
European safety officials recommend consuming no more than 300mg of vitamin E per day, due to risks of interference with blood clotting, resulting in major bleeding.
Some products sold online contain doses of around 270mg per capsule, meaning taking two per day could result in a potentially harmful overdose.
Celebrities including Amanda Holden and Sam Faiers have promoted collagen supplements
Dr Mahto adds that the risk is particularly significant for people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, who are already vulnerable to blood clotting problems.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that can be found naturally in some foods such as oysters, red meat, and poultry.
It is vital for skin health as it helps build collagen and reduces inflammatory responses that can prevent wounds from healing.
Experts say there is intriguing evidence that suggests the mineral – which is available for around £2.50 for a month’s supply – may be an effective acne treatment.
One review of 42 studies involving more than 3,000 people found relatively high doses of zinc could improve the appearance of painful spots – although increasing intake came alongside side effects including diarrhoea and nausea.
Dr Mahto describes the evidence for the general population as ‘inconsistent’, however those with a genuine deficiency may benefit.
And many people could be at risk of getting insufficient zinc from their diet.
‘Certain groups, including people with some gastrointestinal conditions, restricted diets or impaired absorption, may be more vulnerable,’ says Dr Mahto.
‘I am also increasingly noticing low levels in those who take weight-loss drugs.
‘True zinc deficiency can produce significant dermatological problems, so if somebody is genuinely deficient then correcting that deficiency matters.’
But she cautions: ‘Long-term high-dose zinc is not harmless because it can interfere with copper absorption and cause copper deficiency.’
Copper deficiency can cause anaemia and low white blood cell counts, resulting in extreme fatigue, weakness and, in some cases, neurological problems.
Experts advise limiting a daily dose to around 40mg – including the amount you get from food.
‘This is why I prefer targeted supplementation [in someone with deficiency] rather than somebody taking large doses because zinc has been marketed as “good for skin”,’ concludes Dr Mahto.
Selenium
Selenium is an essential component of various enzymes and proteins that support the thyroid, help our immune system, and protect against cell damage and infection.
It is sometimes marketed as beneficial for skin, hair, and nails – but we don’t need much, and just one or two brazil nuts can contain our recommended daily allowance.
Dr Anjali Mahto says there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with supplements, in general, but those with an adequate diet are unlikely to see benefits
Ingesting too much selenium can also lead to various adverse side effects.
‘Selenium is another essential micronutrient with antioxidant functions, but it is a very good example of why the idea that more antioxidants must equal better skin is flawed,’ says Dr Mahto.
‘There is no good reason for most nutritionally adequate people to take extra selenium specifically for their skin, and there is a relatively narrow margin between adequate and excessive intake.’
She adds that, ironically, one of the classic signs of too much selenium is skin rashes, along with hair loss.
The NHS advises taking no more than 350 micrograms per day. Most products online contain between 200 and 300 micrograms per capsule.
Biotin
Biotin, also called vitamin B7, helps to convert food into energy, and is also involved in the maintenance of skin and hair.
It has become a favoured ingredient in many skin and hair products, but experts caution against its use.
Dr Mahto describes biotin as the ‘one supplement I would actively caution people against’, particularly in high doses.
‘It is ubiquitous in hair, skin and nails products – despite there being little evidence that it benefits people who are not deficient.
‘And high doses can interfere with important laboratory blood tests, including some thyroid and heart tests.’
Dr Lynch echoes this sentiment, stating that, ‘biotin is marketed as a supplement for hair, skin and nails but deficiency is rare and there is little evidence it works’.
Overall, the consensus is, unless you’re deficient in a particular nutrient, skin supplements are likely to be a significant waste of cash.
‘My general approach to supplements is food first,’ says Dr Mahto. ‘If somebody is eating a varied, balanced diet and is nutritionally complete, I would not recommend taking a collection of supplements in the hope of achieving better skin.’
