Research suggests that MSM may offer benefits for skin health, including potential improvements in skin appearance, hydration, and comfort, as well as possible contributions to nail strength and appearance. The available evidence comes from a limited body of literature, including a single case report involving a patient with a rare genetic skin condition, a 2025 narrative review on nail health supplements, and broader reviews of MSM's general safety and anti-inflammatory properties — notably, no randomized controlled trials specifically targeting skin outcomes were among the studies examined. Studies indicate that MSM is generally well tolerated, holding Generally Recognized As Safe status, with animal toxicity research supporting its safety profile, though findings from animal studies do not always translate directly to humans. Overall, while the existing research is directionally supportive, the evidence base remains preliminary and largely indirect, and more rigorous clinical trials are needed before strong conclusions can be drawn about MSM's role in skin health specifically.
Citations from PubMed and preprint sources. Match score (0-100) reflects automated search ranking, not clinical appraisal.
| Title | Type | Year | Direction | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managing ichthyosis: a case study. | Review | 2006 | Supports | 92 |
| Nail Supplements: When, How, and Why? | Review | 2025 | Supports | 80 |
| Toxicity of methylsulfonylmethane in rats. | Other | 2002 | Supports | 72 |
| Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. | Review | 2017 | Supports | 65 |