Best supplement for the skin: a pharmacist’s opinion (2025)

Nous avons analysé 14 produits vendus sur Internet selon 7 critères, et avons retenu ces 3 compléments alimentaires pour la beauté et la santé :

Meilleur acide hyaluronique en gélule
> L’Acide Hyaluronique – Nutri&Co

Meilleur collagène pour la peau
> Collagène Peau Magnifique – Twenty DC

Meilleur complément pour préparer la peau au soleil
> Formule Soleil – Novoma

Meilleur complement contre l’acné
> Pure Glow – Aime

Best dietary supplements for skin

Our selection criteria

• Quality: the cultivation method, the origin of the products, and the presence of certifications determine the product’s quality.
• Composition: the active ingredients contained in the dietary supplement
• Bioavailability of active ingredients: the form of the ingredients affects their absorption.
• Concentration of actives: a sufficient dosage of actives increases the product’s effectiveness.
• Price / day: this is the price per day of the treatment at the brand’s recommended daily dose.
• Customer reviews: these customer reviews of the product are sourced from the brand’s website or from review sites.
• Notre avis sur la marque : suite aux tests de marques de compléments alimentaires que nous réalisons chaque mois.

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Best hyaluronic acid capsule

Nutri&co has developed a broad-spectrum hyaluronic acid supplement, i.e., with molecular weights between 50 KDa and 3,000 KDa. This allows optimal absorption.

Borage oil and evening primrose oil complete the formula. They have soothing effects on the skin thanks to the presence of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in their composition.

The Nutri&co brand is based in Aix-en-Provence. It offers supplements made with quality ingredients, without controversial excipients, and consistent labels. The microbiological analysis certificates for the products can be found on their website.

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Best collagen for skin

This complex contains marine collagen peptides and eggshell membranes derived from the patented Ovoderm° process. This natural compound is enriched with hyaluronic acid and elastin; it works in synergy with marine collagen to hydrate the skin and reduce wrinkles.

Le collagène marin utilisé est de qualité, et possède une bonne assimilation grâce à son faible poids moléculaire. 

Take into account the presence of two synthetic sweeteners, sucralose and acesulfame K.

The supplement is available in peach tea and vanilla flavors.

Twenty DC is a French brand specializing in collagen-based dietary supplements. The products are of high quality and are made in France.

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Best sun supplement

Ce complément solaire contient plusieurs actifs synergiques : les caroténoïdes, des vitamines et des minéraux. Les caroténoïdes sélectionnés sont naturels et brevetés. 

Novoma provides certificates of analysis, ensuring product quality. The formula contains no additives or colorants.

Novoma’s laboratory is located in Toulouse and manufactures supplements that are GMO-free, free of controversial additives, and vegan.

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Best supplement for acne

The Pure Glow supplement from the brand Aime contains plants that support the liver (artichoke, rosemary), spices with natural anti-inflammatory properties (turmeric, pepper), probiotics to rebalance the intestinal flora, and nutrients such as zinc, which supports skin beauty.

Ce complexe contre l’acné agit sur différents axes : inflammation cutanée, équilibre intestinal et digestif. 

The Aime brand is a brand of supplements made in France, of French manufacture. Aime develops supplements with an “in & out” approach, and good-quality skincare.

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Why take dietary supplements for skin

They protect the skin from UV rays

When ultraviolet rays come into contact with the skin, it defends itself: the stratum corneum thickens, and one observes the production of antioxidants and melanin, these coloring pigments that protect us from UV rays.

Specific dietary supplements contribute to strengthening skin photoprotection and increase the skin’s tolerance to UV rays.

They fight skin aging

Excessive exposure to UV rays, pollution, tobacco, alcohol, but also the gradual reduction of internal collagen and hyaluronic acid production, are factors of premature skin aging.

Using certain specific anti-aging actives can reduce skin aging, as noted in this review article.

They hydrate the skin barrier

Dry skin produces less sebum than normal skin. It no longer retains enough water and becomes dehydrated. It becomes irritated, feels tight, and fine lines and wrinkles appear. 

Hydration through topical care provides protection against external agents, but hydration first relies on maintaining the stratum corneum.

I recommend maintaining a sufficient daily water intake and a diet rich in lipids. There are ingredients with moisturizing properties, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid that positively influence skin elasticity.

They help blemish-prone skin

Dietary supplements intended to soothe oily skin problems and acne contain nutrients intended to promote skin health, or sometimes liver and gut health.

Treatments for troubled skin mainly include nutrients, probiotics and plant extracts.

The most effective active ingredients

Hydrating active ingredients

You can find hyaluronic acid and collagen, two natural constituents that provide protection and elasticity to the skin tissue.

A meta-analysis (a compilation of several studies) indicates that these molecules, taken orally, led to a significant increase in skin hydration, as well as a reduction in water loss.

Besides these active ingredients, polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) also play an important role as components of the skin barrier.

Anti-aging and antioxidant active ingredients

An antioxidant compound protects the body from damage caused by free radicals. These are responsible for the appearance of wrinkles and a change in the skin’s melanin production, leading to the development of brown spots and an uneven complexion.

Among the antioxidants available for oral supplementation, collagen in particular has been shown in this randomized controlled trial (i.e., compared with a placebo) to have a positive effect on skin photoaging at a dose of 1000 mg per day.

Other active ingredients of interest: polyphenols, vitamin A (carotenoids: beta-carotene, lycopene), vitamins E and C, coenzyme Q10. These molecules, combined with topical treatments, help improve complexion and reduce skin aging.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-blemish active ingredients

Zinc is a trace element necessary for the normal functioning of the skin. Prescribed by dermatologists as a therapeutic medication, or recommended as a dietary supplement, it is essential for combating skin inflammation.

Numerous studies support its effect on acne severity and the number of skin lesions.

Other studies confirm the benefit of fatty acid supplementation in the management of inflammatory acne lesions. Moreover, their moisturizing effects are also sought after in patients taking isotretinoin, an anti-acne medication with particularly severe adverse effects. 

Some plants have traditionally been used for their purifying and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. This is the case with burdock or wild pansy.

The latter is recognized by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of symptoms of seborrheic skin conditions.

The origin of acne is multifactorial and can in particular be caused by a disruption of the gut microbiota. The use of certain specific probiotic strains is promising for this indication, as shown by this research.

Finally, the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, have been studied in skin health. A review of studies concludes a significant improvement in the severity of skin diseases following the use of quality turmeric supplements.

In what form

Capsules

Capsules are the most commonly found form for beauty and skin health supplements. This form allows the mixing of several powdered ingredients, with appropriate preservation and at a reasonable cost. 

The capsule is particularly appreciated for the addition of plants: it contains the dry powders (the plant is dried, ground, then sieved to obtain a powder) and the dry extracts (extraction of active compounds for better concentration).

I draw your attention to the fact that you can find just about anything on the dietary supplement market. Check the ingredients carefully and for the presence of unnecessary flavorings and colorings.

Capsules

They are notably found in supplements based on oil-based solutions, rich in fats: borage oil, evening primrose oil, fish oil, sources of fatty acids.

This formulation allows optimal absorption, but storage is delicate (the capsules are sensitive to temperature and humidity).

I recommend choosing plant-based capsules without synthetic excipients.

Powder

Powders are packaged in sachets or sticks. They generally allow for a higher concentration of active ingredients than capsule forms, and make it possible to obtain an appropriate molecular weight, particularly for nutrients such as collagen or hyaluronic acid. 

The concentration of active ingredients makes single daily doses possible, and the cost, therefore the final price, is generally lower than for capsule and tablet formats.

The powder is mixed into water, fruit juice, or in a shaker. Athletes particularly like this form.

Gummies

Gummies are dietary supplements in the form of chewable gummies. They generally contain mixtures of vitamins and minerals. Gummies resemble real candy, thereby increasing adherence to taking them thanks to their taste and playful shape.

In my opinion, this form encourages snacking and excessive consumption, which can be potentially dangerous.

To improve the appearance and taste of products, many manufacturers add sugars that can cause breakouts… How ironic.

Criteria to consider

1. Quality of the ingredients

The cultivation method and the extraction method of the active ingredients are essential to the product’s effectiveness. If you can’t find information about manufacturing quality, that’s a bad sign.

Furthermore, the presence of an organic certification guarantees the absence or reduction of toxic excipients (solvents, pesticides), particularly for plants. 

Note that not all active ingredients can be classified as organic. This is the case for marine collagen and hyaluronic acid.

2. Composition

Choose products containing active ingredients with studied and proven efficacy.

Moreover, it’s better to have one or two quality active ingredients in a supplement than a multitude of ingredients of poor quality or without sufficient evidence of efficacy for the intended use.

Some multivitamins are of good quality, but they may contain questionable excipients (preservatives, anti-caking agents, colorants). Be cautious when purchasing.

3. Bioavailability of active ingredients

Choosing bioavailable active ingredients significantly increases a product’s effectiveness and reduces the potential occurrence of side effects. 

Indeed, depending on the form of the ingredient used, absorption by the body will vary greatly. Zinc oxide, for example, is water-insoluble and poorly absorbed. A gluconate form, zinc picolinate, or zinc bisglycinate (where zinc is bound to amino acids) will be well absorbed. 

A hydrolyzed form for collagen and an appropriate molecular weight (broad range for hyaluronic acid, low molecular weight for collagen) also help the absorption of these large molecules in the body.

Oils, sources of fatty acids, also have very different absorption profiles depending on their origin. Thus, the triglyceride forms of omega-3 fatty acids, from fish oil, are well absorbed. Conversely, I advise against the chemical “ethyl ester” forms of more processed, less stable fish oils.

4. Concentration of active ingredient

The effectiveness of an active ingredient also depends on its dose, so pay close attention to the dosages of your dietary supplement.

It is important to check that the daily dosage provides a sufficient amount (2.5 to 3 grams for collagen capsules, 200 mg of hyaluronic acid, at least 500 mg of fish oil, 2 to 10 mg of carotenoids depending on the number of active ingredients, etc).

Concentrated active ingredients also reduce the number of daily doses, improving adherence to the regimen.

5. Price

The price depends on the quality of the ingredients, the manufacturing method, and marketing. 

Multi-ingredient supplements cost on average 25 to 30 euros for a month’s supply, when they are of good quality. 

A supplement containing only one active ingredient is often cheaper. If you do a one-month course, expect 10 to 20 euros for zinc or omega-3s, 15 to 20 euros for hyaluronic acid or collagen.

To summarize

To be sure you’re choosing a quality skin supplement, check:

1. The quality of ingredients: non-intensive farming, absence of additives that cause skin allergies (synthetic colorants, sweeteners)
2. The composition: choose actives that have proven effective. If the product contains many ingredients, check whether the concentration of each is sufficient to be effective.
3. Bioavailability : choose absorbable actives (hydrolyzed collagen, appropriate molecular weight, minerals in an absorbable form). 
4. The amount of actives : choose a supplement with a sufficient dosage, especially if it contains a single active ingredient.
5. The price: between 20 and 30 euros for a one-month course. Between 10 and 20 euros for actives alone.