Best Supplements for Improved Skin Barrier Function
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 4 supplements across 14 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Low evidence6 studies
Across 5 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 on skin barrier function, with effect sizes predominantly small. One meta-analysis found a statistically significant small effect on reducing trans-epidermal water loss (pSMD = -0.50, p = 6.39 × 10⁻⁴). Doses were not reported in the available studies, and the evidence primarily comes from reviews and a meta-analysis covering general healthy adults and some patient populations.
- Low evidence4 studies
Across 4 studies, all 4 reported beneficial effects on skin barrier function, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. One statistically significant finding in a 2025 review showed moderate improvements in skin moisturization and reduced transepidermal water loss after 4 weeks of daily Lactobacillus rhamnosus lysate powder consumption. No specific dose range or population was consistently reported across studies.
- Low evidence3 studies
Across 3 studies, all reported small beneficial effects of Lactobacillus sakei proBio65 on skin barrier function. The evidence is primarily from two small randomized controlled trials in Japanese women aged 30–50 and in children/adolescents with atopic dermatitis, with one study showing a statistically significant increase in skin sebum content. Doses were not consistently reported, and study durations were not specified.
- LowLactobacillus brevis SBC8803Across 5 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 on skin barrier function, with effect sizes predominantly small. One meta-analysis found a statistically significant small effect on reducing trans-epidermal water loss (pSMD = -0.50, p = 6.39 × 10⁻⁴). Doses were not reported in the available studies, and the evidence primarily comes from reviews and a meta-analysis covering general healthy adults and some patient populations.6 beneficial6 studies
- LowLactobacillus rhamnosusAcross 4 studies, all 4 reported beneficial effects on skin barrier function, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. One statistically significant finding in a 2025 review showed moderate improvements in skin moisturization and reduced transepidermal water loss after 4 weeks of daily Lactobacillus rhamnosus lysate powder consumption. No specific dose range or population was consistently reported across studies.4 beneficial4 studies
- LowLactobacillus sakei proBio65Across 3 studies, all reported small beneficial effects of Lactobacillus sakei proBio65 on skin barrier function. The evidence is primarily from two small randomized controlled trials in Japanese women aged 30–50 and in children/adolescents with atopic dermatitis, with one study showing a statistically significant increase in skin sebum content. Doses were not consistently reported, and study durations were not specified.3 beneficial3 studies