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 trans-epidermal water loss (pSMD = -0.50, p = 6.39 × 10⁻⁴). The evidence base is limited and most studies are reviews; no consistent dose, form, or study duration data were reported.
- Low evidence3 studies
Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial small-sized effects on skin barrier function, with one reaching statistical significance. Evidence comes from two randomized controlled trials in healthy middle-aged women and children/adolescents with atopic dermatitis, and one review. No consistent dose or duration data were available.
- Very low evidence4 studies
Across 4 review studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (primarily as a lysate powder) on skin barrier function, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. One of the 4 studies reported a statistically significant improvement in skin moisturization and reduced transepidermal water loss after 4 weeks of daily consumption. The evidence base consists entirely of review articles, with no individual clinical trial data available for dose, form, or population specifics.
- 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 trans-epidermal water loss (pSMD = -0.50, p = 6.39 × 10⁻⁴). The evidence base is limited and most studies are reviews; no consistent dose, form, or study duration data were reported.6 beneficial6 studies
- Very lowLactobacillus rhamnosusAcross 4 review studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (primarily as a lysate powder) on skin barrier function, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. One of the 4 studies reported a statistically significant improvement in skin moisturization and reduced transepidermal water loss after 4 weeks of daily consumption. The evidence base consists entirely of review articles, with no individual clinical trial data available for dose, form, or population specifics.4 beneficial4 studies
- LowLactobacillus sakei proBio65Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial small-sized effects on skin barrier function, with one reaching statistical significance. Evidence comes from two randomized controlled trials in healthy middle-aged women and children/adolescents with atopic dermatitis, and one review. No consistent dose or duration data were available.3 beneficial3 studies