If you've spent any time scrolling social media lately, you've probably come across supplements promising everything from glowing skin to healthy ageing and longevity.

Collagen, hyaluronic acid, NAD+, NMN, spermidine, the list seems to get longer every week.

And if you're feeling slightly confused about what these supplements actually do, you're definitely not alone, it's one of the questions we get asked most often in shop.

Not all beauty supplements are trying to do the exact same thing. Some focus directly on skin hydration, firmness and barrier health. And others are part of the growing longevity movement, supporting the cellular processes associated with healthy ageing.

So, if you've been wondering what's worth knowing about, here's all you need to know.

First things first: there isn't one 'best' beauty supplement

Like I said before, not all supplements are trying to do the same thing. Therefore, the right supplement depends on what you're trying to achieve, such as:

• Is your skin feeling dry?
• Have you noticed a loss of firmness?
• Are you exposed to environmental pollutants?
• Are you more interested in healthy ageing and longevity?

Understanding what you actually need to address, is the first step to finding the right support.

So, let's break it down.

If your skin feels dry, dehydrated or less plump...

Hyaluronic Acid

What you've probably heard:
"It's what makes skin look plump and hydrated."

What the science says:

Hyaluronic Acid is naturally found within the skin and plays a key role in holding onto water. Think of it as one of the skin's natural moisture reservoirs. In fact, one molecule of Hyaluronic Acid can bind many times its weight in water, helping skin maintain its plump, smooth appearance.

As we age, our natural levels gradually decline, which can contribute to dryness, loss of elasticity and the appearance of fine lines. Research suggests that Hyaluronic Acid supplements may help improve skin hydration, support elasticity and reduce wrinkle depth by helping the skin retain moisture more effectively.

Because well hydrated skin tends to appear smoother, fresher and more radiant, Hyaluronic Acid has become one of the most popular ingredients in both skincare like day creams, masks, cleanser and so on, and also beauty supplements whether that’s a pure hyaluronic acid supplement or a blend containing it.

This would be a place of focus if your skin often feels dry, tight or dull. Both through supplements, and also through concentrated serums too.

Best for:

Dry, dehydrated or dull looking skin.

Ceramides

What you've probably heard:
"Ceramides are only for sensitive skin."

What the science says:

Ceramides are natural fats that make up a large portion of the skin's protective barrier. If Hyaluronic Acid is responsible for attracting moisture, ceramides are responsible for keeping it locked in.

When ceramide levels decline, the skin barrier can become less efficient, allowing moisture to escape more easily. This can leave skin feeling dry, irritated, sensitive or less resilient to environmental stressors such as pollution, weather changes and UV exposure.

Research suggests ceramides can help strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss, which is simply the amount of moisture that escapes from the skin throughout the day. Some studies also suggest ceramides may help support recovery from environmental damage, making them particularly valuable for mature, dry or stressed skin.

Think of ceramides as the foundation of healthy skin. Without a strong barrier, even the best skincare products can struggle to perform at their best. In supplements, ceramides are often derived from plant sources such as wheat. For example, Viridian Ultimate Beauty Skin Hydration Complex contains Lipowheat™, a plant-derived source of ceramides, alongside Hyaluronic Acid and antioxidant-rich ingredients designed to support skin hydration, barrier function and overall skin resilience.

Best for:

Dry skin, sensitive skin and anyone looking to strengthen their skin barrier.

If your skin isn't feeling as firm as it used to...

Collagen Peptides

What you've probably heard:
"Collagen gets rid of wrinkles."

What the science says:

Collagen is one of the most researched and talked about beauty supplements available, and that makes sense as it’s the main structural protein found within the skin, helping it maintain firmness, elasticity and strength.

From our mid twenties onwards, natural collagen production begins to decline. Over time, this can contribute to fine lines, loss of elasticity and skin that doesn't feel quite as firm as it once did.

Clinical studies have shown that collagen peptide supplementation may help improve skin elasticity, increase collagen density within the skin and support a healthier collagen network. Some research has also found improvements in hydration and skin firmness after consistent use.

What's really interesting is that collagen peptides don't just provide building blocks for the skin, but they may also help stimulate the body's own collagen production and support other important components of the skin, including hyaluronic acid.

The key thing to remember is that collagen isn't an overnight fix. Most studies show benefits after 8-12 weeks of consistent use.

Best for:

Loss of firmness, fine lines and overall skin support.

MSM

What you've probably heard:
"It's great for skin, hair and nails."

What the science says:
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring sulphur compound that helps support connective tissues throughout the body. Sulphur is an important building block used in the production of collagen, keratin and other structural proteins that help maintain healthy skin, hair, nails and joints.

Unlike collagen peptides, MSM isn't primarily researched as a beauty supplement. Most studies have focused on its role in supporting joint comfort, reducing inflammation and helping the body manage oxidative stress. However, these same processes are also linked to healthy ageing and overall skin health.

Think of MSM as part of the support team. It may not directly target wrinkles or hydration in the same way as collagen or Hyaluronic Acid, but by helping support connective tissues and healthy inflammatory balance, it can play a key role in a wider beauty from within routine.

For many people, MSM is particularly appealing because it supports more than just skin health, with benefits of joints, mobility and overall wellbeing too.

Best for:
Those looking for broader connective tissue support.

If you're concerned about environmental ageing...

Astaxanthin

What you've probably heard:
"It's one of the most powerful antioxidants available."

What the science says:
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in certain algae and seafood, and it's often described as one of nature's most powerful antioxidants - it’s also what makes flamingos pink, a key fact we should all know.

While antioxidants are sometimes talked about like a beauty buzzword, the science behind Astaxanthin is genuinely interesting. Research suggests it may help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by factors such as UV exposure, pollution and other environmental factors that contribute to visible skin ageing.

Clinical studies have found improvements in skin moisture, skin texture and the appearance of wrinkles following supplementation. Researchers have also found potential protective effects against UV-induced skin damage, which is one of the major drivers of premature ageing.

In simple terms, if collagen helps support the structure of the skin and Hyaluronic Acid helps with hydration, Astaxanthin helps protect the skin from the everyday wear and tear that can accelerate ageing over time.

This makes it more appealing for anyone concerned about photoageing, sun exposure or maintaining healthy looking skin as they get older.

Best for:
Environmental skin stress and visible signs of photoageing.

If you're interested in healthy ageing and longevity...

Unlike collagen or Hyaluronic Acid, these supplements aren't primarily focused on skin hydration or elasticity. Instead, they're being studied for their role in supporting the cellular processes associated with healthy ageing.

NAD+

What you've probably heard:
"It's the latest anti-ageing miracle."

What the science says:
NAD+ is a molecule found in every cell of the body and plays a vital role in energy production, cellular repair and maintaining normal cellular function. It's often described as one of the body's most important molecules because so many biological processes depend on it.

One of the reasons NAD+ has become such a hot topic is that levels naturally decline as we age. Environmental stressors such as UV exposure and oxidative stress may also contribute to depletion over time.

Researchers believe this decline may affect how efficiently cells produce energy and repair damage, which is why NAD+ has become a major focus in healthy ageing research. Some evidence suggests supporting NAD+ levels may help maintain cellular resilience and support the skin's ability to cope with environmental stress.

While the science is exciting, it’s an area of research that’s still developing. At the moment, NAD+ is better viewed as a healthy ageing supplement with potential skin benefits, rather than a direct beauty supplement designed to target wrinkles or hydration.

For those interested in longevity and the science of ageing, it's definitely one of the most fascinating areas of research.

Best for:
Those interested in healthy ageing and cellular health.

NMN

What you've probably heard:
"Everyone focusing on longevity is taking it."

What the science says:
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is a naturally occurring compound that acts as a precursor to NAD+, meaning the body can use it to help produce more NAD+.

Because NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, researchers have become increasingly interested in whether supporting NAD+ production may help maintain healthy cellular function over time. This is where NMN comes in.

Studies suggest NMN may play a role in supporting cellular energy production, DNA repair and resilience against oxidative stress, all of which are important processes associated with healthy ageing. These mechanisms have helped fuel its popularity within the longevity community.

However, while the biological theory is strong, direct evidence for visible skin improvements remains limited. Most of the excitement around NMN comes from its potential role in supporting overall cellular health rather than targeting specific skin concerns.

Think of NMN as a long term investment in healthy ageing rather than a quick fix for skin appearance. Even though it’s one of the most talked about longevity supplements, it’s still an area where more research is needed to truly understand the benefits for skin appearance.

Best for:
Those focused on longevity and healthy ageing.

Spermidine

What you've probably heard:
"It's the next big thing in anti-ageing."

What the science says:
Spermidine is a naturally occurring compound found in foods such as wheat germ, soybeans and certain fermented foods. In recent years, it has become one of the most talked about nutrients in longevity research.

Its growing popularity focuses on a process called autophagy, which is the body's natural way of clearing away and recycling damaged material, allowing cells to function more efficiently over time.

Researchers believe this process may play an important role in healthy ageing, which is why Spermidine has attracted so much attention in longevity research. Some studies have also looked into its potential effects on memory, cognitive performance and overall cellular health.

While direct skin research is still relatively limited, scientists are interested in Spermidine because of its links to cellular renewal, oxidative stress management and healthy ageing pathways. In other words, it's less about targeting wrinkles directly and more about supporting the processes that help the body age well.

For many women, particularly during midlife and beyond, Spermidine is more than just focusing purely on appearance and instead look to support long term health, vitality and resilience from within.

If you’re completely new to beauty supplements, our advice would be start with your biggest concern rather than trying everything at once.

If your goal is hydration, start with Hyaluronic Acid or Ceramides (plus Omega 3. I know we haven't mentioned it, but it's super important for hydrated skin and healthy cells!).

If your goal is firmness and elasticity, start with collagen peptides (or any collagen, it doesn’t have to be peptides. Also bone broth is a great shout for this, as it contains collagen alongside other gorgeous minerals and nutrients)

If you're concerned about environmental ageing, then consider Astaxanthin. Vitamin C is another brilliant option, whether through supplements or simply through food.

If you're drawn to the longevity science we see everywhere now, then look at NAD+, NMN or Spermidine. Just remember, these are not quick fixes for skin itself, they're more about supporting the systems involved in healthy ageing, which may have benefits for skin health over time.

If this all seems a lot, then we have one great option that contains a few of the mentioned ingrediants, plus some other gorgeous, skin focused compounds. Our YourGut Glow has MSM, hyaluronic acid, probiotics (gut-skin connection is very real and very important), vitamin C, pine bark (which we haven't mentioned here, but is absolutely fabulous for skin, just not as spoken about), and then some lovely extracts such as haskap berry powder and butterfly pea extract powder.

This is out top choice for skin realted support, as it has the ingrediants needed to support and protect collagen, antioxidants, gut support, anti-inflammatories, super hydrating powders and all at a great dosage - so if you're thinking to start with one, then this is our top pick.

Beauty supplements are everywhere, and it seems like every influencer, celebrity and wellness expert is promoting them. And yes, they can be a helpful addition to a healthy lifestyle, but they're not a replacement for the foundations.

No skin supplement will outwork a nutrient rich diet, good sleep, hydration, stress management and if necessary, sun protection like Caudalie, Green People etc (the quality of sun protection is crucial here - but that’s a story for another day). These lifestyle habits will always be the cornerstones of healthy skin.

The good news is that we now have more evidence than ever about supplements and how they can support the body alongside those foundations. The key is choosing the right one for you, and also understanding what they actually are - which hopefully, now after you’ve read this, you do!