The 8 Best Healthy Aging Supplements For Skin, Hair & Body*
There are always buzzy new trends and concepts in the skin care space, but if there's one that has staying power, it's skin longevity. While "anti-aging" practices may be geared toward quick fixes and temporary solutions, skin longevity is all about keeping your skin healthy in the long term. And to do so, we recommend looking at multiple avenues.
Of course, what you put on your skin is going to have dramatic effects on skin quality: You need to stick to a quality skin care routine that strengthens the barrier, improves collagen production, nurtures the biome, and keeps your skin hydrated. But you should also go internal by supporting your skin and body with the right nutrients.
There are several key nutrients, phytonutrients, and specialized bioactives that support your skin, hair, and overall health as you age—so your body not only feels young but looks and acts younger, too.*
Here, we've outlined 8 of our favorites, along with some help on how to look for beauty and "anti-aging" supplements in general.* Ultimately, it doesn't matter where you are in life when you start investing in your beauty regimen and taking care of your skin. It's just important that you made the decision to tend to yourself in thoughtful, well-rounded, and well-formulated ways.
Our top picks: The best anti-aging supplement products
Our top picks: The best anti-aging supplement products
The best antioxidants to promote healthy aging skin
There's a reason doctors, derms, and registered dietitians all tell you to use antioxidants (be it topically or via supplementation). Research continues to prove how powerful these little workhorses are for your skin1: they help manage free radical damage, fade fine lines and dark spots, and even support collagen and elastin.* Basically, antioxidants can do it all. And each type of antioxidant posits specific and unique benefits. Here are a few derm-approved options we recommend:
- Curcumin: The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory that has long been used internally and externally. The ingredient is thought to manage inflammation at the cellular level by blocking a particular molecule that can work its way into your cells and turn on genes that lead to inflammation.* Essentially: It circumvents the inflammation process before it starts, rather than trying to manage it later.*
- Vitamin C: "Vitamin C is one of the few active ingredients that can benefit all skin types," Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at George Washington University Medical Center, previously told mindbodygreen. This antioxidant has been proven to have a host of skin benefits: Things like fading hyperpigmentation2, brightening, supporting collagen production3, and even taming rosacea (thanks to its anti-inflammatory2 properties).*
- Astaxanthin: This powerful antioxidant belongs to the carotenoid family. Benefits of this topical include preventing skin4 damage caused by sun exposure, in turn making it a healthy-aging powerhouse. When taken as a supplement, it protects the skin's collagen layer, supports UV protection5, helps reduce fine lines and age spots, and supports skin hydration.*
- Vitamin E: Oil-soluble antioxidant vitamin E works on an even deeper level in the skin than vitamin C—although these two topicals become even more potent when used in tandem. In addition to helping skin manage the affects of photodamage, vitamin E is known to promote cellular restoration, thereby strengthening the skin barrier when used topically or ingested as a supplement6.*
- CoQ10: You may not have heard of this antioxidant (yet), but its research-backed ability to preserve collagen levels1 in the skin are well documented. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is naturally present in the skin—though our natural reserves steadily decline with age, and also after unprotected UV exposure. This is precisely why reserach as concluded that applying CoQ10 topically has serious skin-aging benefits7.
- Reservatrol: Reservatrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol with antioxidant properties, and these micronutrients are also responsible for giving certain foods—such as grapes, raspberries and red wine—their deep-colored hues. Research has found that when used topically, this polyphenol has anti-aging benefits, namely preserving collagen levels and taming skin inflammation. Additionally, reservatrol has been shown to have a lightening8 and brightening effect on skin tone.
- Vitamin A—aka retinol: Retinol, perhaps the most well-known and sought-after topical ingredient to stave off skin aging, is actually vitamin A, and it's also a potent antioxidant. Topically, retinol works to speed up skin cell turnover rate, thereby improving tone and texture, treating UV damage9, fading fine lines, and even clearing up acne. You'll find many types of retinoids both OTC and in prescription form, which can make picking out the right one feel very overwhelming (see: what you need to know about retinol for more).
How we chose
Science-backed ingredients
Our team ensures that each supplement product is thoughtfully formulated and free of GMOs, gluten, soy, dairy, major food allergens, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, synthetic dyes, and more.
Efficacious dosing & form
You can trust the products included in this list have the best forms and doses—no "sprinkling" over here!
Plant-based ingredients
While not every formula can be 100% derived from plants, we found products that feature as many botanicals, herbs, and phytonutrient ingredients as possible.
Clean & quality formulas
We prioritize brands with a clear emphasis on quality testing (purity and potency) with products that feature high-quality active ingredients and "other ingredient" lists that are short and clean.
mbg's picks for the best anti-aging supplements of 2023
Price at time of publish
- $90
Dietary:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeVeganNon-GMOForm:
CapsuleEco-friendly packaging:
YesThe ultimate supplement for healthy aging, skin supplements, and improved texture. This vegan cosmeceutical contains potent doses of premium botanicals and phytochemicals clinically shown to support skin hydration, elasticity, smoothness, barrier function, and wrinkle reduction. In the cutting-edge formula, you'll find phytoceramides to support a healthy skin barrier structure; astaxanthin to preserve a healthy collagen layer and neutralize free radicals; ubiquinol CoQ10 to promote skin cell "cleanup" (aka, getting rid of debris) and rejuvenation; and polyphenol-containing pomegranate whole fruit extract for photoprotection. Basically, it checks all the boxes for skin health and well-being. As one user put it, "Love this product so much! It has made a difference in how I look and feel."*
Plus, save 10% on your first order with promo code MBG10.
Price at time of publish
- $33
Dietary:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeVeganNon-GMOVegetarianNut-freeWheat-freeShellfish-freeForm:
LiquidVitamin C is a derm-beloved antioxidant because it plays a critical role in the collagen synthesis process, meaning your body can't adequately produce the protein if you're not regularly ingesting the vitamin. (And of note: Humans can't make their own vitamin C.) Additionally, vitamin C stabilizes the collagen you already have and, as an antioxidant, can fight free radicals in the body. This option uses a unique liquid liposomal delivery method to support optimal absorption of the high-potency vitamin C in the cell membranes.*
Price at time of publish
- $18
Dietary:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeWheat-freeForm:
Soft gelEco-friendly packaging:
NoIn addition to having antioxidant properties, vitamin E also helps your body's natural collagen production. Consuming enough vitamin E offers an internal approach to healthy skin. For starters, vitamin E intake protects against collagen cross-linking, a process that plays a role in skin aging. When collagen cross-links, it becomes hard and stiff and can't function optimally. It also helps manage the skin barrier, which functions to protect the body from irritants and excess water loss. This option combines six forms of vitamin E for optimal dosage.*
Price at time of publish
- $70
Dietary:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeNon-GMOSugar-freeEco-friendly packaging:
YesNow on to collagen itself. Collagen is a protein made by the body that is present in the skin—it's what's known as the "structural protein" and helps keep your complexion firm and supple all at the same time. As we age, we lose collagen, which accounts for the sagging and fine lines so many experience. Well, collagen supplements can help promote your body's natural production by supporting the cells' fibroblasts; studies show that when taken regularly, people may see a reduction in fine lines and improved hydration. This collagen powder contains 17.7 grams of the peptides, as well as vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, biotin, L-glutamine, turmeric, and sulforaphane glucosinolate for added support. It's a robust collagen powder that really delivers.*
Price at time of publish
- $45
Dietary:
Gluten-freeVeganEco-friendly packaging:
N/ALongevity and skin health are very closely connected with mental well-being. The brain-skin connection is a strong one, and what's affecting our mood will show up in your skin (including collagen reduction!). Therefore, it's important to address your emotional health when addressing skin longevity as well. L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea that has been shown to promote alpha brain waves, the same relaxing waves that occur during meditation. Due to the way it seems to inhibit excitatory stimuli in the brain, research shows that L-theanine can help ease everyday stress and promote healthy cognition. This option contains a potent dose of the amino acid and can be taken throughout the day.*
Price at time of publish
- $31
Dietary:
Soy-freeNon-GMODye-freeForm:
Soft gelEco-friendly packaging:
NoTurmeric, and its active compound curcumin, have a laundry list of benefits for the skin. The herb has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which support the skin by combating oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to signs of aging, such as fine lines, sallowness, and so on. This blend can support your body's inflammatory response with a heaping dose of a bioavailable form of the herb—along with boswellia, ginger, and stephania.*
Price at time of publish
- $50
Dietary:
Gluten-freeNon-GMOVegetarianForm:
TabletEco-friendly packaging:
N/ADiindolylmethane is a compound made in the body from phytochemicals in cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli. It supports the body with its natural detoxification process, hormone metabolism, and cellular health—all of which can help enhance skin health overall in the long term. This multi-ingredient complex features broccoli extract and other detox players like milk thistle, vitamin E, and more.*
Price at time of publish
- $70
Dietary:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeVeganNon-GMOForm:
CapsuleEco-friendly packaging:
YesHow to choose the best option for you
We get it: Browsing all the available options can make your head spin (even if we did narrow it down). At the very least, see below for some important criteria to consider on your search.
Form
Are you partial to a powder? A capsule or softgel? An on-the-go stick? Knowing your format of choice is important before starting a supplement routine—after all, it's difficult to stick to the regimen if you don't exactly favor the form.
You might as well choose a type that aligns with your lifestyle, flavor preferences, etc.
Summary
Added ingredients
A well-rounded beauty supplement will have a cocktail of skin- and hair-supporting ingredients jam-packed into each serving.*
Those are additional, incremental nutrients or bioactives, and we support those thoughtful multi-ingredient formulas.
That's not what we mean here: On the quest to find the cleanest formulas, we suggest looking out for excipients (aka, the "other ingredients" list) like gums, fillers, corn syrup, synthetic dyes, artificial flavors, and sugar alcohols—if you'd like to use a supplement that has them, that's fine; just know that truly premium formulas tend to skip these additives.
Summary
Testing
Transparency is important—this is true for any product you buy, topicals and supplements included. When it comes to beauty supplements, any benefits listed should come with supporting science.
Additionally, quality testing—from the raw material to the finished product—should be rigorous and transparent to ensure purity and potency (and ultimately, peace of mind).
Some brands employ third-party lab testing, in which an organization not affiliated with the brand or manufacturer analyzes the products and their benefits; that way, you can have a better sense of their testing results with minimal bias.
At mindbodygreen, our expert-vetted dietary supplement product selections and recommendations in the supplement space elevate quality, efficacy, innovation, and safety.
Our team ensures that each supplement product is thoughtfully formulated--from the active ingredients to those "Other ingredient" excipients too.
We are highly preferential towards clean formulas that are plant-centric (and oftentimes vegan or vegetarian) as well as free of GMOs, gluten, soy, dairy, major food allergens, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, synthetic dyes, and more.
Overall, we recommend products with clean ingredients at efficacious doses in bioactive forms. Whenever possible, we celebrate and elevate plant-origin (i.e., plant-sourced) ingredients from a variety of botanicals.
Ingredient source and innovation are top of mind for our critical reviews and selection of supplement products. We prioritize forward-thinking formulations and delivery formats that are genuinely helpful in transforming your health.
We include supplement brands and products that prioritize quality. This includes robust manufacturing practices and comprehensive purity and potency testing.
You can learn more about mindbodygreen supplements+ manufacturing and quality testing practices here.
Summary
The takeaway
While the supplements we mentioned above can offer numerous anti-aging benefits, skin longevity starts from within. Supplements alone cannot replace a well-balanced diet.
In addition to these supplements, a colorful diet filled with whole foods, water, fruits, and veggies can help support your skin and overall health.
Meet The Experts
9 Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514576/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4562654/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073124/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29941810
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/molecular-aspects-of-medicine/vol/28
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4737275/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412432/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/