Product Reviews and Information for Skin

5/26/2023

Managing Dry Skin

Find out which ingredients in soap to avoid to keep skin from drying, as well 7 ways to keep skin hydrated in the tips for managing dry skin section of our article about soap.

10/31/2023

Collagen Plus MSM for Skin?

Does taking MSM along with collagen reduce skin roughness or wrinkles as much as collagen without MSM? See what a new study found in the Aging skin and wrinkles section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements for skin.

8/19/2024

Collagen vs. Moisturizer?

Can taking collagen noticeably improve aged skin for people already using a daily moisturizer? Find out what a recent study showed in the Aging skin and wrinkles section of our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for collagen supplements.

Also see: Does CoQ10 reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, or tighten the skin? Are there any other supplements that can help?

2/10/2025

Prebiotic for Winter Skin?

Did taking a prebiotic supplement (Sunfiber) improve winter skin health in middle-aged people? Find out in the What It Does section of our Prebiotic Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among prebiotic supplements.

Also see: Do any supplements reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, or tighten the skin?

5/18/2019

Phytoceramides for Aging Skin?

Can phytoceramide supplements reduce wrinkles and improve the appearance of aging skin? See what a recent study found in our updated answer to the question: What are phytoceramides? Do phytoceramide supplements really work to improve aging skin?

6/12/2021

Vitamin D and Melanoma

Can vitamin D supplementation improve outcomes in people with melanoma skin cancer? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review.

Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help prevent sunburn or skin damage from sun exposure? Can any increase your risk of sun-related skin damage?

6/28/2021

Hyaluronic Acid for Wrinkles?

Does supplementing with hyaluronic acid reduce wrinkles or improve skin elasticity in middle-aged men and women? See what a new study found in the Aging Skin and Wrinkles section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen supplements for skin and for joints.

4/19/2024

Bar Soap for Dry Skin -- New Top Pick

Find out which bar soap is our new Top Pick for dry skin and learn why we like it better than our previous Top Pick bar soap, in our article: 5 Tips for Finding a Soap or Body Wash That Won't Irritate Skin.

10/21/2024

Vitamin E for Wrinkles?

Does vitamin E, taken as a supplement or applied topically, reduce skin damage and/or wrinkles? See what the evidence suggests in our Vitamin E Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among vitamin E supplements and oils and creams.

Also see: Do any supplements reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, or tighten the skin?

10/07/2024

Ceramides for Skin Benefits?

Does having ceramides in topical skin products (such as those from QV Intensive and CeraVe) make them better for skin hydration? Find out what research suggests in our article about phytoceramides.

Also see our article about supplements for wrinkles.

10/03/2023

Soy for Wrinkles?

Did taking soy protein with isoflavones reduce wrinkles, pigmentation, or dry skin in postmenopausal women? Find out what a recent study showed in the Soy section of our Menopause Supplements Review.

Also see our article about supplements for tightening skin as well as our Top Pick collagen supplement for skin.

2/23/2024

Konjac Ceramides for Skin?

Does taking konjac ceramides (found in the ingredient SkinCera) improve skin appearance? Find out what a study showed in the skin hydration and wrinkles section of our article about phytoceramides.

4/02/2024

Lava Soap For Dry Skin?

Is Lava Bar Soap a good option for people with dry skin? Find out in our article about soaps that won't irritate skin, which includes our Top Picks among soaps and body washes.

4/12/2024

Olive Oil Soap

A CL Member asked if olive oil soaps can help moisturize dry skin. Find out what the evidence suggests, plus, learn how olive oil may affect eczema, in our article about soaps for dry skin. Also see our Top Picks for soap and bodywash for dry skin.

Also, see our Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks among bottled olive oils.

5/31/2023

Alpha Hydroxy Acid for Dry Skin?

Do alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help or hurt dry skin? Find out in our updated article about finding soaps that won’t irritate skin.

12/20/2022

Tallow Soap for Sensitive Skin?

Tallow soap might not be the best choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. Find out why in our updated CL Answer about finding a soap that won't irritate the skin.

8/06/2019

Vitamin A and Skin Cancer

A study showed that people with higher intakes of vitamin A have a lower risk of developing squamous cell cancer of the skin. Does mean that taking a vitamin A supplement will help? Find out in the What It Does section of the Vitamin A Supplements Review, where we also discuss the risk of melanoma. (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin A supplements.)

1/07/2020

Eggshell Membrane for Hair, Skin, Nails?

Does supplementing with eggshell membrane (which contains collagen and elastin) improve hair, skin, or nails? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements.

11/29/2015

Melatonin for Itchy Skin

Atopic dermatitis is an itchy inflammation of the skin, affecting up to 10% of adults and 30% of children. A recent study in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis found that taking melatonin modestly reduced symptoms and, not surprisingly, reduced the time needed to fall asleep. For details about this and other uses of melatonin, as well our reviews of available melatonin supplements (including several similar to the one studied), see the Melatonin Supplements Review >>

10/24/2015

Niacin Helps Prevent Skin Cancers

A study published this week showed that taking a form of niacin daily significantly lowered the rate of new basal-cell and squamous-cell skin cancers in patients with a history of such cancers. For details about the supplement and dose, see the B Vitamins Review >>

2/15/2020

Collagen for Sun Damaged Skin?

A study suggests that fish-derived collagen can improve sun-damaged skin. For details, including dosage, see the What It Does section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen.

3/28/2020

Collagen for the Skin

Supplementing with collagen to improve aging skin is popular, but does it work? The latest study with collagen used a higher dose than other studies, but is a higher dose better? Find out in the What It Does section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen for wrinkles and for osteoarthritis.

9/03/2019

Collagen for Wrinkles?

A new study put a popular branded collagen ingredient to the test, measuring its effects on collagen content in the skin and on facial wrinkles, including wrinkles around the eyes. See the results in our updated answer to the question: Do collagen or hyaluronic acid supplements really help aging or wrinkled skin?

12/12/2017

Skin Rash from Ginkgo

Although not common, be aware that skin reactions have been reported from taking Ginkgo biloba. The most recent report involved a young man who experienced symptoms the same day he began taking a popular ginkgo supplement. See the details in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Ginkgo Supplements Review >>

7/23/2019

Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema?

A study recently tested whether soaking skin in diluted apple cider vinegar would improve skin integrity in people with eczema (atopic dermatitis). See the results in the What It Does section of Apple Cider Vinegar Review. Also see our Top Picks among the products we've tested.

5/16/2015

Niacin Reduces Skin Cancer

A recent study suggests that high-dose niacin (vitamin B-3) may reduce the risk of developing certain types of skin cancer. A closer look at the study, however, raises questions about its relevance to people in North America. Get the details, as well as more information about niacin and our product test results & comparisons, in the B Vitamin Supplements Review >> 

4/19/2017

Niacin & Skin Cancer

People who don't get enough niacin each day may be able to lower their risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer by getting a bit more niacin from their food or supplements suggests a recent analysis. However, this doesn't mean you should overdo it. For details, see the "Niacin" section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. You can also find foods high in niacin using the food table in the report.

9/07/2021

Collagen for Wrinkles

Can taking hydrolyzed collagen in low daily doses reduce wrinkles and improve skin hydration in older women? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks among collagen supplements for skin wrinkles.

11/23/2021

Vitamin C Serums for Wrinkles?

Can applying vitamin C to the skin reduce wrinkles or help prevent sun damage? Find out in the Skin Health section of our Vitamin C supplements review.

Also learn what features you should look for if selecting a vitamin C serum.

1/18/2022

B-12 Vitamin Deficiency and Darkening of the Skin

Low levels of vitamin B-12 can cause darkening of the skin, as evidenced in a recent case. Get the details and learn about other symptoms of B-12 deficiency in our B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks among B-12 supplements.

6/01/2021

Citrus And Skin Cancer Risk?

Does consuming citrus fruits and juices increase your risk of skin cancer? See what a recent study found in our update to our answer about supplements, foods, and sun damage.

2/03/2021

Garlic-Induced Burns

Be aware that garlic applied to the skin may cause severe burns, and dozens of cases have been reported. Find out which form of garlic and type of skin application is particularly dangerous in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Garlic Supplements Review.

5/22/2025

Niacin for Skin Cancer

Some research suggests that taking high-dose niacin (as nicotinamide, also called niacinamide) can reduce skin cancer risk. Learn more about this (and an observational study of its safety) in the Niacin section of our B Vitamins Review, which includes our Top Picks for niacinamide supplements and other B vitamins.

9/19/2024

Cranberry for Skin?

Did drinking a cranberry beverage improve women’s skin? Learn what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Cranberry Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among cranberry juices and supplements.

Also find out if cranberry helps treat or prevent urinary tract infections.

4/30/2024

Attitude Soap

Find out why Attitude brand bar soaps and shower gels are not among our Top Picks for sensitive skin in our article: 5 Tips for Finding a Soap or Body Wash That Won't Irritate Skin.

7/08/2024

Toothpaste Skin Reaction

Be aware that a variety of compounds in toothpaste have been linked with allergic skin reactions around the lips, according to a recent report. Get the details in our article about toothpaste and other dental products.

3/22/2022

Glutathione for Skin Lightening?

Are glutathione supplements or topical glutathione creams effective for skin lightening? Find out what research has shown in our updated answer to the question: Do glutathione supplements help prevent aging or other conditions?

5/24/2022

Skin Yellowing from Turmeric/Curcumin

Taking turmeric or curcumin has been reported to cause yellowing of the skin in some circumstances. Get the details in the updated Concerns and Cautions section of our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review.

8/12/2022

Does Lycopene Cause Skin Discoloration?

High intake of lycopene-containing foods may cause skin discoloration, according to a recent report. Get the details in our Lycopene Supplements Review.

10/07/2022

Biotin for Skin Health?

Biotin has been promoted for reducing wrinkles, but does clinical research support this? Find out in the Biotin (B-7) section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review, which also discusses the evidence for biotin for treating brittle nails and hair loss.

Also, see our CL Answer about supplements for reducing wrinkles and tightening the skin.

12/13/2022

Goat’s Milk Soap?

A CL Member asked if goat’s milk soap is a better option than other soaps for people with sensitive skin. Find out in our updated article, 5 Tips for Finding a Soap or Body Wash That Won’t Irritate Skin, which includes our Top Picks for soap and bodywash.

12/20/2022

Collagen for Wrinkles?

How much did collagen supplementation reduce the severity of "crow’s feet" wrinkles around the eyes in a recent study? Find out in the Aging skin and wrinkles section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements for skin and for joints.

4/14/2023

Skin Reactions to Tea Tree Oil

Topical tea tree oil can cause skin reactions, but there may be ways to minimize the risk, according to a recent review. Get the details in the Cautions and Concerns section of our Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review.

Also see our Top Pick for tea tree oil.

4/14/2023

Best Bug Sprays for Skin and Clothes

Find out which insect repellants (for ticks and mosquitoes) are our Top Picks for use on skin and on clothing and gear based on their ingredients.

Also find out:

• Why lotions and wipes are not among our Top Picks.
• If you should apply insect repellent before or after sunscreen.
• If mosquito repellents work against ticks.

3/14/2023

Collagen "Boosters"?

A CL Member asked if taking Essential Skin Food -- or other non-collagen products marketed for collagen production -- reduces wrinkles. Find out in the ConsumerTips section of our Collagen Supplements Review.

Also see our Top Pick collagen supplements for skin health and for joint pain.

3/15/2024

Better Skin With Bovine Colostrum?

Bovine colostrum supplements have been promoted for improving aging skin and reducing wrinkles, but is there any evidence of this? Find out in our article about bovine colostrum, which includes our top choice among products.

4/06/2024

Charcoal Soap

Are charcoal soaps safe and effective for cleaning the skin? Find out what evidence suggests in our article about soaps for dry skin.

4/05/2024

New Formulation of Ivory Soap

Ivory Original Bar Soap was recently reformulated, but is it right for dry skin? Find out in our article about soaps for dry skin.

2/21/2024

Ritual Supplement for Wrinkles?

Does HyaCera by Ritual, a supplement promoted for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, work? Find out what research suggests in our article about phytoceramides.

Also see: Does CoQ10 reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, or tighten the skin? Are there any other supplements that can help?

2/06/2024

Omega-7s for Wrinkles?

Did taking an omega-7 supplement decrease wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”) in a recent study? Find out in our Fish, Krill, and Algal Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for getting omega-7s.

Also see: Do any supplements increase skin elasticity or tighten the skin?

10/27/2023

Vitamin A for Aging Skin?

Does taking high-dose vitamin A and vitamin E improve aging skin when combined with topical application of retinoic and glycolic acids? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Vitamin A Supplements Review.

Also see: if any other supplements reduce wrinkles.

6/13/2023

Body Wash Top Pick

Our Top Pick body wash for sensitive skin has been renamed and repackaged, but the ingredients remain the same.

11/24/2015

Cocoa for Wrinkles?

A study in older women found that drinking a high-flavanol cocoa drink each day increased skin elasticity. And while wrinkles deepened among those drinking a placebo, they stayed stable in the cocoa-drinking group. For details about the amount of cocoa consumed (and its flavanol content), as well as our tests of flavanols (and contaminants) in popular cocoa powders and chocolates, see the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs, & Supplements Review >>

8/06/2017

Magnesium Cream?

Is rubbing a cream into your skin a good way to get magnesium? We reviewed several studies of magnesium creams or sprays, including one just recently published. See what we found in the "What It Does" section of the Magnesium Supplements Review -- which includes our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.

3/26/2016

NAC Reduces Compulsive Picking

A number of studies have shown that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a supplement with wide variety of uses, may also reduce compulsive behaviors. The most recent study showed significant improvement in adults with skin picking disorder. Details about this and other studies with NAC, and our ratings of NAC supplements, are found in the N-Acetyl Cysteine Supplements Review >>

6/05/2018

Berberine Side Effect

Supplements that contain berberine (a compound extracted from goldenseal) can cause a range of side effects, in addition to drug interactions. It was recently reported that berberine can cause a rare, but severe, skin reaction. Learn more in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among products in this category.

7/01/2018

Astaxanthin for Sun Protection?

Can taking an astaxanthin supplement improve the appearance of the skin or protect it from UV damage? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Astaxanthin Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among astaxanthin supplements.)

5/15/2019

Vitamin D and Sunscreen

Is it possible to protect your skin from sunburn but still produce vitamin D? See what a recent study found in the Getting vitamin D from sunlight section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

6/27/2020

Fish Collagen Allergy

Be aware that some people may be allergic to fish collagen even if they don't respond to common fish allergy tests, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen supplements for skin and for joints.

8/14/2020

Eggshell Membrane + Fish Oil for Joint Pain?

Both eggshell membrane and fish oil have been shown to bring modest reduction in joint pain, but does taking these ingredients together have greater benefit? Find out what a new study showed in the What It Does section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among collagen supplements for joints and for skin.

12/19/2017

Probiotic for Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a recurrent, itchy inflammation of the skin. Taking a daily probiotic mixture was found to significantly reduce symptoms and the need for topical steroids in children with atopic dermatitis. Details are in the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>

2/08/2020

Vitamin D for Hives

If you suffer from chronic hives (or chronic urticaria) and are deficient in vitamin D, taking vitamin D may be helpful, according to a new study. (Vitamin D may also be helpful for other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.) Get the details in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

10/11/2016

Niagen Form of Niacin May Cause Flushing

Niacin is known to cause flushing (redness) and skin tingling at moderate doses. Other forms of niacin are said cause less flushing. One of these is Niagen. However, results of a recently published study suggest that it can cause flushing and "hotness" after just a single dose. More details are in the "Niacin" section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>

12/30/2021

Hand Sanitizer vs. Soap

How do hand sanitizers or disinfectant hand wipes compare to washing hands with soap and water to remove microbes without causing skin dryness and redness? Find out what a recent study showed in the Hand sanitizer section of our answer to the question: Does heat kill coronavirus (COVID-19)?

7/24/2021

Collagen for Joint Pain?

Can collagen supplementation reduce joint pain or stiffness in the knee, hip or wrist? See what a new study found in the Joint Pain section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements for joints and for skin.

11/11/2021

Severe Reaction to Multivitamin

A middle-aged woman developed a skin rash, hives and difficulty breathing immediately after taking a multivitamin, according to a recent report. Learn why in our update to the Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review.

10/02/2021

Sanitizer Warning

Consumers are being warned not to use a specific hand-held UV sanitizing wand that could cause skin or eye injury within seconds of use. Details are in our updated article about UV Light Sanitizers and COVID.

10/05/2021

Silica for Dental Implant Inflammation?

Can a form of silica typically promoted for hair, skin, nail and bone health also help reduce inflammation and bone loss around dental implants? See what a recent study found in our updated article about Silica Supplements.

8/14/2021

Danger With Too Much B-6

A CL member recently told us about a friend who developed progressively worsening neuropathy (nerve damage) after taking very high dose vitamin B-6. It's important to be aware of the upper daily limit for vitamin B-6 and that taking too much can cause nerve damage, as well as skin lesions and other adverse effects, as discussed in detail in our B Vitamin Supplements Review.

9/12/2020

Probiotic for Eczema

Can applying a probiotic to the skin reduce eczema in children? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.

11/04/2020

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

Zinc deficiency can cause a wide range of problems involving the skin, hair, mouth, and immune system. A recent report showed that it can also cause an eczema-like rash. Get the details and learn about the symptoms of zinc deficiency in the What It Is section of our Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review. Also see our Top Picks for zinc supplements and lozenges.

12/13/2020

Collagen for Wound Healing?

Can collagen supplements improve the healing of skin and tendon injuries? Find out in the What It Does section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen.

1/28/2022

Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency

Although not common, be aware of signs of vitamin A deficiency involving the eyes, skin, and nails, as exemplified by a recent case. Get the details (including medical conditions which can cause it) in the What It Does section of our Vitamin A Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin A supplements.

5/13/2022

More Soaps Reviewed

At the request of readers, we reviewed two additional soaps – Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar and Vanicream Cleansing Bar. Find out if these meet our criteria for avoiding irritation in our article 5 Tips For Choosing a Soap or Body Wash.

4/12/2022

Zinc Rash

Zinc supplementation can trigger an allergic skin rash in some people, as seen in a recent case report. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Zinc Supplements Review.

4/19/2022

Shiitake Mushroom Rash

If not properly prepared, shiitake mushrooms can cause a distinctive skin rash, as noted in recent reports. The details are in our article about ergothioneine, a potentially beneficial compound found in shiitake and other mushrooms.

5/27/2022

Best Bug Sprays

Find out which insect repellants (for ticks and mosquitoes) are our Top Picks for use on skin and on clothing and gear based on their ingredients.

Also find out:

• Why lotions and wipes are not among our Top Picks.
• If you should apply insect repellent before or after sunscreen.
• If mosquito repellents work against ticks.

7/06/2022

SPF of Sunscreens

How can sunscreens that contain the same concentrations of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have different SPFs? Find out and learn what to look for in sunscreens in our updated article about Finding the Best Sunscreens.

Also find out if any foods or supplements can help prevent sunburn and learn which foods might increase sun-related skin damage.

10/28/2022

Does Collagen Reduce Gum Inflammation?

Learn if taking a daily collagen supplement after dental cleaning reduced subsequent swelling and bleeding of the gums in the Healing of skin and tendon injuries section of our Collagen Supplements Review.

See our separate article about the best toothpaste and mouthwash for reducing bleeding gums.

11/04/2022

Colloidal Silver & Discoloration

Regular ingestion of colloidal silver can cause a permanent change in skin color and, as recently reported, discoloration of nails. Learn more in our article about colloidal silver.

11/04/2022

Sunscreen Allergy

Although uncommon, sunscreens can cause allergic skin reactions upon exposure to sunlight. Get the details about a recently reported case, and find out who is most likely to be affected, in our article about the best sunscreen based on safety and efficacy.

3/14/2023

Vitamin D Cream?

Can you absorb vitamin D if applied to the skin as a cream? Find out what research suggests in the Topical Vitamin D section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.

4/28/2023

Do Insect Repellents Expire?

The shelf-life of repellents depends on the compounds they contain. Get the details in our article about bug sprays for preventing tick and mosquito bites.

Also, see our Top Pick insect repellent for skin and clothing.

4/18/2023

Insect Repellent Link to Parkinson's?

Does wearing clothing treated with the insect repellent permethrin increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease? Find out what research suggests in our updated CL Answer about insect repellents which includes our Top Pick repellents for use on skin and on clothing.

4/21/2023

Fly Repellents

Do mosquito and tick repellents work against biting flies? Find out in our article about bug repellents, which includes our Top Picks on skin and on clothes.

5/31/2023

D-Ribose: For Wrinkles? Effect on Cognition?

Find out if D-ribose can reduce skin wrinkles, and learn if it might worsen cognitive function in our updated article about D-ribose.

3/28/2023

Pain Reduction with Lavender Oil?

Does spraying the skin with lavender oil reduce the pain of an injection? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review.

Also see our Top Picks among lavender and tea tree oils.

5/16/2023

Concerning Chemical in Soap

A recent study found that some personal care products, including hand soaps, contain an ingredient known to the State of California to cause cancer. Get the details, including what to look for on the label if you want to avoid it, in our article about soaps that won’t irritate the skin.

Also, see our Top Picks for body wash and bar soap.

5/23/2023

Avoiding Soap Allergen

Isothiazolinone compounds are found in some soaps and other personal care products and may cause allergic skin reactions. Learn which products contain them or don't contain them and what to look for on labels to avoid them.

7/18/2023

Caution with Wrinkle Creams

Be aware of skin reactions to creams containing alpha-lipoic acid. See the Concerns and Cautions section of our Alpha-Lipoic Acid Review for details.

8/01/2023

Mad Cow Disease from Collagen or Gelatin?

Can collagen or gelatin (including gelatin capsules) be contaminated with the infectious agent that causes "mad cow disease"? Find out. Also see our tests of collagen supplements and our Top Picks for skin & wrinkles and Top Picks for joints & tendons.

9/29/2023

Allergic Reaction to Minoxidil

Some people have allergic skin reactions to minoxidil liquid. Learn why and how to avoid it in our article about hair growth.

11/03/2023

Collagen For Bone Health?

Is there evidence that collagen peptides (as in Fortibone) strengthen bones? Find out in the bone health section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen for skin and joint health.

Also see: Do any supplements or diets help prevent or treat osteoporosis?

12/22/2023

Vegan Collagen?

Find out if VeCollal, a vegan collagen alternative, actually contains collagen and if there is evidence that it reduces wrinkles. Also see our Top Pick collagen supplement for skin.

Also, learn whether adding collagen to coffee is likely to reduce the heart benefits of coffee.

1/09/2024

Ceramides and Blood Pressure?

Does supplementing with phytoceramides (“plant” ceramides), which are promoted for hydrating and plumping the skin, increase blood pressure? Find out in the Safety and Side Effects section of our article about phytoceramides.

1/12/2024

How to Take C15:0 Fatty Acid

Should C15:0 fatty acid (in fatty15, which is promoted for improving hair, skin, and sleep and for slowing aging) be taken on an empty stomach or with food? Find out in the How to take section of our article about C15:0 fatty acid.

Also, learn whether C15:0 fatty acid is "essential," as some claim.

3/21/2024

Avoiding Allergens in Soap

A recent review of products purchased on Amazon suggested terms to look for on labels to help avoid potential allergens. Learn more in our article about finding a soap that won’t irritate skin, which includes our Top Picks for soap and body wash to avoid irritation.

4/16/2024

Body Wash: New Top Pick

Find out why we’ve selected a new Top Pick body wash in our article 5 Tips for Finding a Soap or Body Wash That Won't Irritate Skin, which also includes our Top Pick bar soap.

7/22/2024

Near Infrared Light for Cognition?

Find out if near infrared (NIR) light therapy improved cognitive function in healthy people or those with dementia in our article about red and NIR light therapy.

Also, learn whether red light therapy is beneficial for actinic keratosis (scaly patches on the skin caused by long-term sun exposure).

6/14/2024

Tick and Mosquito Repellents

Are petroleum distillates (which can be toxic) used in insect repellents and insecticides? Find out in our article about insect repellents, which includes our Top Pick insect repellent (for skin) and insecticide (for clothing and gear).

5/29/2024

Ring-Type Pulse Oximeters

What are the pros and cons of ring-type pulse oximeters? Find out in our article about pulse oximeters, and learn why these may be particularly useful to people with darker skin.

9/16/2024

Eggshell Membrane for Osteoarthritis?

Did taking an eggshell membrane supplement (a source of collagen) improve symptoms and joint space in people with knee osteoarthritis? Find out what a recent study showed in the Joint Pain and Function section of our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick collagen for joints and tendons as well as our Top Pick collagen for skin.

10/10/2024

Caution: Vitamin Patches

Vitamin patches applied to the skin are not as effective as supplements taken orally. One person who relied on a transdermal multivitamin patch developed a life-threatening vitamin deficiency, according to a recent report. Get the details in our article: Do vitamin patches really work?

2/06/2025

MCT Oil for Dandruff?

Is there evidence that applying medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil to the scalp reduces dandruff? Find out in the Skin and hair section of our Coconut Oil and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

3/06/2025

Light Therapy for Acne?

A recent article in a prominent journal suggests that red and blue light therapy is effective for acne. But this contrasts with the conclusions of other experts. Find out why in our article about red light therapy, which also reviews the evidence for aging skin, hair growth, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, cognition, and other conditions.

3/06/2025

A Caution with Red Light Therapy

People with darker skin tones should consider talking with a dermatologist before using an at-home red light device. Learn why in the Concerns and cautions section of our article about red light therapy.

3/17/2025

Collagen: Liquid vs. Powder

Is liquid collagen better than collagen powder? Find out in the ConsumerTips section of our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for skin and joints and tendons.

3/24/2025

Collagen for Strength?

Did supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen along with resistance training improve leg strength in middle-aged men? Find out what a recent study showed in the Building muscle and muscle strength section of our Collagen Supplements Review.

Also see our Top Picks for collagen for joints and tendons and collagen for skin.

5/01/2025

Benefit of Tinted Sunscreen

A panel of experts recently recommended tinted sunscreens over untinted sunscreens for people with certain skin conditions. Get the details in our article about sunscreens, which also includes the panel’s recommendations regarding DNA repair enzymes in cosmetics for reducing signs of sun damage.

5/05/2025

Collagen for Eye Wrinkles?

Did taking a popular type of collagen reduce eye wrinkles in a recent study? Find out in our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick collagen supplements for skin and for joints.

5/12/2025

Nutrafol for Acne?

Did taking Nutrafol SKIN reduce acne in women? Find out what a recent study showed in our article about supplements for acne.

Also see our article about Nutrafol for hair.

10/24/2024

Top Pick Foaming Hand Soap

We’ve selected a Top Pick foaming hand soap. Get the details and learn the pros and cons of foaming versus liquid hand soap, in our article about choosing soaps that won’t irritate the skin.

10/02/2024

Estrogen Cream for Wrinkles?

After we wrote about OTC estriol cream for aging skin earlier this week, readers asked about using prescription estradiol cream. We’ve added information about that to our article about estrogen creams for wrinkles.

12/19/2024

When Taking Niacin Is Crucial

Although not common, be aware that niacin deficiency can cause pellagra – a condition characterized by delusions, diarrhea, and scaly skin sores. Taking niacin can rapidly reverse these symptoms. Learn more, including conditions that can cause niacin deficiency, in the Niacin section of our B Vitamins Review, which includes our Top Pick for niacin.

12/23/2024

Cocoa Flavanols for Wrinkles?

Does taking a cocoa supplement reduce wrinkles or increase skin moisture in middle-aged men and women? See what a recent study found in our Cocoa & Dark Chocolate Review, which includes our Top Picks among cocoa powders, supplements, and dark chocolate bars.

5/30/2025

Kirkland Joint Health Supplement Tested

Due to its popularity among CL members, we recently tested Kirkland Triple Action Joint Supplement, which contains a "proprietary" UC-II cartilage blend. See what we found in our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for collagen for joints and for skin.

Also see our recent Joint Health Supplements Review, covering glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and Boswellia.

3/31/2025

Rosemary for Wrinkles?

Did supplementing with rosemary extract improve wrinkles and other signs of skin aging in peri- and postmenopausal women? Find out what a recent study showed in our article about supplements for wrinkles.