Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur compound widely promoted for its skin benefits—especially its ability to help other skincare actives penetrate the skin more effectively. While it’s frequently mentioned in beauty blogs, it's essential to understand how MSM influences skin permeability, what evidence supports these claims, and the limitations of current research.

What Is MSM?

MSM occurs naturally in small amounts in foods like fruits and vegetables, and is marketed as a supplement and skincare ingredient. It's valued for its sulfur content, which supports collagen and keratin synthesis, and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Does MSM Increase Skin Permeability?

1. Permeability Enhancer in Topical Formulations

A notable study evaluated a lotion containing MSM plus EDTA, assessing whether MSM could enhance the penetration of EDTA into the skin. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on patients with pitting edema:

• Phase 1: Patients applied MSM+EDTA lotion or vehicle-only placebo.

• Phase 2: After MSM-only placebo and a break, they then applied MSM+EDTA.

Results suggested that MSM may disturb ion balance and increase ion permeability in cells, leading to fluid influx—a finding interpreted as evidence that MSM acts as a permeability enhancer. See study here.

2. Mechanistic Speculation

Some skincare sources assert that MSM “allows the permeability of cell walls, allowing nutrients to enter and toxins to escape,” claiming it “easily penetrates the skin” (see here) . Others state MSM “enhances the absorption of other active ingredients” by improving penetration into deeper skin layers, thus improving product efficacy.

However, these suggestions are largely theoretical: while plausible (given MSM’s molecular characteristics)—and somewhat analogous to DMSO’s well-known permeation properties—the scientific documentation on MSM specifically acting as a broad penetration enhancer remains limited.

How Might MSM Work to Enhance Permeability?

Several potential mechanisms emerge:

1. Ion Transport Modulation
   The MSM + EDTA study indicated that MSM might disturb ionic balance by increasing ion permeability, thereby enhancing transport across biological membranes (see study here).

2. Structural Interaction with the Stratum Corneum
   Though directly untested, MSM’s small sulfone molecules may transiently interact with the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum (outermost skin layer), potentially loosening its structure to boost permeability.

3. Vehicle Effects
   Used in combination with certain emulsions or solvents, MSM may alter the formulation to favour ingredient delivery—though such effects would be formulation-specific and need targeted testing.

MSM’s Other Skin Benefits (Related but Not Permeability)

Though not directly tied to permeability, MSM offers several skin benefits that may indirectly support improved absorption:

A. Collagen Support & Anti-Aging

• A 2015 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial administered 3 grams/day of MSM orally (OptiMSM®) to 20 women over 16 weeks. It showed significant enhancements in wrinkle reduction (crow’s feet), skin firmness, tone, and texture, confirmed via expert grading and photographic instrumentation (see study here).

• A 2020 study in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research similarly found that MSM improved skin texture and firmness, with benefits observed as early as 4 weeks into supplementation (read more here).

B. Hydration & Barrier Support

• Topical MSM applications increased skin hydration and moisture retention, as observed in a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Read the blog here.

C. Anti-Inflammatory and Rosacea Relief

• In rosacea and general redness, MSM (topical and oral) reduced inflammation. A formulation combining silymarin with MSM improved redness, hydration, and itching in rosacea sufferers (research here).

• Additional research supports MSM's capacity to suppress inflammatory mediators (e.g., NF-κB, IL-6, TNF-α) and boost glutathione—cutting down both inflammation and oxidative stress.

D. Wound Healing and Repair

• MSM may enhance wound healing by stimulating fibroblast activity and supporting regeneration of injured tissue. Read more here.

Understanding Transdermal Absorption Context

While MSM is of interest as a permeation enhancer, the broader field of transdermal absorption emphasizes rigorous testing using in vitro (e.g., diffusion cells) and in vivo approaches, with techniques like Raman spectroscopy and confocal microscopy to track penetration dynamics.

This context reveals that MSM-specific permeation data is still sparse—these advanced methodologies are available tools, but to date, studies directly measuring MSM’s permeation-enhancing effect using these techniques are limited.

Looking At The Research...

MSM likely plays a role in enhancing skin permeability—but the evidence remains preliminary. The notable MSM+EDTA study opens the door to its potential as a permeability enhancer, possibly by modulating ion transport. Beyond that, MSM provides recognized benefits for skin hydration, collagen support, inflammation reduction, and healing.

For skincare formulators and enthusiasts alike, MSM is valuable both for its intrinsic skin-supporting properties and its possible ability to increase the effectiveness of co-applied ingredients. Still, further rigorous research—using modern transdermal assessment techniques—is essential to fully elucidate its mode of action and optimize its use.