MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) – Ingredient Highlight

We all desire a radiant, glowing complexion and we often equate healthy skin with good, overall physical health.  People have long ingested MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) in supplement form, but did you know that it is also a star ingredient in skincare products that aim to help our skin look radiant and beautiful?

What is MSM?

Simply put, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic form of sulfur, although MSM is not 100% sulfur. The chemical formula of MSM is CH₃SO₂CH₃ and it is in this form that sulfur appears in all living organisms. MSM is about 34% sulfur, odorless, white, and flaky with a texture much like kosher salt.  MSM is easily soluble in water making it relatively simple to use in skincare formulations. Essential sources our MSM from a vegan US manufacturer and you may see it listed on our site as OptiMSM.

Why is MSM Important?

MSM is the form in which sulfur appears in living organisms. Sulfur is a key component of collagen and is also a building block of keratin, both of which are important in helping skin to look youthful, radiant and glowing. Using MSM topically can have a tremendous impact on the appearance of skin, enough of an impact to make it a true, star ingredient.

Create your own MSM Serum! DIY MSM Facial Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

MSM Products from Essential

Essential uses MSM in several formulations- here are a few of our favorites! You’ll note we combine it with DMAE a fair amount since they’re wonderful sister ingredients that pair well together.

1. DMAE & MSM Cream offers intense skin hydration with organic aloe, organic coconut, and jojoba oils, plus meadowfoam and avocado oil. The cream is super-boosted with DMAE, which helps to revive skin tone and texture, while MSM, nature’s “beauty mineral”, helps give back its youthful, smooth, sexy glow.
2. DMAE & MSM Facial Toner DMAE is known for its toning and smoothing abilities, while MSM helps to strengthen and support. These two powerhouses are combined in a soothing base of organic aloe, with clarifying white willow bark to make this a must-have product.
3. DMAE & MSM Mud Mask This dense mud mask is intensely active with potent, tonifying DMAE, MSM- nature’s pore purging beauty mineral, and clarifying Kaolin clay. After use, skin feels amazingly refreshed, renewed and resilient.
4. Simple MSM Muscle Cream Really fresh ‘n minty great! This simple cream is carbomer and TEA-free, so rub in deeply! Reap all of the skin, muscle and joint benefits from this MSM-rich formula with a super-powered ingredient.

Check out our YouTube Channel for MSM recipes and feel free to share your favorite MSM recipes in the comments!