Evidence supporting the use of: Fish Liver oil
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Fish liver oil, particularly cod liver oil, has been used in both traditional and modern contexts to support skin health. The scientific rationale for its use centers on its high content of omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA and DHA) and vitamins A and D. These nutrients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can be beneficial for various skin conditions. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce skin inflammation, improve hydration, and support barrier function. Clinical studies have suggested that supplementing with fish oil can improve symptoms in conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, although results are variable and not all studies show significant benefit. Vitamin A, abundant in fish liver oil, is essential for skin cell growth and repair, but excessive intake can be harmful.
Despite these points, the evidence base is modest. Most studies focus on omega-3 fatty acids in general rather than fish liver oil specifically, and many are small or lack rigorous controls. There is some support for the use of fish oil in managing inflammatory skin disorders, but strong clinical guidelines are lacking. Therefore, while there is a plausible scientific basis and some supporting studies, the overall evidence for fish liver oil's effectiveness in general skin care is moderate.
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
aloe veraanthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
heartwood
hyaluronic acid
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watercress
watermelon
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Arbutin
Avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Argan nut oil
Abalone
Behenic Acid
Biopeptide
Black spruce
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bisabolene
Butternut
Borage
Bottle gourd
Bird's nest
California chia
Chervil
Carnosine
Candelilla wax
Cocoa Butter
Cereal grass
Citral
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Dunaliella salina
David's Milkberry
Dulse
Egg
Emu Oil
Flavans
Geraniol
Glycolic acid
Glyceryl oleate
Gac
Glucosylceramide
Glycosylceramides
Heartsease
Himalayan Salt
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
silica
vegetable oil
Other health conditions supported by Fish Liver oil
ArthritisCancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Congestive Heart Failure
Depression
Diabetes
Fatigue
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Night Blindness
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Skin Care (general)
Surgery (healing from)
Triglycerides (high)
Wounds and Sores