- One human skin study: gene expression and blood flow in women.[1]
- Appearance and wrinkles weren’t measured.
- No research on hair growth or hair loss.
- Skin rated “Very limited”; hair “Not studied”.
Evidence at a glance
Skin biomarkers in one small trial; no research on hair. How ratings work: evidence rating system.
The skin study in detail
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Participants | Adult women[1] |
| Design | Two doses of a standardised extract, with placebo |
| Duration | 14 weeks |
| Measured | Skin gene expression (from biopsies) and skin blood flow |
| Main finding | Gene-expression changes; improved skin blood flow at the higher dose |
| Not measured | Wrinkles, firmness, appearance, skin conditions |
How gene-expression research works, and why it can’t support outcome claims on its own, is explained in cellular and gene-expression research.
Hair: no research
We found no studies of shilajit and hair growth, hair loss or hair quality, in people or in animals. Claims that shilajit “strengthens hair” or “stops hair loss” are therefore unsupported. Hair loss has many causes, including genetics, thyroid problems, iron deficiency and stress, and some respond well to medical treatment, so persistent hair loss is worth discussing with a GP.
Topical shilajit products
Some face masks, creams and hair products contain shilajit. The human skin study used an oral extract, not a topical product, so its findings don’t apply to creams.[1] Cosmetic products follow cosmetics law rather than food supplement rules. If you try a topical product, patch-test it first, and stop if you notice irritation.
Reading beauty claims
What helps skin and hair
Sun protection, not smoking, a varied diet and treating underlying conditions do far more for skin than any supplement. Some nutrients, such as biotin and zinc, have authorised UK claims about maintaining normal skin or hair, because their role meets the evidence standard.[3] Shilajit doesn’t have an authorised skin or hair claim.
Skin and hair claims and UK rules
For supplements, “supports healthy skin” is a health claim that needs authorised wording.[3][4] Claims to treat skin conditions or hair loss are medicinal claims.[2] A blend containing biotin or zinc can use those nutrients’ authorised claims, but only for those nutrients.
What improved skin blood flow means
Skin blood flow, or perfusion, reflects how well blood circulates through small vessels in the skin. It is linked in research to skin health, but a change in perfusion over 14 weeks doesn’t show that skin looks younger or heals faster.[1] It is a plausible first step for further research, not a cosmetic result.
What a convincing skin or hair study would need
Credible evidence would measure what people care about, such as wrinkle depth, elasticity, hydration or hair density, using standard methods, against placebo, in both women and men. It would also report the product used and its contaminant results.
Who should be cautious
Anyone with a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, or anyone taking medicines for skin conditions, should check with a GP or pharmacist before trying shilajit, whether taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Patch-test any topical product on a small area first, and stop if redness, itching or swelling appears. Allergic reactions are rare but possible; see side effects.
What about nails?
Nails aren’t mentioned in any shilajit study. Brittle or changing nails can reflect nutritional or medical issues, and a GP can investigate persistent changes.
The bottom line
For skin, there is one interesting biomarker study in women; for hair, nothing at all. Beauty claims for shilajit go far beyond that evidence. If skin or hair is your concern, the proven basics and, where needed, a GP or dermatologist are the better route.
Frequently asked questions
Is shilajit good for skin?
One study in women found skin gene-expression changes and improved skin blood flow at the higher dose.[1] Appearance wasn’t measured.
Does shilajit help hair growth?
No study has looked at shilajit and hair. Hair claims are unsupported.
Does shilajit reduce wrinkles?
Wrinkles haven’t been measured in any shilajit study.
Can I put shilajit on my face?
Topical use hasn’t been studied for benefits; patch-test cosmetic products and stop if irritation occurs.
Does shilajit boost collagen?
Not demonstrated in people.
Which nutrients have authorised skin or hair claims?
Some, such as biotin and zinc, have authorised claims about maintaining normal skin or hair.[3]
Should I see someone about hair loss?
Yes, persistent hair loss is worth discussing with a GP, as some causes are treatable.
Is shilajit good for acne?
Not studied, and treatment claims for skin conditions are medicinal claims.[2]
Does shilajit help grey hair?
No research exists on shilajit and hair colour.
Can shilajit cause skin rashes?
Rarely, supplements can cause allergic reactions such as rashes. Stop and seek advice if this happens.
Does shilajit help eczema?
Not studied. Treatment claims for skin conditions are medicinal claims.[2]
Can men use shilajit for skin?
The skin study included women only, so effects in men are unknown.[1]
Do shilajit face masks work?
No study has tested topical shilajit products. The skin study used an oral extract.[1] Patch-test any cosmetic product first.
Does shilajit help dark circles under the eyes?
Not studied. Dark circles have many causes, including genetics and sleep.
Sources & further reading
Primary research, regulators and standards bodies are cited first. A source being listed here does not mean it supports every claim made by sellers; it supports the specific statement it is attached to.
- Das A, El Masry MS, Gnyawali SC, et al.. Skin transcriptome of middle-aged women supplemented with natural herbo-mineral shilajit shows induction of microvascular and extracellular matrix mechanisms. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 38(6):526–536, 2019. doi:10.1080/07315724.2018.1564088; PMID 31161927. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial (biomarkers)]
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Borderline products: how to tell if your product is a medicine. GOV.UK. View source (opens in a new tab) [Regulator guidance]
- Department of Health and Social Care. Great Britain nutrition and health claims (NHC) register. GOV.UK. View source (opens in a new tab) [Official register]
- Committee of Advertising Practice. UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising (CAP Code), Section 15: Food, food supplements and associated health or nutritional claims. asa.org.uk. View source (opens in a new tab) [Advertising code]