The Glow Pills Formula Explained

Glow Pills is smööts' skin and hair beauty formula, made for anyone who wants to support skin hydration, elasticity and hair and nail condition from the inside. It combines collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid, two structural components of skin that have both been studied as oral supplements, Tremella and MSM as complementary skin-support ingredients, vitamin C, zinc and biotin for their authorised roles in skin, hair and normal collagen formation, and inulin to support the gut microbiome that is increasingly linked to skin health. It is meant as ongoing beauty-from-within support, not a treatment for a diagnosed skin or hair condition.

60 capsules per pot, 2 a day = a 30-day supply. Each capsule combines Collagen Peptides, Tremella, MSM, Vitamin C, Zinc, Biotin, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Inulin. Because this formula includes Vitamin C, Zinc and Biotin, their amounts are set against the EU's Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) for vitamins and minerals, as set out in Annex XIII of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011.^[1]

Collagen Peptides in Glow Pills

Collagen is the main structural protein in skin, and collagen peptides are collagen that has been broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed fragments. It is included here because it is one of the most consistently studied oral ingredients for skin hydration and elasticity.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomised controlled trials in 1,721 people found that oral hydrolysed collagen supplementation significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity compared with placebo, though the size of the effect varied depending on the collagen source and how long it was taken for.^[2] A separate systematic review and meta-analysis reached a similar conclusion on skin rejuvenation outcomes across the pooled trials.^[3] In a 12-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a low-molecular-weight collagen peptide significantly improved skin hydration from six weeks onward, along with visible improvements in wrinkling by 12 weeks, compared with placebo.^[4] Another randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found daily collagen hydrolysate improved facial skin moisture and elasticity and reduced visible signs of facial ageing after eight weeks compared with placebo.^[5]

Collagen has one of the better-supported evidence bases in this formula, with results replicated across multiple independent trials and collagen sources. The main limitation is that most trials run for 8 to 12 weeks and in women aged 35 to 65, so we cannot say with the same confidence how quickly or strongly it works outside that typical study window.

Tremella in Glow Pills

Tremella, from the mushroom Tremella fuciformis, is traditionally used in Chinese cooking and medicine and is sometimes called the "beauty mushroom" because of its high content of water-binding polysaccharides, similar in function to hyaluronic acid.

A review summarising the available research on Tremella and skin found that its polysaccharides can bind water at a level comparable to, or in some laboratory measures exceeding, hyaluronic acid, and described plausible mechanisms for skin hydration, antioxidant protection and wound healing based on cell and laboratory studies.^[6] A laboratory study using human skin cells found that Tremella extract stimulated similar wound-healing responses in skin cells as hyaluronic acid did, though through different biological pathways.^[7]

We want to be fully transparent about this ingredient: to date, the research on Tremella and skin is based on cell and laboratory studies rather than human clinical trials measuring hydration or wrinkles directly. Its inclusion here rests on plausible, laboratory-supported mechanisms and long culinary and traditional use, not on completed human skin trials. We will update this page if and when dedicated human trials are published.

MSM in Glow Pills

MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is a naturally occurring source of dietary sulfur, an element the body uses to build keratin and collagen, two proteins important for skin, hair and nail structure.

A two-part randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that 16 weeks of oral MSM (1 g or 3 g daily) significantly improved facial wrinkle severity, skin firmness, elasticity and hydration compared with placebo, with the higher dose showing the clearest effect.^[8] Supporting laboratory work in an animal model found MSM reduced UVB-induced skin damage and wrinkle formation compared with untreated controls, consistent with a protective mechanism.^[9]

The human evidence for MSM and skin is promising but still comes from a small number of trials, with the clearest human data from one two-part study using a relatively small number of participants. As with several ingredients in this formula, larger independent trials would strengthen confidence in the size of the effect.

Vitamin C in Glow Pills

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and an essential cofactor for the enzymes that build and stabilise collagen. Under authorised EU health claims, vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, and contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.^[10][11]

A detailed review of vitamin C's role in skin biology explains that skin holds some of the highest vitamin C concentrations of any organ, where it is required for collagen synthesis and provides antioxidant defence against UV-driven skin damage, though the review notes that the added benefit of supplementing above an already adequate dietary intake is less well established than the case for correcting low intake.^[12] A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial combining vitamin C with collagen and, in one arm, hyaluronic acid, found improvements in skin density and texture over the study period compared with placebo.^[13]

Vitamin C's role in collagen formation is well established at a biological level; what is less certain is how much additional skin benefit comes from supplementing on top of an already sufficient diet, as opposed to correcting a low intake. We include it here mainly to support the collagen-formation process that the other ingredients in this formula rely on.

Zinc in Glow Pills

Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in cell division and protein synthesis. Under authorised EU health claims, zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails, and contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.^[14]

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on zinc and acne found that people with acne tend to have lower serum zinc levels than people without acne, and that zinc treatment significantly reduced inflammatory blemish counts compared with no zinc treatment.^[15] A multicentre, randomised, double-blind trial comparing oral zinc gluconate with the antibiotic minocycline over three months found zinc produced a real but smaller improvement in inflammatory acne than minocycline (a clinical success rate of around 31% with zinc compared with 63% with minocycline).^[16]

Zinc's evidence for skin is honestly a mixed picture: it shows a real, measurable effect, but a more modest one than pharmaceutical comparators in the trials that have tested it directly. We include it for its authorised role in normal skin, hair and nail maintenance rather than as a stand-alone acne treatment.

Biotin in Glow Pills

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a B vitamin involved in fatty acid metabolism. Under authorised EU health claims, biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal skin.^[17]

This is an area where we want to be particularly careful about overclaiming. A review of the clinical evidence for biotin and hair loss found that the highest-quality double-blind, placebo-controlled trial available showed no difference between biotin and placebo for hair growth in people without a diagnosed deficiency, and noted that most published reports of biotin helping hair and nails come from people who had a measurable biotin deficiency to begin with, which is uncommon in people eating a varied diet.^[18]

The honest position on biotin is that it plays a genuine, authorised role in normal hair and skin maintenance as part of overall nutrition, but the evidence that additional biotin improves hair or skin in someone who is not deficient is weak. We include it at a supportive level as part of the overall nutrient blend, not as this formula's main active ingredient.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) in Glow Pills

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in skin that holds many times its own weight in water, giving skin its plumpness and hydration. Oral HA supplements are a relatively recent area of research compared with topical HA, which has been used in skincare for decades.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 61 people with dry skin found six weeks of oral HA (120 mg/day) significantly increased skin moisture content compared with placebo.^[19] A 12-week, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study found oral HA reduced wrinkle depth and improved dry skin measures compared with placebo.^[20] A more recent randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkle depth with a specific oral HA supplement.^[21] However, a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis pooling randomised trials on dietary supplements for skin photoaging specifically found that hyaluronic acid did not show a statistically significant benefit for photoaging outcomes across the pooled studies, in contrast to the positive findings for collagen and polyphenol supplements in the same analysis.^[22]

This is a genuine tension in the literature worth stating plainly: several individual randomised trials on oral HA report positive results for hydration and wrinkles, but when pooled together in a stricter meta-analysis alongside other supplement types, the effect did not reach statistical significance for photoaging specifically. We include HA on the strength of the individual positive hydration trials while being honest that the pooled picture is less conclusive.

Inulin in Glow Pills

Inulin is a prebiotic fibre that feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut. It is included in Glow Pills not for a direct effect on skin cells, but because of growing research interest in the "gut-skin axis", the idea that gut bacteria and gut health influence skin conditions and skin barrier function.

A review of the gut-skin axis summarises evidence that gut microbial imbalance is associated with several skin conditions, and that diet, including prebiotic fibre intake, can shift gut bacterial populations in ways that may plausibly affect skin health, largely based on findings in skin disease populations rather than general cosmetic outcomes.^[23] Separately, systematic reviews of human trials confirm that inulin reliably increases beneficial Bifidobacteria in the gut, the mechanism thought to underpin any downstream gut-skin effect.^[24][25]

We want to be completely upfront that inulin's role in this formula is the ingredient with the most indirect evidence: there is currently no completed human trial directly measuring inulin's effect on skin hydration, wrinkles or hair in a general population, and trials designed specifically to test inulin on gut-skin axis markers are still ongoing. We include it on the strength of its well-established prebiotic effect and the plausible, but not yet directly proven, gut-skin connection.

How to take

Take 2 capsules a day with water, ideally with a meal. One pot lasts 30 days. Most of the supporting research used daily use for 8 to 12 weeks before assessing skin outcomes, so give the formula at least two to three months before judging results.

Ingredients and nutritional information

Each pack contains: 60 capsules · 30 days

Serving: 2 capsules daily, with breakfast.

Active ingredients: Collagen peptides, Tremella mushroom extract, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), Vitamin C, Zinc, Biotin, Hyaluronic acid, Inulin (chicory root fibre).

*NRV: Nutrient Reference Value, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. † No NRV established.

Cautions and allergen advice

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Speak to your doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as several ingredients in this formula (Tremella, MSM and concentrated hyaluronic acid) have not been extensively studied at supplement doses in these groups.
• Allergens: Collagen peptides in this formula may be derived from marine or bovine sources; check the product label if you have a fish, shellfish or bovine-product allergy or dietary restriction. Tremella and MSM are derived from a mushroom and a sulfur compound respectively; avoid if you have a known mushroom or sulfa sensitivity.
• Medications: Zinc can reduce the absorption of certain antibiotics, including tetracyclines and quinolones, so leave a few hours between doses. High-dose zinc over long periods can affect copper levels; do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
• Children: Not intended for anyone under 18.
• Medical conditions: Inulin is a fermentable fibre and can cause bloating or gas in people sensitive to fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs); introduce gradually. Speak to your doctor before use if you have a diagnosed inflammatory skin condition, as this formula is designed as general beauty-from-within support, not medical treatment.
• Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

Allergen advice

Of the 14 EU-listed allergens, Glow Pills' main point of attention is the collagen peptides: depending on the batch these may be sourced from marine collagen (fish) or bovine hide, so anyone with a fish or other animal-protein allergy should check the label rather than assume the source. Tremella (a mushroom) and MSM (an organosulphur compound unrelated to the sulphite food additives on the EU allergen list) are not themselves among the 14 listed allergens, but should still be avoided by anyone with a known mushroom or sulfa sensitivity, as noted above.

Glow Pills is produced in a facility that also handles other food supplement ingredients and follows standard allergen control procedures to minimise the risk of cross-contact. Always read the label before use, particularly if you have a diagnosed food allergy or intolerance.

References

1. European Parliament and Council of the European Union. (2011). Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, Annex XIII: Reference intakes. Official Journal of the European Union. eur-lex.europa.eu
2. de Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dermatol. 2021 Dec;60(12):1449-1461. doi:10.1111/ijd.15518
3. Dewi DAR, Arimuko A, Norawati L, et al. Exploring the Impact of Hydrolyzed Collagen Oral Supplementation on Skin Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus. 2023 Dec;15(12):e50231. doi:10.7759/cureus.50231
4. Kim DU, Chung HC, Choi J, Sakai Y, Lee BY. Oral Intake of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Improves Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkling in Human Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2018 Jun 26;10(7). doi:10.3390/nu10070826
5. Inoue N, Sugihara F, Wang X. Ingestion of bioactive collagen hydrolysates enhance facial skin moisture and elasticity and reduce facial ageing signs in a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study. J Sci Food Agric. 2016 Sep;96(12):4077-81. doi:10.1002/jsfa.7606
6. Mineroff J, Jagdeo J. The potential cutaneous benefits of Tremella fuciformis. Arch Dermatol Res. 2023 Sep;315(7):1883-1886. doi:10.1007/s00403-023-02550-4
7. Wolosik K, Gasiewska G, Wrzesniok D, Palka J, Surazynski A. Tremella fuciformis Extract Evokes Similar Effect as Hyaluronic Acid on Wound Healing but Through Different Mechanisms in Human Dermal Fibroblasts. Molecules. 2026 Jul 3;31(13). doi:10.3390/molecules31132354
8. Muizzuddin N, Benjamin R. Beauty from within: Oral administration of a sulfur-containing supplement methylsulfonylmethane improves signs of skin ageing. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2022 Jul;92(3-4):182-191. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000643
9. Chu SG, Chang YJ, Ryu JY, Lee JS, Choi KY, Chung HY, Cho BC, Yang JD. Effects of Methylsulfonylmethane on UVB-induced Skin Damage: An Experimental Study in a Mouse Model. In Vivo. 2022 Nov-Dec;36(6):2714-2721. doi:10.21873/invivo.13007
10. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin C and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage, collagen formation, and other functions, pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal. 2009;7(9):1226. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1226
11. Linus Pauling Institute. (n.d.). Vitamin C. Micronutrient Information Center, Oregon State University. lpi.oregonstate.edu
12. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017 Aug 12;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866
13. Žmitek K, Žmitek J, Hristov H, Rogl Butina M, Keršmanc P, Pogačnik T. The Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Collagen and Vitamin C and Their Combination with Hyaluronic Acid on Skin Density, Texture and Other Parameters: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2024 Jun 17;16(12). doi:10.3390/nu16121908
14. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to zinc and maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails, maintenance of normal serum testosterone concentrations, and protection of cells from oxidative stress, pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal. 2010;8(10):1819. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1819
15. Yee BE, Richards P, Sui JY, Marsch AF. Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dermatol Ther. 2020 Nov;33(6):e14252. doi:10.1111/dth.14252
16. Dreno B, Moyse D, Alirezai M, et al. Multicenter randomized comparative double-blind controlled clinical trial of the safety and efficacy of zinc gluconate versus minocycline hydrochloride in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Dermatology. 2001;203(2):135-40. doi:10.1159/000051728
17. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to biotin and maintenance of normal skin and normal hair, among others, pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal. 2010;8(10):1728. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1728
18. Yelich A, Jenkins H, Holt S, Miller R. Biotin for Hair Loss: Teasing Out the Evidence. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2024 Aug;17(8):56-61. PubMed
19. Kawada C, Yoshida T, Yoshida H, et al. Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin. Nutr J. 2014 Jul 11;13:70. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-70
20. Hsu TF, Su ZR, Hsieh YH, Wang MF, Oe M, Matsuoka R, Masuda Y. Oral Hyaluronan Relieves Wrinkles and Improves Dry Skin: A 12-Week Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2021 Jun 28;13(7). doi:10.3390/nu13072220
21. Amin P, Sarabi A, Choe S, Scott S, Suh S, Mesinkovska NA. Oral Hyaluronic Acid Supplement: Efficacy in Skin Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkle Depth Reduction. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025 Sep 1;24(9):910-919. doi:10.36849/jdd.8542
22. Yang Q, Li H, Zhang H, Ma L, Zhang X, Wu J. Effectiveness of dietary supplements for skin photoaging in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Med (Lausanne). 2025 Jul 21;12:1582946. doi:10.3389/fmed.2025.1582946
23. De Pessemier B, Grine L, Debaere M, Maes A, Paetzold B, Callewaert C. Gut-Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions. Microorganisms. 2021 Feb 11;9(2):353. doi:10.3390/microorganisms9020353
24. Le Bastard Q, Chapelet G, Javaudin F, et al. The effects of inulin on gut microbial composition: a systematic review of evidence from human studies. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2020 Mar;39(3):403-413. doi:10.1007/s10096-019-03721-w
25. Vandeputte D, Falony G, Vieira-Silva S, et al. Prebiotic inulin-type fructans induce specific changes in the human gut microbiota. Gut. 2017 Nov;66(11):1968-1974. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2016-313271