Best MSM Supplements (2026)

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound naturally found in small amounts in fruits, vegetables, grains, and animal products. As a supplement, MSM is widely used to support joint health, reduce inflammation, strengthen connective tissues, and promote healthy skin, hair, and nails. Sulfur is essential for collagen and keratin production, making MSM a versatile supplement for both joint pain relief and beauty-from-within benefits.

Quick Comparison

Product	Dosage	Form	Best For	Rating
Doctor’s Best MSM with OptiMSM	3,000 mg	Capsules	Best Overall	9.5/10
Snap Supplements Joint Health with MSM	Blend	Capsules	Best Joint Blend	9.0/10
NOW Foods MSM 1,000 mg	1,000 mg	Veg Capsules	Best Trusted Brand	9.3/10
Jarrow Formulas MSM 1,000 mg	1,000 mg	Veggie Capsules	Best Pure Formula	9.2/10
Pure Encapsulations MSM	850 mg	Capsules	Best Premium	9.4/10
BulkSupplements MSM Capsules	3,000 mg	Capsules	Best Value	8.9/10
Solgar Skin, Nails & Hair (MSM Formula)	MSM blend	Tablets	Best for Beauty	9.1/10
Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Joint Support	Combination	Capsules	Best Glucosamine Combo	8.8/10

1. Doctor’s Best MSM with OptiMSM – Best Overall

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Doctor’s Best uses OptiMSM, the clinically studied and purified form of MSM produced through a multi-stage distillation process, delivering 3,000 mg per serving in one of the most trusted MSM supplements available.

Each bottle contains 360 capsules, providing a four-month supply at three capsules daily. OptiMSM is the gold-standard form of methylsulfonylmethane, manufactured in the USA using a proprietary distillation process that removes impurities and ensures 99.9% purity. The formula supports joint health, connective tissue, hair, skin, and nails. It is non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan-friendly.

• Pros:
• Uses clinically studied OptiMSM for guaranteed 99.9% purity
• 360 capsules per bottle provides a four-month supply
• Supports joints, connective tissue, skin, hair, and nails

• Cons:
• Three capsules per serving may be inconvenient for some
• Capsules are moderately large

Best for: Anyone who wants the most clinically validated, high-purity MSM supplement for comprehensive joint and connective tissue support

2. NOW Foods MSM 1,000 mg – Best Trusted Brand

NOW Foods delivers a straightforward 1,000 mg MSM supplement in vegan capsules backed by GMP certification and nearly 60 years of supplement manufacturing expertise.

Each vegan capsule provides 1,000 mg of pure methylsulfonylmethane. The recommended dosage is two capsules one to two times daily with food. NOW Foods carries NPA A-rated GMP certification and is packaged in the USA by a family-owned company operating since 1968. Available in 120-count, 240-count, and 400-count bottles. The product is non-GMO, vegan, soy-free, nut-free, and dairy-free.

• Pros:
• NPA A-rated GMP certification — industry gold standard
• Available in multiple bottle sizes up to 400 capsules
• Clean vegan formula free from virtually all common allergens

• Cons:
• Standard MSM (not branded OptiMSM) at this price point
• May cause mild intestinal gas at higher doses per manufacturer note

Best for: Those who want a reliable, GMP-certified MSM supplement from a trusted family-owned brand with flexible dosing

3. Snap Supplements Joint Health with MSM – Best Joint Blend

Snap Supplements combines plant-based glucosamine with MSM in a joint health formula specifically designed for those who want a comprehensive approach to joint comfort and mobility.

This blend pairs MSM’s sulfur-based joint support with glucosamine to target both cartilage maintenance and inflammation reduction. The plant-based glucosamine makes it suitable for those who avoid shellfish-derived ingredients. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, the supplement is designed for daily use to support joint flexibility, comfort, and overall mobility.

• Pros:
• Combines MSM with plant-based glucosamine for synergistic joint support
• Shellfish-free formula suitable for those with shellfish allergies
• GMP-certified USA manufacturing

• Cons:
• Lower MSM per serving compared to standalone products
• Multi-ingredient formula makes it harder to dose individual components

Best for: Those who want a combined MSM and glucosamine formula without shellfish-derived ingredients

4. Jarrow Formulas MSM 1,000 mg – Best Pure Formula

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Jarrow Formulas delivers a clean, science-driven MSM supplement with 1,000 mg per veggie capsule — pure methylsulfonylmethane as a dietary sulfur source with no unnecessary extras.

Each bottle contains 200 veggie capsules, providing up to a 200-day supply at one capsule daily (or 100 days at the suggested two-capsule dose). Jarrow Formulas is known for its science-based approach to supplementation, and this MSM product reflects that philosophy with a minimal ingredient list. The product is suitable for vegetarians, gluten-free, and manufactured to meet stringent quality standards.

• Pros:
• 200 capsules per bottle for excellent value
• Pure, single-ingredient formula with minimal excipients
• Respected science-based supplement brand

• Cons:
• 1,000 mg per capsule may require 2-3 capsules for higher doses
• Standard MSM rather than branded OptiMSM

Best for: Those who want a pure, no-frills MSM supplement from a science-focused brand with a long track record

5. Pure Encapsulations MSM – Best Premium

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Pure Encapsulations is the gold standard in practitioner-grade supplements, and their MSM capsules deliver hypoallergenic, research-grade methylsulfonylmethane for joint, immune, and respiratory support.

Each capsule provides 850 mg of MSM in a hypoallergenic formula free from wheat, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, gluten, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. Pure Encapsulations products are frequently recommended by healthcare practitioners and are manufactured under stringent quality controls. Available in 120-count and 250-count bottles. The supplement supports joint health, connective tissue integrity, immune function, and respiratory health.

• Pros:
• Practitioner-grade quality trusted by healthcare professionals
• Hypoallergenic formula suitable for sensitive individuals
• Supports joints, immune system, connective tissue, and respiratory health

• Cons:
• Premium price point significantly higher than standard brands
• 850 mg per capsule is slightly lower than the standard 1,000 mg

Best for: Those who want practitioner-recommended, hypoallergenic MSM or who have multiple sensitivities and need the cleanest possible formula

6. BulkSupplements MSM Capsules – Best Value

BulkSupplements delivers a high-dose 3,000 mg MSM per four-capsule serving at one of the lowest per-gram costs available, making it ideal for those who use MSM at higher therapeutic doses.

Each bottle contains 240 capsules (60 servings). The formula contains only pure methylsulfonylmethane in bovine gelatin capsules with no fillers, additives, or artificial flavors. BulkSupplements is known for their no-frills approach to supplementation, focusing entirely on purity and value. Manufactured under strict cGMP standards with third-party testing for quality assurance.

• Pros:
• 3,000 mg per serving at one of the lowest per-gram costs
• Pure MSM with absolutely no fillers or additives
• cGMP manufacturing with third-party testing

• Cons:
• Four capsules per serving is a relatively high pill burden
• Uses bovine gelatin capsules (not vegan)

Best for: High-dose MSM users who want maximum product purity at the lowest cost

7. Solgar Skin, Nails & Hair (Advanced MSM Formula) – Best for Beauty

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Solgar’s Skin, Nails & Hair formula combines MSM with zinc, vitamin C, and copper to support collagen production for beauty-from-within benefits.

This advanced MSM-based formula goes beyond basic joint support to target the sulfur-dependent processes that maintain healthy skin elasticity, strong nails, and lustrous hair. The addition of vitamin C enhances collagen synthesis, while zinc and copper support structural protein formation. Each bottle contains 120 tablets for a 60-day supply. The product is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

• Pros:
• MSM combined with collagen-supporting nutrients for beauty benefits
• Trusted brand with decades of supplement manufacturing experience
• Vegan, non-GMO, and free from common allergens

• Cons:
• Not a standalone MSM product — includes multiple ingredients
• Tablet form may be harder to swallow than capsules

Best for: Those primarily interested in MSM for skin, hair, and nail benefits rather than joint support

8. Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Joint Support – Best Glucosamine Combo

This comprehensive joint support formula combines glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, collagen peptides, turmeric, and ginger for a multi-pathway approach to joint comfort and mobility.

The formula includes hyaluronic acid alongside the core glucosamine-chondroitin-MSM complex, targeting both cartilage maintenance and synovial fluid support. Turmeric and ginger provide additional anti-inflammatory properties. This product is designed for those with moderate to severe joint discomfort who need a comprehensive formula rather than a single-ingredient MSM supplement.

• Pros:
• Comprehensive six-ingredient joint support formula
• Includes collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid for connective tissue
• Anti-inflammatory support from turmeric and ginger

• Cons:
• MSM dosage per serving is lower than standalone products
• Contains shellfish-derived glucosamine (not suitable for shellfish allergies)

Best for: Those with moderate to severe joint issues who want a comprehensive supplement combining MSM with glucosamine, chondroitin, and anti-inflammatory herbs

How to Choose the Best MSM Supplement

The most important quality indicator for an MSM supplement is the form of MSM used. OptiMSM is the gold-standard branded form, produced through a proprietary distillation process that ensures 99.9% purity. While generic MSM can also be effective, OptiMSM provides the most consistent quality and is the form used in the majority of clinical studies. Look for this designation on the label if purity is your top priority.

Effective MSM dosages in clinical research typically range from 1,000 to 6,000 mg per day. For general joint maintenance, 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily is a common starting range. For more pronounced joint discomfort or inflammation, doses of 3,000 to 6,000 mg may be more effective. Higher doses should be split across two or three servings to optimize absorption and minimize potential digestive effects.

MSM is available as capsules, tablets, powders, and crystals. Capsules and tablets offer the most convenient and consistent dosing. Powders and crystals are more economical for high-dose users but have a naturally bitter taste that requires mixing into beverages. Powder forms also allow for topical applications when mixed into creams or serums.

Look for supplements that are GMP-certified, third-party tested, and free from unnecessary fillers and additives. MSM is generally well-tolerated, but quality control varies between manufacturers. If you plan to combine MSM with glucosamine or chondroitin, consider whether a standalone MSM product or a combination formula better suits your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MSM and what does it do?

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring organic sulfur compound found in plants, animals, and the human body. Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral in the body and is essential for forming connective tissues, producing collagen and keratin, and maintaining joint cartilage. MSM supplements provide bioavailable sulfur that supports joint flexibility, reduces inflammation, and promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails.

How much MSM should I take daily?

Clinical studies have used daily doses ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 mg. For general joint health and maintenance, 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily is a common range. For more significant joint discomfort, doses up to 6,000 mg per day have been studied. Start at the lower end and increase gradually over one to two weeks. Split larger doses across two to three daily servings with meals for best absorption.

When is the best time to take MSM?

MSM can be taken at any time of day, but taking it with meals helps minimize potential digestive effects like bloating or gas. If taking a higher daily dose, splitting it between morning and evening meals ensures more consistent sulfur levels throughout the day. Some users report that taking MSM in the morning provides a subtle energy boost, while others prefer evening dosing.

Are there any side effects of MSM?

MSM is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. The most commonly reported side effects are mild digestive issues including bloating, gas, nausea, or diarrhea — particularly when starting at higher doses. These effects typically resolve within a few days as the body adjusts. Reducing the dose and increasing gradually usually prevents digestive discomfort. Rare side effects include headache and insomnia at very high doses.

Can I take MSM with other supplements?

MSM combines well with many joint-support supplements. The most common and well-studied combination is MSM with glucosamine and chondroitin for comprehensive joint support. MSM also pairs effectively with turmeric/curcumin, boswellia, and collagen peptides. Vitamin C taken alongside MSM may enhance collagen synthesis. There are no widely reported negative interactions between MSM and common supplements or medications, but consult a healthcare provider if taking blood thinners.

How long does it take for MSM to work?

Some users notice improvements in joint comfort and flexibility within one to two weeks of consistent daily use. However, the full benefits of MSM supplementation typically develop over four to twelve weeks. Clinical studies showing significant improvements in joint pain and function generally assessed outcomes at the 12-week mark. Consistency is key — daily supplementation produces better results than sporadic use.