Is wheat germ good for skin?

What are the benefits of wheat germ for skin?

Wheat germ is the embryo of the wheat grain. It contains protein and antioxidants, including polyphenols, carotenoids and tocopherols, forms of vitamin E. Those are nutritional features, not a reason to expect clearer skin, fewer wrinkles or relief from dryness. Treat wheat germ as food rather than a skin treatment, even if breakfast would enjoy a promotion. There is no established skin benefit, amount to eat for skin improvement or reliable results timeline here. If your reason for buying wheat germ is a particular skin concern, its nutrient content alone is not enough to make that decision.1

Is wheat germ oil good for skin?

Wheat germ is used to produce wheat germ oil, but eating the germ and applying an oil are different uses. Do not assume that the nutritional appeal of wheat germ translates into a visible result from a skincare product. A wholesome name is not a skincare result, however comfortably it fits on a bottle. For a finished cosmetic, consider the whole formula rather than choosing by the featured ingredient alone: any constituent can cause a contact reaction, and fragrances are the most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy.12

How should you try a wheat germ oil cosmetic?

1. 1Test the cosmetic on a small area of the inner forearm before applying it more widely. This is general cosmetic testing guidance, not a wheat germ oil routine.
2. 2Apply the product to the same test area twice daily for 10 days and watch for a reaction.
3. 3Stop using the product if burning, itching, swelling, a rash or blisters develop. Avoid further contact with a known allergen.

Who should be careful, and when should you get help?

People with an impaired skin barrier are more prone to allergic contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction to something touching the skin. A reaction can develop after years of previously trouble free use, and allergic contact dermatitis usually appears 24 to 72 hours after exposure. Immediate comfort is therefore not enough to rule out a later reaction. If symptoms keep returning or become persistent, see a clinician for assessment and patch testing to identify the allergen. Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing or collapse after using a cosmetic.23