Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) for Skin: What the Research Shows

Riboflavin is vitamin B2. Here is what it does in the body, how that relates to skin, and how much is in Dermal Radiance.

Skincare Ingredients 8 min read October 06, 2026
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) for Skin: What the Research Shows

From Anirva, the maker of Dermal Radiance. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Riboflavin is vitamin B2. It is a bright yellow vitamin, and it is a common part of B-complex supplements. Here we look at what riboflavin does in the body and how that relates to skin. We also cover how much is in Dermal Radiance, food sources and safety.

Key takeaways
  • Riboflavin is vitamin B2. The body turns it into two helper molecules that are needed for energy production and for the growth of cells. [1]
  • Regulators accept the link with normal skin. In Europe, labels may say that riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. [3]
  • Riboflavin supports an antioxidant system. The enzyme that recycles glutathione, an antioxidant made by the body, needs riboflavin to work. [2]
  • Low riboflavin shows up in the skin and lips. The signs include skin disorders and cracked lips. [1]
  • Dermal Radiance contains 50 mg of riboflavin. That is 3,846% of the Daily Value. [4]

Facts at a Glance

Fact Detail
Ingredient and form Riboflavin (vitamin B2) — a water-soluble vitamin [1]
Amount in Dermal Radiance 50 mg — 3,846% of the Daily Value [4]
Amounts used in the research No skin-specific trial amount found; absorption studies suggest up to about 27 mg is absorbed from one dose [1]
Kinds of evidence Deficiency-sign observations; a recognized role in cell energy and antioxidant recycling — no human skin trial of a riboflavin supplement found [1][2]
Human studies cited here 0 — this article summarizes established nutrition science on riboflavin's role in the body, not a skin-outcome trial
Regulatory guidance No upper limit set; EU permits claims on normal skin and protection of cells from oxidative stress [1][3]

What Is Riboflavin?

Riboflavin, also called vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin. The body turns it into two coenzymes, called FMN and FAD. They play major roles in energy production, in the growth and function of cells, and in the way the body handles fats. [1]

Adult women need 1.1 mg a day and adult men need 1.3 mg. In the United States, the average intake from food is 1.8 mg for women and 2.5 mg for men. [1]

How Might Riboflavin Work in Skin?

Energy for cells

Skin cells, like all cells, need a steady supply of energy. The two coenzymes made from riboflavin take part in the reactions that release energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. [1][2]

Antioxidant recycling

Glutathione is an antioxidant made by the body. After it is used, an enzyme called glutathione reductase recycles it, and this enzyme depends on riboflavin. [2] In Europe, labels may say that riboflavin contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. [3]

What deficiency tells us

When the body runs very low on riboflavin, the skin and mouth are among the places it shows. The signs include skin disorders, sores at the corners of the mouth, swollen and cracked lips, and hair loss. [1]

What this means: These deficiency signs and the glutathione-recycling role tell us riboflavin matters for skin at a basic nutritional level. They are not evidence that extra riboflavin, beyond what the body needs, changes skin for someone who already gets enough. [1][2]

An overhead shot on pale linen: a glass of milk, a small wedge of yellow cheese, and a bowl of fortified breakfast cereal, lit by soft morning window light, with a Dermal Radiance bottle placed to one side, partially cropped at the frame's edge. No people, no text

What Does the Research Show?

The research on riboflavin supplements and skin is still growing. The points below are the ones that trusted sources agree on.

Source What It Says
European regulators [3] Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
National Institutes of Health [1] Riboflavin is needed for energy production and for the growth and function of cells. A lack of it leads to skin disorders, cracked lips and hair loss
Linus Pauling Institute [2] The enzyme that recycles the antioxidant glutathione depends on riboflavin

How Much Riboflavin Is in Dermal Radiance?

Source Riboflavin a Day Notes
Dermal Radiance (2 capsules) 50 mg 3,846% of the Daily Value, from the label [4]
Adult daily need 1.1 mg (women), 1.3 mg (men) [1]
Average intake from food, US 1.8 mg (women), 2.5 mg (men) [1]
A typical multivitamin 1.3 mg [1]

Dermal Radiance provides 50 mg of riboflavin. The body can absorb up to about 27 mg from one dose, and any excess leaves the body in the urine. [1]

Food Sources of Riboflavin

Dairy foods, meat and fortified cereals are the main sources: [1][2]

  • Beef liver, 3 ounces: 2.9 mg
  • Fortified breakfast cereal, 1 serving: 1.3 mg
  • Fortified instant oats, 1 cup: 1.1 mg
  • Plain yogurt, 1 cup: 0.6 mg
  • Milk, 1 cup: 0.5 mg

What the Research Does Not Show Yet

  • We found no human trial of riboflavin by mouth that measured skin in healthy adults.
  • Riboflavin deficiency is extremely rare in the United States, so most people already meet their need from food. [1]
  • We found no study of riboflavin combined with the other Dermal Radiance ingredients.

Safety and Interactions

Riboflavin has a good safety record. No upper limit has been set, and no harm has been reported from high intakes. This includes 400 mg a day taken for at least three months. [1]

Riboflavin is not known to interact with medicines in a way that matters in practice. [1]

Good to know

Riboflavin is a nutrient that most people already get from milk, meat and cereals, and no upper limit has been set for it. [1] A few points can help you use it well:

  • Bright yellow urine is normal when you take riboflavin. It is harmless. [1][2]
  • Take it with a meal, as the label directs. [4]
  • If you take prescription medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you start a new supplement.

Riboflavin Is One Part of Dermal Radiance

Dermal Radiance is a daily two-capsule supplement with 20 vitamins, minerals and plant extracts. They were chosen to support healthy collagen, skin firmness and elasticity, and radiance. Riboflavin is one of them.

Dermal Radiance has not been clinically tested as a finished product. For this reason, we cannot say how its ingredients work together.

If you take Dermal Radiance, you are not relying on riboflavin alone. It is one of 20 ingredients in each serving. Every ingredient and amount is listed on the label. [4]

Dermal Radiance bottle
Explore the formula

About Dermal Radiance

A daily two-capsule formula with 20 vitamins, minerals and plant extracts, including 50 mg of riboflavin per serving. Dermal Radiance hasn't been clinically tested as a finished formula. The label lists every ingredient and its amount.

See the Dermal Radiance product page →

If You Are Deciding

Riboflavin is a basic nutrient for cell energy and for one of the antioxidant systems of the body. [1][2] Regulators in Europe accept its link with normal skin. [3] If you would like to try Dermal Radiance, the directions are two capsules a day with a meal. [4]

The Short Version

Riboflavin is vitamin B2. The body uses it for energy production, for the growth of cells and to recycle the antioxidant glutathione. In Europe, labels may say that it contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. Dermal Radiance provides 50 mg of riboflavin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does riboflavin do for skin?
Riboflavin helps cells produce energy and helps recycle the antioxidant glutathione. [1][2] In Europe, labels may say that it contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. [3]
Is riboflavin the same as vitamin B2?
Yes. Riboflavin is the chemical name for vitamin B2. [1]
How much riboflavin is in Dermal Radiance?
Each serving has 50 mg, which is 3,846% of the Daily Value. [4]
Why does riboflavin turn urine yellow?
Riboflavin is a yellow vitamin. The amount that the body does not use leaves in the urine, and this is harmless. [1][2]
What foods are high in riboflavin?
Beef liver, fortified cereals, yogurt and milk are good sources. [1]
Is riboflavin safe to take every day?
Riboflavin has a good safety record, and no upper limit has been set for it. [1]

References

  1. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Riboflavin: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated May 11, 2022.
  2. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Micronutrient Information Center: Riboflavin. Updated February 3, 2026.
  3. European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods.
  4. Anirva. Dermal Radiance Supplement Facts label and product page.
Dermal Radiance amount 50 mg of riboflavin per daily serving (3,846% DV) — well above typical food intake, with excess leaving the body in the urine.
Dermal Radiance Ingredients Riboflavin Vitamin B2
AA
ANIRVA Admin
Anirva Editorial