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.
Selenium is a mineral that the body needs in very small amounts. It is measured in micrograms, which are millionths of a gram. Here we look at what selenium is and how it may work in skin. We also cover the human studies, how much is in Dermal Radiance, food sources and safety.
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- Selenium is an essential mineral. The body builds it into 25 selenoproteins, which help protect cells from oxidative damage [1].
- Skin cells use selenium in their antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes protect skin cells from peroxides [2].
- Regulators accept links with hair, nails and cell protection. In Europe, labels may say that selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal nails [4].
- In a 12-week trial, a supplement with selenium improved skin density and thickness. The supplement also had lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene and vitamin E [5].
- Dermal Radiance contains 200 mcg of selenium. That is 364% of the Daily Value [8].
What is selenium?
Selenium is an essential mineral found in many foods. The body builds it into 25 selenoproteins. These proteins play key roles in thyroid hormone metabolism, in making DNA, and in protecting the body from oxidative damage and infection [1].
Adults need 55 mcg a day. In the United States, the average intake from food is 108 mcg a day [1].
Supplements supply selenium in several forms. Dermal Radiance uses sodium selenate [8]. The body absorbs up to about 90% of the selenium in selenate [1].
How might selenium work in skin?
Antioxidant enzymes
Selenium is part of two families of antioxidant enzymes, called glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases. In skin, they protect cells from peroxides [2]. Thioredoxin reductases also help recycle vitamin C and vitamin E [3].
Skin and hair (animal studies)
Mice bred to lack selenoproteins in the skin developed skin and hair defects within six days of birth [2].
Hair, nails and cell protection
In Europe, labels may say that selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal nails. They may also say that it contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress [4].
What does the research show?
The research on selenium and skin is still growing. In the human studies below, selenium was taken as part of a mix. Dermal Radiance contains every nutrient named in these mixes.
A 2006 trial on skin structure
In 2006, a placebo-controlled trial divided 39 volunteers with healthy skin into three groups for 12 weeks. Two groups took antioxidant supplements, and one took a placebo. One of the supplements supplied 75 mcg of selenium a day. It also had 3 mg of lycopene, 4.8 mg of lutein, 4.8 mg of beta-carotene and 10 mg of vitamin E [5].
Skin density and skin thickness, measured by ultrasound, rose significantly with the supplements. Skin roughness and scaling also improved. The placebo group showed no change [5].
A 2003 study of selenium with carotenoids and vitamin E
In 2003, 25 healthy adults took a daily mix of selenium, lycopene, beta-carotene and vitamin E for 7 weeks. At the end, the amount of UV light needed to redden the skin was 20% higher. Skin samples showed fewer UV-damaged cells and lower levels of oxidized fats [6].
Selenium is not a sunscreen. Experts suggest daily sunscreen and shade for sun care.
A 2002 trial of a wider mix
In 2002, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in young women tested a mix of selenium, vitamins C and E, carotenoids and proanthocyanidins. The researchers reported that the mix may limit the UV-triggered rise in MMP enzymes, which break collagen down [7].
Study summary
| Study | People | What was taken | Length | Main result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heinrich et al., 2006 [5] | 39 volunteers | 75 mcg selenium with lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin E | 12 weeks | Skin density and thickness rose; roughness and scaling improved |
| Césarini et al., 2003 [6] | 25 healthy adults | Selenium with lycopene, beta-carotene, vitamin E | 7 weeks | 20% more UV needed to redden skin |
| Greul et al., 2002 [7] | Young women | Selenium with vitamins C and E, carotenoids, proanthocyanidins | Not stated here | May limit the UV-triggered rise in MMP enzymes |
How much selenium is in Dermal Radiance compared with the studies?
| Source | Selenium a day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dermal Radiance (2 capsules) | 200 mcg | 364% of the Daily Value, from the label [8] |
| Adult daily need | 55 mcg | [1] |
| Average intake from food, US | 108 mcg | [1] |
| 2006 trial | 75 mcg | In a mix, for 12 weeks [5] |
Dermal Radiance provides 200 mcg of selenium. This is more than the 75 mcg used in the 2006 trial. That trial tested its own mix, so its results do not describe selenium by itself or Dermal Radiance as a whole.
Food sources of selenium
Seafood, meat, eggs and grains all supply selenium. Brazil nuts are by far the richest source [1]:
- Brazil nuts, 1 ounce: 544 mcg
- Yellowfin tuna, 3 ounces: 92 mcg
- Sardines, 3 ounces: 45 mcg
- Shrimp, 3 ounces: 42 mcg
- Beef steak, 3 ounces: 37 mcg
- One hard-boiled egg: 15 mcg
- Brown rice, 1 cup: 12 mcg
What the research does not show yet
- We found no human skin trial of selenium taken by itself at 200 mcg a day.
- In a small 3-week study, 50 mcg of selenium with copper did not change skin redness after UV light [2].
- Selenium deficiency is very rare in the United States, so most people already meet their need from food [1].
- We found no study of the full Dermal Radiance formula.
Safety and interactions
The upper limit for adults is 400 mcg a day from food and supplements together [1]. Dermal Radiance has 200 mcg. With the average 108 mcg from food, the total is about 308 mcg a day, by our calculation.
Too much selenium over a long time causes a condition called selenosis. The most common signs are hair loss and brittle nails. Others include a garlic odor on the breath, a metallic taste, skin rash and nausea [1].
In one long trial, people took 200 mcg of selenium a day for about seven years. The rate of one type of skin cancer was higher in the selenium group. The rate of type 2 diabetes was also higher among people whose selenium levels were high at the start [3].
The cancer medicine cisplatin can lower selenium levels [1].
- Add up your sources. Many multivitamins also contain selenium.
- Count Brazil nuts. One ounce has 544 mcg of selenium [1].
- If you take another supplement with selenium, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you add more.
Selenium 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. Selenium 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. The studies in this article tested other mixes that contained selenium.
If you take Dermal Radiance, you are not relying on selenium alone. It is one of 20 ingredients in each serving. Every ingredient and amount is listed on the label [8].
A daily skin supplement with 20 ingredients
Selenium is one of 20 vitamins, minerals and plant extracts in Dermal Radiance, each listed with its amount on the label. Two capsules a day with a meal.
See the full ingredient listIf you are deciding
Selenium is part of the antioxidant enzymes in skin [2]. It has been studied in mixes with the same carotenoids and vitamin E that are in Dermal Radiance [5][6]. If you would like to try Dermal Radiance, the directions are two capsules a day with a meal [8].
The short version
Selenium is an essential mineral that the body builds into antioxidant enzymes, including enzymes in skin. In a 12-week trial, a supplement with selenium, carotenoids and vitamin E improved skin density, thickness, roughness and scaling. Dermal Radiance provides 200 mcg of selenium.
Frequently asked questions
What does selenium do for skin?
Selenium is part of antioxidant enzymes that protect skin cells from peroxides [2]. In Europe, labels may say that selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress [4].
Is selenium good for hair and nails?
In Europe, labels may say that selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal nails [4].
How much selenium is in Dermal Radiance?
Each serving has 200 mcg, which is 364% of the Daily Value [8].
How much selenium do adults need?
Adults need 55 mcg a day. The average intake from food in the United States is 108 mcg [1].
What is sodium selenate?
It is one of the forms of selenium used in supplements. The body absorbs up to about 90% of the selenium in it [1].
What foods are high in selenium?
Brazil nuts are the richest source. Tuna, sardines, shrimp, beef and eggs also supply selenium [1].
How long was selenium studied for skin?
The skin structure trial ran for 12 weeks, and the UV study ran for 7 weeks [5][6].
Is selenium a sunscreen?
No. It does not replace sunscreen, shade or protective clothing.
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Selenium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated September 4, 2025. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/ (accessed October 5, 2026).
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Micronutrient Information Center: Minerals and Skin Health. Last modified January 2, 2026. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/minerals (accessed October 5, 2026).
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Micronutrient Information Center: Selenium. Modified February 3, 2026. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/selenium (accessed October 5, 2026).
- European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2012/432 (accessed October 5, 2026).
- Heinrich U, Tronnier H, Stahl W, Béjot M, Maurette JM. Antioxidant supplements improve parameters related to skin structure in humans. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2006;19(4):224-231. doi:10.1159/000093118. PMID: 16679825.
- Césarini JP, Michel L, Maurette JM, Adhoute H, Béjot M. Immediate effects of UV radiation on the skin: modification by an antioxidant complex containing carotenoids. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2003;19(4):182-189. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0781.2003.00044.x. PMID: 12925189.
- Greul AK, Grundmann JU, Heinrich F, Pfitzner I, Bernhardt J, Ambach A, Biesalski HK, Gollnick H. Photoprotection of UV-irradiated human skin: an antioxidative combination of vitamins E and C, carotenoids, selenium and proanthocyanidins. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2002;15(5):307-315. doi:10.1159/000064534. PMID: 12239424.
- Anirva. Dermal Radiance Supplement Facts label and product page. https://anirva.com/pages/anti-aging-skin-supplement-dermal-radiance (accessed October 5, 2026).
