# MSM MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound that calms surface inflammation and softens the outer layers of the skin. Sulfur is a structural component of keratin, the protein that forms the skin's protective surface, and MSM delivers bioavailable sulfur directly to that tissue. The result is skin that feels less tight, less reactive, and more resilient against environmental triggers. Inflamed, eczema-prone skin loses its flexibility and develops a rough, scaly texture as compromised cells lose their normal sulfur-dependent protein bonds. MSM restores pliability to those hardened surface cells by supporting keratin structure, which reduces the cracking and flaking that make itchy skin feel worse. Softer, more intact surface tissue resists further irritant penetration more effectively. Atopic dermatitis is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition impacting both children and adults globally, with a prevalence of 15–30% (Chaudhary F et al., Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, 2024). MSM pairs in the OTC Dermatitis Moisturizer alongside colloidal oatmeal 1%, aloe vera, shea butter, and the other key actives, so the formula addresses surface inflammation on multiple levels at once. Era Organics Dermatitis Cream brings MSM into a fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free formula designed for the whole family, from babies to adults. Patch test before first use, particularly on highly reactive skin. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can MSM be absorbed through the skin? Yes. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound that is absorbed into the outer layers of the skin, where it delivers bioavailable sulfur directly to that tissue. Because sulfur is a structural component of keratin, the protein that forms the skin's protective surface, MSM supports keratin structure and helps softens tight, rough surface cells. In Era Organics Relief OTC Dermatitis Cream, MSM works alongside colloidal oatmeal 1% and other actives to soothe surface inflammation while the oatmeal relieves the itching and irritation of eczema and dermatitis. *Reference: [Msm Benefits](https://www.eraorganics.com/blogs/raw-ingredients/msm-benefits)* ### Does MSM lighten skin? MSM is not a skin-lightening ingredient. In Era Organics Relief OTC Dermatitis Cream, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) works as an organic sulfur compound that calms surface inflammation and softens the outer layers of skin by supporting keratin, the protein that forms the skin's protective surface. On rough, eczema-prone skin it helps restore pliability to hardened surface cells, reducing the cracking and flaking that make itchy skin feel worse. It supports skin that feels less tight and more resilient rather than changing its color. *Reference: [Msm Benefits](https://www.eraorganics.com/blogs/raw-ingredients/msm-benefits)* ### What does MSM do for the body, joints, and inflammation? MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound best known here for what it does at the skin's surface: it calms surface inflammation and softens the outer layers of the skin. Sulfur is a structural part of keratin, the protein that forms the skin's protective surface, and MSM delivers bioavailable sulfur to that tissue, so skin feels less tight, less reactive, and more resilient. On eczema-prone skin that has turned rough and scaly, MSM supports keratin structure to restore pliability, which reduces the cracking and flaking that make itchy skin feel worse. In Era Organics Relief OTC Dermatitis Cream, MSM works alongside colloidal oatmeal 1% (the OTC skin protectant that relieves the itching and irritation of eczema and dermatitis), aloe vera, and shea butter in a fragrance-free, paraben-free formula for the whole family. *Reference: [Msm Benefits](https://www.eraorganics.com/blogs/raw-ingredients/msm-benefits)* ### What does MSM do for your skin in skincare? MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound that helps calm surface inflammation and soften the outer layers of the skin. Sulfur is a structural part of keratin, the protein that forms the skin's protective surface, and MSM delivers bioavailable sulfur to that tissue so skin feels less tight, less reactive, and more resilient. On eczema-prone skin, which loses flexibility and turns rough and scaly, MSM supports keratin structure to restore pliability and reduce the cracking and flaking that make itchy skin feel worse. In Era Organics Relief OTC Dermatitis Cream, MSM pairs with colloidal oatmeal 1%, aloe vera, and shea butter in a fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free formula that relieves the itching and irritation of eczema and dermatitis for the whole family, from babies to adults. *Reference: [Msm Benefits](https://www.eraorganics.com/blogs/raw-ingredients/msm-benefits)* ## Related - **Full product:** [Era Organics Relief cream with MSM](/products/dermatitis-cream) **Related concerns:** - [Dermatitis](/conditions/dermatitis) - [Eczema](/conditions/eczema) - [Rashes](/conditions/rashes) - [Hives](/conditions/hives) - [Itchy skin](/conditions/itchy-skin) - [Irritated skin](/conditions/irritated-skin) ## Evidence - [A challenge in diagnosing rash in HIV-positive MSM patient during overlapping epidemics in Central and Eastern Europe: Case report.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35175875/) — Bieńkowski C et al., International journal of STD & AIDS 2022 (PMID: 35175875) - [Clinical Characteristics of Human Mpox (Monkeypox) in 2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36678494/) — Liu Q et al., Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) 2023 (PMID: 36678494) - [Syphilis in the United States.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24559556/) — Shockman S et al., Clinics in dermatology 2014 (PMID: 24559556) ## Disclaimer *Era Organics Relief OTC Dermatitis Cream is an over-the-counter skin protectant. It helps relieve and soothe the itching and irritation of eczema, dermatitis and rashes as described on the label. This page is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice — always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any skin concern or condition. Individual results may vary.*