Vancouver, WA—Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural sulfur well known in the joint health arena. Now, a patented form (OptiMSM from Bergstrom Nutrition) may have a unique new application: helping to keep personal care products fresh and efficacious.

Data collected by Bergstrom Nutrition indicate that formulas with at least 10% OptiMSM helps preserve moisturizers, nail polishes, acne creams and gels, anti-aging products, body washes, shampoos, toothpaste and mouthwashes.

The ingredient also brings to the table benefits other than freshness; the company feels the ingredient “reduces scarring, softens skin, strengthens nails and thickens hair.” Part of the reason why is that the proprietary MSM ingredient supports collagen and keratin production. States Rodney Benjamin, Bergstrom’s technical director, “MSM is 34% sulfur by weight which has long been a valued ingredient in dermatology and may contribute to the cross linking of proteogylcans, a key component of connective tissue.”

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, June 2012