Fact Check: Can Fenugreek Seeds Make Your Skin Clear?

A Pinterest post claims that fenugreek seeds make skin clear. The claim is Half True.

Claim

Fact check

The claim is Half true. Studies have highlighted the effects of fenugreek seed on skin clarity, but it is not an established remedy for all related issues and lacks medical consensus as a recommended treatment.

Benefits of Fenugreek Seed

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), a member of the Fabaceae family, has been a significant spice since ancient times. Globally, between 70 to 97 species of fenugreek are cultivated. Beyond its use in cooking, the literature highlights its role in addressing various lifestyle-related disorders, including cardiovascular conditions, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, liver conditions, and testosterone-deficiency syndrome. Fenugreek is also valued for its high dietary fibre content and essential nutrients that support healthy growth and development. Its seeds are rich in fibre, phospholipids, glycolipids, oleic acid, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, choline, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, nicotinic acid, niacin, and numerous other beneficial elements.

What is Clear Skin?

Clear skin also known as flawless skin is something many of us want, and the desire for better skin quality is only growing. Good skin significantly impacts emotional health, quality of life, self-perception, and interactions with others. The condition of one’s skin is linked to physical appearance, self-confidence, and social interactions, emphasizing the value of maintaining high skin quality. Skin quality can be understood through three main types of features: visual, topographical, and mechanical. Visual features include things like redness, dullness, sallowness, radiance, shine, and uneven pigmentation. These are what we see when light hits the skin and remain noticeable even if the skin’s surface is smoothed. Topographical features refer to the skin’s texture, which you can feel or see in detailed images, including roughness, fine and coarse lines, dryness, and pores. Mechanical features describe how the skin moves and reacts to touch, such as its elasticity, firmness, and thickness. Some aspects, like crepiness, laxity, and hydration, can fall into more than one of these categories. Scars, although they affect all three areas, are seen as secondary issues, not primary features. 

Dr Shireen Furtado (MBBS, MD, FRGUHS), Senior Consultant (Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology) at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore has shared her views on the impact of dietary changes on skin clarity. She said, "Dietary choices can influence skin clarity, though results vary by person. For instance, high-glycemic foods like sugary snacks and refined carbs can spike insulin, potentially increasing oil production and acne. Additionally, foods rich in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, help fight inflammation, which supports overall skin health. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or flaxseed may also reduce inflammation-related skin issues, promoting a clearer complexion."

Can Fenugreek Seeds Make Your Skin Clear?

Studies have given that fenugreek seeds possess high nutritious value rich in fibre, phospholipids, glycolipids, oleic acid, linolenic acid, vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, nicotinic acid, niacin which is good for health. There are studies that have mentioned the role of fenugreek seed but in combination with other ingredients may show benefits towards retaining skin moisture and making skin smooth, supple and soft, but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus that supports the claim that fenugreek seed alone can make skin clear.

The study published in the journal Pharmaceuticals concluded that Liponiosome encapsulating fenugreek extract (LNF) [made from fenugreek seeds] can potentially be used as an ingredient for better skin ageing. However, this study does not indicate that fenugreek seed alone makes the skin clear; it specifically mentions fenugreek seed extract, and that too in combination with another ingredient.

In a study by Muhammad K. Waqas et. al., a formulation containing fenugreek seed extract and paraffin oil was applied to participants. The findings indicated that this formulation effectively reduced skin melanin content and increased skin moisture levels without causing any irritation. This study also doesn't mention that fenugreek seed on its own has any positive impact on the skin.

Another study published in the International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology demonstrated that a serum formulated with fenugreek extract (containing a combination of aqueous extract of fenugreek seed and lemon oil) could be used for bacterial infections and facial skin inflammation. The serum also moisturized the skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and supple. However, the study did not establish any standalone role of fenugreek in achieving clear skin.

All these studies have noted the effects of fenugreek seed on skin clarity; however, fenugreek seed alone cannot be considered a proven solution for all skin clarity issues. Additionally, there is no medical consensus within the medical community supporting it as a recommended solution for improving skin clarity.

Dr Ruby Sachdev, Consultant Aesthetic Physician, Gleneagles Hospital Bengaluru, told Medical Dialogues, "Fenugreek seeds are known for their beneficial properties, and they can contribute to a clearer complexion, but they should not be considered a miracle solution for skin issues. As an aesthetic physician, I recommend fenugreek seeds for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help soothe irritated skin and promote a more even skin tone over time. Fenugreek contains compounds like flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, which can help reduce skin redness, treat acne, and improve overall skin health. Its ability to balance oil production and its rich content of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, also support healthier skin."

To this Dr Shireen Furtado (MBBS, MD, FRGUHS), Senior Consultant (Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology) at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore added, "Fenugreek contains various nutrients and it is used to make skin clean and moisturized and while it’s often included in traditional wellness practices, it’s not a proven solution for brightening or clearing skin. For a healthy complexion, basics like staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and keeping a gentle skincare routine are usually the most effective approaches."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Fenugreek seeds are highly nutritious, containing fibre, various phospholipids, glycolipids, essential fatty acids, and vitamins such as A, B1, B2, and C, as well as niacin. While they are known for their general health benefits,  fenugreek seeds alone cannot be solely relied upon to make the skin clear. Though formulations involving fenugreek seed extracts combined with other ingredients have been used for improving skin moisture, reducing melanin, and addressing minor skin issues, the role of fenugreek seed by itself remains unproven for achieving clear skin. Hence the claim fenugreek seeds can make skin clear is Half true.