Just when we thought skin care trends couldn’t get any fishier (cue the salmon sperm craze of 2025), TikTokers tout their latest catch: sardines.
Dubbed “sardine skin care” online, the fad follows an “inside-out” approach to skin health, parroted by self-proclaimed beauty experts online who swear consuming the whole fish has concrete complexion advantages that are worth a try — or, in this case, taste. The question is: Is it viewer bait, or are there proven benefits?
According to Dr. Melanie Palm, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, adding the tinned fish to your skin diet can be beneficial, beauty-wise. “Sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help calm inflammation (and inflammatory conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis) and support the skin barrier. When that barrier is healthy, the skin is generally better at holding onto moisture and may feel less dry,” Dr. Palm told WWD, adding that sardines are also a “convenient source of protein.”
“The skin is constantly turning over and repairing itself, so it needs a steady supply of amino acids from the foods we eat. Depending on the fish, you may also be getting vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium and zinc,” she continued.
That said, no one fish is the secret to healthy skin; trout, herring, salmon and mackerel also all deliver omega-3s.
Dr. Anil Shah, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, attributed rising interest in sardines, specifically, to the “inside-out” wellness methodology and regenerative skin care. “Fish-derived ingredients sit at the intersection of both,” Dr. Shah said. “Consumers are already familiar with eating fatty fish for omega-3s, collagen and inflammation support, so marine collagen, salmon DNA/PDRN, and others like fish oils and caviar extracts feel both exotic and biologically plausible.”
Indeed, PDRN skin care is different from salmon and sardine skin care in that the former is delivered topically (or injected in the case of Rejuran, which is only administered in Seoul) and the latter are consumed orally. “Oral collagen has some clinical evidence for hydration, elasticity and wrinkles, though study quality and industry funding matter,” said Dr. Shah, adding that “salmon sperm” and “sardine skin care” garner the buzz that they do due to strategic marketing by brands. “Brands know unusual ingredients create curiosity.”
Dr. Palm cautioned against the massive hype around the trend, encouraging consumers to view sardines not as a cure-all, but another cog in their holistic routine. “Contrary to what you may see on TikTok, you are not going to eat a tin of sardines and wake up with transformed skin the next morning,” Dr. Palm said. “Skin is affected by so many things: genetics, hormones, sun exposure, sleep, stress, hydration and the products you use. Diet matters, but it is one part of a much larger picture.”
“There is no magic number of tins or fish someone needs to eat for their skin. A more realistic goal is to include oily fish regularly as part of a balanced diet, assuming you enjoy it and do not have an allergy or other reason to avoid it. Olive oil adds some healthy fat, while water-packed versions may be lighter/less caloric. I would pay more attention to the sodium, since smoked, brined and flavored tins can be surprisingly salty,” Dr. Palm continued.
