Shilajit (shilaj) is a humic-substance-rich exudate containing fulvic acid and trace minerals, used in some cosmetic formulations as a purported antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient. Robust dermatological evidence for topical efficacy is limited.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation or contact dermatitis | Uncommon | May occur in sensitive individuals; patch testing advised. |
Allergic reaction | Rare | Hypersensitivity to plant/humic components possible. |
Heavy metal contamination risk | Uncommon | Unpurified shilajit may contain arsenic, lead or mercury; quality varies by source. |
Skin staining or discoloration | Rare | Dark pigmented material can transiently tint skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.