Saw Palmetto: The Little Berry Doing Big Things for Skin and Hormones

If you’ve ever gone down a late-night rabbit hole researching hormonal acne, oily skin, thinning hair, or scalp issues, chances are you’ve seen saw palmetto pop up more than once. It’s one of those herbs that quietly works behind the scenes while everyone else is arguing about cleansers.

Let’s talk about what saw palmetto actually does, why it shows up in skin and wellness conversations, and when it’s a yes versus a hard no.

First, what is saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto comes from the berries of a small palm native to the southeastern United States. Herbalists have used it for generations, especially when hormones are part of the conversation. And spoiler alert: hormones are almost always part of the conversation, whether we’re talking skin, scalp, mood, or energy.

Why people love saw palmetto

It helps calm hormonal chaos
Saw palmetto is best known for its ability to help reduce excess DHT. DHT is a form of testosterone that can be a little… enthusiastic. Too much of it is linked to things like hormonal acne, excess oil production, hair thinning, and prostate issues. Saw palmetto helps take the edge off without completely shutting things down.

Your skin might finally take a deep breath
When hormones are driving oil production, no amount of “gentle foaming cleanser” is going to fix the root issue. By helping regulate DHT, saw palmetto can indirectly support calmer skin, fewer jawline breakouts, and less of that constant oily-by-noon feeling.

It has anti-inflammatory benefits
Inflammation is often the uninvited guest at every skin concern. Saw palmetto contains plant compounds that help calm inflammatory pathways, which is helpful for acne, scalp irritation, and skin that always seems slightly irritated for no clear reason.

It’s been used forever for prostate and urinary health
This is where saw palmetto really built its reputation. Traditionally, it’s been used to support prostate health and urinary flow. While this might sound unrelated to skin, it all circles back to hormone balance and inflammation.

Is saw palmetto safe?

For most people, yes, when used appropriately.

It’s generally well tolerated, especially when taken with food. Some people notice mild digestive upset if they take it on an empty stomach, but that’s usually easy to fix.

It’s also considered safe for longer-term use, though I always recommend checking in with your body periodically instead of taking anything on autopilot forever.

When saw palmetto is not a good idea

This part matters, so read it twice.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.  Saw palmetto is a no during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its hormone-modulating effects.
• Hormone-sensitive conditions. If you have a history of hormone-sensitive cancers or conditions, this herb needs professional oversight. This is not a “let me try it and see” situation.
• On hormonal medications. Birth control, hormone replacement therapy, or medications that affect hormones can interact with saw palmetto. Always check with your provider first.
• Before surgery.  Saw palmetto can slightly affect blood clotting. It should be stopped at least two weeks before any surgical procedure.

The BIG picture

Saw palmetto isn’t a magic fix. It’s a support herb. And when used intentionally, it can be incredibly helpful for people dealing with hormonally driven skin concerns, scalp issues, or inflammation that never seems to fully settle.

At Soma, we look at skin through a whole-body lens. Sometimes the breakout isn’t about what you’re putting on your face. Sometimes it’s about what’s happening underneath the surface.

If you’re curious whether herbs like saw palmetto could support your skin journey, this is exactly what we explore in our consultations. No guessing, no trends, no throwing products at the problem.

And yes, we always keep it real.

Want to keep learning? Stay close. We love a good plant with a personality. 

xo, Frankie