Is MSM all natural? The definitive guide to its origin and synthesis

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

While the compound methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) exists naturally on Earth as part of a biological cycle, a critical distinction must be made regarding supplements. The short answer to the question, 'Is MSM all natural?', is that while it does occur in nature, virtually all MSM supplements sold commercially are produced synthetically.

Quick Summary

MSM naturally occurs in trace amounts in plants and animals via the sulfur cycle. Commercial supplements, however, are synthetically manufactured in a lab. The resulting compound is chemically identical to its natural counterpart.

Key Points

Natural vs. Synthetic: While MSM occurs naturally in trace amounts, commercial supplements are synthetically manufactured because natural extraction is not commercially viable.
Chemically Identical: The synthetic MSM in supplements is chemically identical to the naturally occurring form, meaning the body uses it in the same way.
Source of Sulfur: MSM is a key organosulfur compound that is part of the Earth’s natural sulfur cycle, ultimately derived from marine organisms.
Purification Matters: For supplements, purity is determined by the manufacturing process. Distillation is widely recognized as a superior purification method to crystallization.
Dietary Insufficiency: Though present in some foods, the concentration of MSM is so low that relying on diet for therapeutic benefits is unrealistic.
High-Quality Assurance: Consumers should look for high-purity, lab-tested MSM supplements, as purity is more important than the 'natural' versus 'synthetic' label.

The Surprising Origin of MSM: Nature’s Sulfur Cycle

Contrary to marketing that might imply an herbal extract, the origin of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a fascinating journey through the Earth's ecosystem. A naturally occurring organosulfur compound, MSM is a crucial component of the global sulfur cycle. This cycle begins in the ocean, where marine algae and phytoplankton produce dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP). As these organisms die and decompose, they release dimethyl sulfide (DMS) gas into the atmosphere. DMS then undergoes oxidation reactions with ozone and sunlight, transforming into dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and, finally, MSM. This atmospheric MSM is carried back down to Earth's surface in rain and dew, where it is absorbed by plants and enters the food chain.

The Natural Presence of MSM in Foods

MSM is found in trace amounts in a variety of common foods. The levels, however, are typically minuscule and insufficient to provide a therapeutic dose through diet alone. Foods known to contain small quantities of MSM include:

Garlic
Onions
Asparagus
Kale
Brussels sprouts
Cow's milk
Coffee and tea
Certain grains

Heating and processing food further diminishes its already low MSM content. This makes relying on diet for a concentrated supply of MSM impractical for those seeking its health benefits, such as joint support or anti-inflammatory effects.

The Reality of Commercial MSM Supplements

Due to the extremely low concentrations of MSM in natural sources, large-scale extraction is not commercially viable. It would be similar to trying to extract gold from seawater; while traces exist, the process is not economically feasible. As a result, all commercially available MSM is produced synthetically in a laboratory. The synthetic process typically involves oxidizing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with hydrogen peroxide. The key takeaway for consumers is that, regardless of the supplement's marketing, the MSM you buy in stores is a lab-created compound.

Is Synthetic MSM Different from Natural MSM?

From a chemical standpoint, synthetic MSM is identical to the MSM found in nature. The molecules have the same chemical formula ($CH_3SO_2CH_3$) and structure. This means the body recognizes and utilizes it in the same way, regardless of its origin. Concerns over 'natural' versus 'synthetic' MSM are often misplaced when it comes to the chemical compound itself. Instead, the focus should be on the manufacturing process and the final product's purity.

Purification: Distillation vs. Crystallization

After synthesis, MSM must be purified to remove impurities and byproducts. There are two primary methods for this:

Distillation: Considered the superior method by chemical engineers, distillation involves heating the MSM to its boiling point of 248°C (478°F). The pure MSM evaporates, leaving behind heavier contaminants and lighter residues. This process results in a highly pure product with low moisture content. Many reputable US manufacturers use this method, including those producing branded ingredients like OptiMSM®.
Crystallization: This method uses solvents and a wash-and-centrifuge process to create and separate MSM crystals. The purity of crystallized MSM is dependent on the quality of the raw materials and water used, as occlusions can trap contaminants during the crystallization process. MSM produced in some parts of Asia, including China and India, often uses this method.

Natural vs. Synthetic MSM: A Comparison Table


Feature	Natural MSM	Synthetic MSM
Source	Trace amounts in plants, animals, and soil	Manufactured in a lab from petrochemical sources
Commercial Availability	Not commercially viable for supplements	Widely available as a supplement
Chemical Structure	Chemically identical to synthetic MSM	Chemically identical to natural MSM
Concentration	Found in minuscule concentrations (parts per million)	Highly concentrated doses suitable for supplementation
Purity	Not applicable commercially	Dependent on the purification method (distillation is superior)

Conclusion: The Truth Behind MSM

So, is MSM all natural? The precise answer is layered: the compound itself is a naturally occurring organic sulfur, but the supplements we consume are products of modern chemistry. This synthetic production is not a flaw but a necessity, as commercial quantities cannot be harvested from natural sources. The crucial factor for consumers is not whether the MSM is 'natural' but whether the supplement is a high-purity product, typically achieved through distillation. Understanding this distinction allows consumers to make informed choices, focusing on quality and safety rather than on a misleading 'natural' label. Regardless of its origin, the chemical integrity remains the same, ensuring that the body can effectively utilize this beneficial compound. For more information on the research and application of MSM, see the comprehensive review by the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSM originates naturally from the Earth's sulfur cycle, starting with phytoplankton in the oceans. It eventually returns to the land in rain, where plants absorb it in trace amounts.

The amount of MSM in natural sources, even sulfur-rich plants, is so minuscule that extracting it for commercial production would be economically unfeasible and inefficient.

No, the synthetic version is chemically and structurally identical to the natural compound. The body cannot distinguish between the two based on their origin.

Commercial MSM is typically synthesized by reacting dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with hydrogen peroxide in a lab.

Two primary methods are used: distillation, which is considered superior and results in higher purity, and crystallization, which can trap more impurities.

The term 'natural' can be misleading for MSM. Since the synthetic version is chemically identical to the natural one, focusing on the supplement's purity and manufacturing quality is more important.

MSM is generally well-tolerated. Some people may experience mild detoxification symptoms such as headaches or stomach upset in the first few days, which usually subside.