There is something irresistibly wholesome about omega-3 fish oils we have been told for many years. They are sold as tiny golden pearls of promise, the kind that whisper of shinier hair, softer skin, calmer moods and better concentration. They nourish the brain, support heart health, and even help your joints move more freely. In theory, it is like swallowing bottled front cover of glossy health magazine.
For many people, fish oil really does deliver. The key fatty acids, known as EPA and DHA, are essential for cell structure and brain function. They smooth out inflammation, which in turn can make your skin look calmer and your energy steadier. The body cannot make these on its own, which is why they are called essential. They truly are the oil that keeps the machinery of life running more smoothly.
But, as with anything lovely, there can be too much of a good thing. Sometimes fish oils go a little rogue. You might notice that your facial skin seems greasier than usual or that your hair looks glossy in the wrong way. A faint fishy scent may appear, whether on your skin or even in your breath. Some people notice that their natural scent changes in subtler ways, including a shift in vaginal odour. It can be disconcerting, especially when you are doing nothing differently except taking your supplements.
This happens because the body can only process so much oil before it starts excreting the excess through sweat and sebum. If the supplement is low in quality or has oxidised in the bottle, that process releases fishy-smelling compounds. The effect is not dangerous, but it is far from pleasant. The source of the oils themselves can be the issue (less salmon, more anchovy…).
The end result is that the same oil that promises to make you glow can end up making you feel like you have been flirting with a fishmonger.
There are a few simple tricks to avoid this. Always choose a high-quality, purified fish oil that has been cold-pressed or molecularly distilled. These methods remove impurities and keep the oil stable. Store the bottle in the fridge to slow oxidation, and take your capsules with food to improve absorption. Quality matters here. A cheap supplement will often do more harm than good, especially when it comes to smell and freshness.
If you have had enough of the fishy side of things, there is another way: algae-based omega-3 supplements have become the sleek, plant-powered alternative. Fish get their omega-3s from eating algae, so by going straight to the source, you are skipping the middle swimmer. The benefits are appealing: no odour, no greasy residue, no lingering aftertaste. They are also far more sustainable, which makes them a favourite among those who care about both wellness and the planet.
However, the algae version is not a perfect twin. While algae oils contain DHA and often some EPA, they usually lack the broader set of long-chain fatty acids that occur naturally in fish oil. These longer chains are thought to give fish oil its extra edge when it comes to heart health and inflammation control. In short, algae provides the essentials, but fish oil still carries the full orchestra.
That said, for most people, algae oil does the job beautifully. Unless you are training like an athlete or recovering from something that demands high levels of EPA, you will still get the glow, focus and balance you are looking for. Plus, you will avoid that faint, oceanic mystery scent that does not pair well with a romantic evening…
If you decide to switch, look for algae supplements labelled with both DHA and EPA. Keep them cool and sealed, just as you would with fish oil, because oxidation can still occur over time. A little care goes a long way in keeping your oils fresh and your body scent-neutral.
In the end, omega-3s are worth keeping in your daily ritual. They feed your brain, soften your skin, and add a touch of vitality that shows from the inside out. Just remember that quality, purity and freshness matter as much as the source itself. Fish oils can be wonderful, but algae oils are proof that you can keep your glow without smelling like the catch of the day.
There are ways to stay glowy, not slippery.
Photo by Diane Helentjaris
