Subsurface Scattering Shaders for Skins
⚪ Last updated 2017⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 1.9% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #22 of 56 Visuals and Graphics mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
USE COMMUNITY SHADERS INSTEAD OF THIS!
THANK YOU, DOODLUM! DOWNLOAD IT HERE.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Community Shaders
Obsidian Weathers and Seasons
DESCRIPTION
Subsurface Scattering is the effect of light coming in direct contact and interacting with a translucent material or surface and "scattering" at an endpoint. The result of this effect when light interacts with skin is, in most scenarios, a pink-ish translucent effect (hold your hand up to any light and you'll see).
In Classic Skyrim, this effect had been produced through ENB. In Fallout 4, Bethesda introduced proper SSS controlled through material files. And unfortunately, in Skyrim Special Edition, we are without this any form of skin SSS. Thankfully, we can achieve a similar effect with this cheap hack.
INSTALLATION
■ Download this mod, Subsurface Scattering Shaders for Skins.
■ Ensure that no files are overwriting any files in
interface\translations\.
There are no "hard" requirements and you do not need SKSE64. However, Community Shaders is recommended.
Because NPC Actor detection is done through a cloaking effect, Modern Brawl Bug Fix has been included with the mod.
COMPATIBILITY
Wet and Cold
Wet and Cold has a feature to let snow and ash build up on your character model.
These effects are EffectShaders and will not be compatible with the shader.
However, Wet and Cold's dripping water effect should be fully compatible.
Use the console commands startquest/stopquest ioriSSSQuest for debug purposes.
However, it may take several minutes for the effect to be removed from NPCs.
SPECIAL THANKS
DavidJCobb, for guidance and Cobb Rim Lighting.
mindflux, for gradient texture.
EnaiSiaion, for Modern Brawl Bug Fix.
A lightweight shader mod that adds fake subsurface scattering to skin for better visuals, without requiring ENB or SKSE64. Includes the Modern Brawl Bug Fix. Popular with 3,737 endorsements and nearly 200k downloads, last updated in 2017.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community favorite with 3,737 endorsements and nearly 200k downloads.
- No ENB or SKSE64 needed—just drop it in and go.
- Lightweight and script-free, so it won't tank your FPS.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2017, so it might not play nice with the latest game patches.
- The fake scattering effect can look off in certain lighting compared to true ENB.
- Compatibility with other skin or body mods is a gamble—test before committing.
For Skyrim players who want nicer-looking skin without the performance hit of ENB. If you're a modded playthrough veteran, this is a solid pick. Skip if you're on the latest patch and demand perfect compatibility.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Since it's script-free, you can install it manually by dropping the files into your Data folder—no mod manager needed.
- If you use other skin texture mods, load this after them so the shaders apply correctly.
- Check your game version—if you're on the latest Skyrim Special Edition patch, this old mod might cause issues.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- Dylan James
- Version
- 1.0.0
- Downloads
- 199,767
- Endorsements
- 3,737
- Category
- Visuals and Graphics
- Created
- 12/26/2017
- Updated
- 12/26/2017
🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Skyrim →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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