The word ‘biotin’ originates from the Greek word ‘biotos’ which means life. It is a water-soluble form of vitamin B. It is also referred to as vitamin H.
Though studies are at a preliminary stage, evidence of this nutrient improving hair and skin issues has propelled its supplementation. This vitamin B form treats nail brittles and thinning hair (1), (2).
Biotin has other health benefits as well. It is needed by the body for the conversion of certain proteins, glucose, and fatty acids into energy (3).
This article brings to you the 6 best Biotin supplements for improving the health of hair, skin, and nails. It features the best aspects of these supplements of this vitamin B form and the reasons behind them.
Our Best Picks
1. The Best Folic Acid Biotin – Folexin
2. The Best Pure Biotin Powder – Bulk Supplements Pure Biotin
3. The Best Budget Softgel Biotin – Nature’s Bounty Biotin
4. The Best Gluten-Free Biotin With Calcium – Nuzena Biotin Pure +
5. The Best Gummy Biotin With Vitamin C- Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions
6. The Best Liquid Biotin – Pure Research Biotin
1. Best Folic Acid Biotin: Folexin
Folic acid forms a major component in the treatment of skin discoloration (vitiligo), that can occur on any part of the skin (4).
Fo-ti is a herb that has been used by the Chinese for centuries. It is known to reverse graying and loss of hair. Folic acid and the herbal extract of fo-ti are present in sufficient amounts in this food supplement.
About Folexin
Folexin contains two main ingredients namely biotin, and fo-ti. It also contains adequate amounts of vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and folic acid. These components support the health of hair, skin, and nails.
Each bottle has 30 capsules. The serving size is 2 capsules per day to be taken with a meal. A gap of one hour should be kept between the intake of other medications and this supplement. Vegetarians too can use this product.
Folexin is manufactured in the USA in a facility that follows GMP guidelines. It has a global distribution network in 23 countries. Folexin can be purchased without a prescription.
What it Contains:
Folexin contains 880 mcg of folic acid with 600 mcg of biotin in every serving. The other key ingredients found in this supplement are iron, zinc, vitamins A, and C. It also contains vitamin B-complex.
The supplement contains high-quality ingredients that include a range of minerals. Some of them are the following:-
- Magnesium (26%) – 120 mg
- Calcium (6%) – 80 mg
It also contains Iron (81%) – 14.5 mg, Potassium (<1%) – 12 mg and Manganese (174%) – 4mg
The above list of ingredients is based on a daily value percentage of 2 capsules in each serving. There are certain herbal extracts as well in the product.
In addition to that, some inactive components such as vegetable cellulose, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate are also there.
Pros:
- Contains herb extracts, vitamins, and minerals
- Vegetarian product
- Made in an FDA registered facility
- Only the best quality ingredients are used
Summary: Folexin supports a natural, strong, and healthy hair growth cycle. The blend of natural ingredients and herbs found in this supplement also provides support in maintaining healthy skin.
2. Best Pure Biotin Powder: Bulk Supplements Pure Biotin
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin B. Supplemental biotin comes in different forms, like capsules, gummies, and powder.
Some form a part of multivitamins or as one of the constituents of vitamin B-complex, while only-biotin supplements are also manufactured by a few companies.
About Bulk Supplements Pure Biotin Vitamin B7
Biotin from Bulk Supplements comes in a powder form. It is made from pure biotin only.
The purity of the biotin powder makes it so effective that only 1 milligram is required in each serving. It should be measured with an accurate milligram scale before consumption.
The vitamin supplement has been third party tested. The manufacturing facility uses cGMP guidelines. It has been lab-tested.
What it Contains:
One serving contains:
- 1 milligram of biotin
Soy, sugar, dairy, yeast, and gluten are not present in this product. It does not contain any other or inactive ingredients. No fillers are added to this supplement.
The supplement comes in packs of 10, 25, 50, 100, and 250 grams. Higher quantity packs are also available.
Pros:
- Pure and clean biotin
- Biotin is the sole ingredient
- Free from soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, sugar, and additives
- Comes in varying sized convenient packs
Summary: If you are looking for the only biotin in its pure form, then Bulk Supplements provides you with the purest and cleanest vitamin B7 supplement.
3. Best Budget Softgel Biotin: Nature’s Bounty Biotin
Soft gelatin capsules are the leading form of dietary supplements. The soft gel supplemental form of the nutrient helps in its rapid release of the nutrients in the body.
About Nature’s Bounty Biotin
Nature’s Bounty Biotin offers the most budget-friendly biotin supplement and is only a fragment of the cost when compared to other products. Each bottle contains 120 rapid-release soft gels.
Each Nature’s Bounty biotin soft gel delivers 10,000 mcg of biotin. This is an advanced men’s series hair soft gels.
The company has established its quality standards for over 50 years. It has its own scientific advisory council of experts. The product is lab tested and uses only natural ingredients.
Nature’s Bounty biotin has received an A+ rating by Labdoor, which is an independent supplement quality testing company. The product is made in the United States with select ingredients sourced from different countries.
What it Contains:
Each serving of one soft gel contains:
- 10, 000 mcg of biotin.
The other ingredients include gelatin, vegetable glycerin, titanium dioxide color, yellow beeswax, and soybean oil.
No artificial preservatives, flavors, or sweeteners are present in the product. It does not contain allergens, lactose, gluten, sugar, fish, and sodium.
Pros:
- Contains no preservatives or allergen
- Highly affordable pricing
- 120 rapid-release soft gels in each bottle
- Acquired A+ rating for quality
Summary: Nature’s Bounty Biotin is among the few products that offer the highest dosage in each soft gel with the best price. The consistent quality standards of this supplement have been recognized.
4. Best Gluten-Free Biotin With Calcium: Nuzena Biotin Pure +
Calcium is among the important minerals that are required by the cells of the hair follicles. Most Americans do not meet the recommended daily need for this nutrient (5).
Pure biotin helps not only with the growth of hair but also supports hair volume, structure, and quality (6). Biotin is also used in the manufacture of shampoos and other hair products.
About Nuzena Biotin Pure +
The formula of Nuzena Biotin Pure is free from gluten and includes a considerable quantity of calcium and biotin, that is required for healthy hair growth.
The product contains 10,000 mcg of pure biotin per serving. The supplement is a vegan-friendly product. Free shipping is offered for purchases above 50 dollars. The company follows a simple and easy return policy.
The manufacturing company offers free services to a personal health specialist. The ingredients are sustainably sourced.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 1 capsule contains:
- 10, 000 mcg of biotin
- 176 mg of calcium
Made from natural and clinically tested ingredients, the company follows only non-GMO and gluten-free formulas for its production.
The other ingredients are rice flour and vegetable magnesium stearate. The vegetable capsule is made from cellulose.
The biotin capsules are manufactured in the United States, in an FDA registered facility. Each pack has 60 capsules which easily can suffice you for a month.
Pros:
- No gluten added
- Made in an FDA registered facility
- A good quantity of calcium in each serving
- Contains only 100% natural ingredients
Summary: Nuzena Biotin Pure + is made with clinically proven, natural ingredients. Containing 10,000 mcg of biotin and calcium, this product provides ultimate support to natural hair growth.
5. Best Gummy Biotin With Vitamin C: Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions
Vitamin C has many health benefits to its credit. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps in creating a protein known as collagen, which is an important part of the hair structure. It also supports vibrant skin.
A combination of biotin ( the vitamin responsible for hair health) and vitamin C can ensure lustrous hair and protect the skin against sunburn (7).
About Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions
Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions is the No.1 brand that provides silky hair, and glowing skin, and healthy nails. It contains pure biotin that is further strengthened by the inclusion of vitamin C and vitamin E.
The strawberry-flavored gummies are tasty. Each pack contains 140 gummies.
The product is made from the purest of ingredients by a company that has established its presence and quality products for over 5 decades.
The manufacturing facility has cleared the audit of United States Pharmacopeia and STR (Specialized Technology Resources)
What it Contains:
Each serving of 2 gummies contains:
- 2500 mcg of biotin
The supplement contains vitamin C (25%) – 15 mg, vitamin E (50%) IU and sodium (<1%) – 10 mg. The product contains (1%) -3 grams of carbohydrates. Its daily value percent is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Apart from being free of gluten, lactose, fish, milk, and yeast, this product does not contain soy that is added by many of its competitors.
Pros:
- Contains antioxidants vitamin E and C
- Strawberry flavor is appealing
- Has cleared the audit of United States Pharmacopeia and STR
- Free from allergens and unwanted substances
Summary: Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions biotin supplement provides a neat list of ingredients that support the maintenance of healthy hair, skin, and nails. Vitamin C and E, which are present in these gummies are powerful antioxidants that give you the ultimate solution of hair, skin, and nails.
6. Best Liquid Biotin: Pure Research Biotin
The liquid biotin supplement allows for quicker absorption than pills or gummies. It does not get processed by stomach acids. The added benefits of organic components ensure better quality standards.
About Pure Research Biotin
Made in the United States, this liquid supplement uses only non-GMO ingredients, which have been certified as organic. The company adheres to the GMP protocol in production.
It has a delicious flavor of mixed berries. It is one of the few biotin supplements that can be used by vegans. It also provides a 60-day money-back guarantee which is not given by its competitors.
The serving size is 0.5 ml or ½ dropper. The bottle contains 60 servings. The biotin liquid supplement supports the health and growth of hair and skin. It increases nail strength.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 15 drops or 0.5 ml contains:
- 10, 000 mcg of biotin
The other ingredients used in this liquid supplement are purified water, organic grape, alcohol, stevia (leaf extract), vegetable glycerin, and natural flavors.
This supplementation not only helps support healthy hair, skin, and nails, but also boosts digestive health, glucose tolerance, and cognitive health.
There are no fillers or binders added to the biotin liquid.
Pros:
- Liquid biotin provides quick absorption
- Organic ingredients used
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Vegan-friendly
Summary: Pure Research biotin validates its name by delivering the quickest absorption of this vitamin B 7 in its liquid form. No artificial substances form part of this supplement.
How We Rank the Best Biotin Products
Dosage
It is highly important to first check on the dosage of the supplements. While super-high potency formulations are available, please remember that more is always not better.
Biotin is a water-soluble B-vitamin and excess will just get excreted via urine. We ensured that the supplement dosage did not cross the 10mg value, as the biotin safety has not been studied at dosages beyond this.
Form
Biotin supplements come in several forms such as capsules and chewable gummies.
In case you have trouble taking pills that can get stuck in the throat, consider the gummy option. Just make sure you check the sugar content. Most gummies generally have that.
Ingredients
Biotin supplements may have additional ingredients such as B-vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin E, and herbs that can support hair growth.
It may also boost healthy skin and nails. We checked that no unnecessary fillers, binders, or coloring agents were there.
User Feedback
We also checked the online reviews of the product. Reference from friends and acquaintances were considered.
We made sure to check a third party website like amazon rather than the manufacturer’s website.
Brand Reputation
We also made sure that the product is from a reputed brand. The brand which is well known, is there for years and guarantees the purest form.
We had to ensure they were quality checked. But that does not mean if not famous, it is bad. There are times when you just have to take the dive in case you feel it’s good.
Summary: Amongst thousands of biotin supplements in the market, we considered certain criteria to decide which is the best. They were dosage of biotin, quality of ingredients, brand reputation, form, and user feedback.
The Dosage Instructions for Biotin Supplements
The age of the consumer determines the amount of biotin that can be ingested. It is mostly measured in micrograms (mcg).
Children in the age group of 9 to 13 years require 20 mcg of biotin. Teenagers who come in the age bracket of 14 to 18 years need 25 mcg biotin every day.
Adults require 30 micrograms of biotin daily. Pregnant and breast-feeding women require at least 35 mcg of biotin each day (8).
The above dosage is the normal level that the body needs. The dose should be higher for specific reasons such as nail strengthening and hair thickness.
Biotin is considered safe even at higher amounts. Different brands market this vitamin B in varying quantities. Under the supervision of a medical practitioner, a user can experiment with different doses of biotin.
Summary: There isn’t any recommended dosage for biotin. However, it is mainly based on a person’s age, sex, and overall health. Normally all the supplements have dosage mentioned and it is best to abide by it for maximum benefit.
The Side-Effects and Risks of Using Biotin Supplements
There are only a few side-effects if any, to a biotin supplement. These may show up as mild skin rash or an upset stomach.
Research shows that an excess of biotin gets eliminated through urination (9). The recommended intake of biotin is in the range of 30 to 100 micrograms per day. Studies show that even if levels are increased 3 times this dosage no adverse side-effects occur (10).
People who are on other medications will have to check with their physician before commencing on a biotin supplement. Other medications can affect biotin levels. Medicines taken for over a year to treat seizures can reduce the level of biotin in the body (11).
The use of biotin supplements can impact hormone testing lab results (12). More research on this characteristic of biotin is required.
Summary: The limited studies pursued in the uses of biotin has not completely analyzed the amount that can cause health concerns. However, those studies have highlighted the health benefits of this vitamin B form.
Any supplementation of biotin has to be recommended by a physician. There are no recorded cases of severe reactions to its high dose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I Choose a Biotin Supplement?
The main component of a biotin supplement is biotin. If you are a vegan, vegetarian or lactose intolerant you would be interested in the list of other ingredients present in the product. Some supplements also contain soy.
Other common ingredients are lutein, green tea leaf extract, and selenium. Certain supplements contain preservatives that may cause allergic reactions.
Before taking any supplement it is advisable to consult your physician, especially if you are on other medications. Other medications can interact with biotin. Medicines that treat acne reduce the effect of biotin.
Which Supplemental Form of Biotin is the Best?
The human body is capable of absorbing biotin irrespective of the supplemental form.
Liquid biotin drops get absorbed faster. Vegetarian soft gel capsules also digest quickly. Chewable gummies may have higher pricing.
What matters is that you have to choose the right form for your body and stick to it.
What is the Most Effective Dosage for Biotin?
Studies have experimented with 10,000 mcg doses of biotin and consider it safe. Some studies have used about 40,000 mcg with no adverse reaction reported.
However, only 30 mcg is recommended for an adult. This was the conclusion after population surveys.
Research into the optimal level of biotin requirement by the body is still to be standardized.
Why Does Biotin Deficiency Occur?
Though biotin deficiency occurrence is rare, it does take place. There are a few reasons associated with this condition, Lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking affect the absorption of this vitamin B (13).
Consuming too many egg whites can also cause biotin deficiency (14). The cooking of egg white nullifies the action of a protein compound that prevents biotin absorption.
However, this is cause for concern only for those who have a high consumption of egg whites.
What are the Best Sources of Biotin?
Sufficient quantities of biotin are found in salmon, tuna, beef, eggs, and almonds. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of this vitamin B form.
Vegans, vegetarians also can find good sources of biotin. A supplement provides a higher dose of biotin than any single food source.
If you are on a diet of egg whites, make sure to cook them to get rid of the protein compound that inhibits biotin absorption. However, a higher biotin content is present in egg yolk.
The Final Note
Biotin supplements have shown promising benefits for the health of hair, skin, and nails. Though scientific evidence is few and far between, this vitamin has found its place on the shelf of the cosmetic industry.
Biotin supplement is available in different forms. The gummy version contains sugar and is comparatively at a higher cost.
Though intake of high dosage of biotin has not shown any adverse side-effects, nothing is known about its long term use.
