Biotin For Hair And Skin: The Benefits

While the products you use can help with maintaining beautiful hair, skin and nails, they also rely on what you put in your body. Biotin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B7, that plays an important role in keeping hair glossy, skin radiant and nails in good condition¹. While it’s found in foods like eggs, nuts and wholegrains1, it can also be taken as a supplement.

But is biotin something you should be adding to your daily routine? Let’s take a look at what biotin is and how it works in supporting hair growth, skin health and your nails, and whether it’s related to vitamin B12. 

Understanding biotin for hair growth

In recent years, biotin has become a popular supplement for healthier hair, nails and skin¹. This comes from studies linking biotin with enzyme complexes that play a role in keratin complexes, the protein responsible for supporting healthy hair and nails¹. 

So, is biotin good for hair, nails and skin? Yes, but can a lack of it cause problems? A diet low in biotin can be connected to brittle nails and thinning hair¹. Other factors such as genetics, diet and overall health can also impact how biotin works for your hair and nails. So it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional to understand whether biotin will work for you. 

What does biotin do for hair?

To answer the question, ‘Is biotin good for hair growth?’ we need to look at what it actually does. The body turns biotin into fatty acids, glucose and amino acids, which all promote healthy hair and follicle function². While there are studies to support these benefits for thinning hair and some hair growth conditions³, it’s important to consider other factors, such as overall health and other lifestyle factors⁴. 

Does biotin thicken hair?

Thinning hair can happen for many reasons, such as hair breakage and hair resilience. As biotin helps with the production of the protein in hair, skin and nails, known as keratin, it can also support scalp health by helping these cells grow and regenerate properly, which is important for healthier hair5. Other factors can also play a role in the thickness of your hair, including styling, the products you use, your nutrition, hydration and overall scalp health.

How much biotin to take daily for hair growth?

There’s no daily recommendation for taking biotin supplements for hair health, however, the typical adequate intake for adult females is 25 mcg and for adult males 30 mcg, depending on your needs⁶. If you’re interested in biotin benefits for hair, it’s always important to speak to your health professional before changing your supplement intake. 

What about biotin for skin?

Biotin is linked to keratin production, which aside from supporting hair and nails, also benefits hydration, elasticity and wound healing for the skin¹. Supplements may be something to consider to support the health of your skin. It’s always best to seek the guidance of your doctor when introducing new supplements into your routine. 

Is biotin good for skin?

So, what does biotin do for skin? The amino acids made by biotin play an important role in a healthier skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and firm¹. Biotin may be beneficial for improving skin texture⁷. 

What does biotin do for your face?

If you’re prone to blemishes or oily skin and concerned about using biotin, there is no evidence that biotin affects the production of sebum, the oily substance that helps protect your skin⁸. There’s also no evidence that it has any effect on acne or fine lines⁸. However, the skin problems seen from a lack of or deficiency in biotin show the role it plays in maintaining overall skin health⁹.

Is biotin a B12 vitamin?

While biotin and B12 are often confused with one another, they are two very different vitamins. Both are water-soluble B-complex vitamins that support energy production and nervous system health, however, B12 supports red blood cell formation, while biotin’s role is more involved in metabolism and keratin production⁹. 

Biotin can be beneficial for supporting hair, skin and nail health. Want to learn more about hair, skin and nail supplements? Visit the Swisse Wellness Hub. 

References:

1. Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disord. 2017;3(3):166-169. doi:10.1159/000462981
2. Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Biotin: Fact sheet for health professionals. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved [date], from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
3. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9(1):51-70. doi:10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6
4. Trüeb RM. Serum Biotin Levels in Women Complaining of Hair Loss. Int J Trichology. 2016;8(2):73-77. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.188040
5. Fundakian, L. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine 3rd Edition. Gale Cengage Learning
6. Health N. Biotin. Eat For Health [Internet]. Eatforhealth.gov.au. 2021. Available from: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/biotin
7. Güder H, Eker P. A Retrospective Evaluation of the Laboratory Findings of Dermatology Patients Whose Biotin Levels Were Checked. Cureus. 2023;15(7):e41482. Published 2023 Jul 6. doi:10.7759/cureus.41482
8. Yelich A, Jenkins H, Holt S, Miller R. Biotin for Hair Loss: Teasing Out the Evidence. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2024;17(8):56-61.
9. Coates, P et al. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements, Informa Healthcare, 2010. pp 43-50.