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A quick look at the best biotin supplements
- Best biotin supplement capsule: Life Extension Biotin
- Best organic biotin supplement: Garden of Life Mykind Organic Plant Collagen Builder
- Best biotin supplement for hair health: OLLY Ultra Hair
- Best hair, skin, and nails biotin supplement: Pure Encapsulations Hair, Skin, and Nails Ultra
- Best hair, skin, and nails gummy: OLLY Undeniable Beauty Gummy
- Best budget-friendly biotin supplement: Klaire Labs Biotin
- Best vegan biotin supplement: Pure Encapsulations Biotin
- Best biotin gummy: Bronson Biotin Gummies
- Best liquid biotin supplement: Carlyle Biotin Liquid Gel Drops
- Best drugstore biotin supplement: NatureMade Biotin 1000 mcg Softgels
- Best lower dose biotin supplement: Vital Proteins Hair Boost
- Best high end biotin supplement: MindBodyGreen Beauty & Gut Collagen+
What is biotin?
Biotin is a B vitamin that your body needs to help convert food breakdown products into useable energy (1).
It’s richest in animal foods, including organ meats, fish, eggs, and meat. However, it’s also found in nuts, seeds, and sweet potatoes (1).
Most people get enough biotin in their diet, so deficiency is rare. However, you may be at increased risk of biotin deficiency if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have alcohol use disorder, or have a condition called biotinidase deficiency (1).
Benefits of biotin
Some of the potential benefits of biotin include:
- Metabolism. The major role of biotin is to help metabolize the fatty acids, proteins, and sugars from food into a form that your body can use for energy (1).
- Hair, skin, and nail support. Some of the major symptoms of biotin deficiency include brittle nails and hair, alongside skin concerns, which has led many people to believe that biotin can help improve these areas in anyone. Supplement manufacturers have capitalized on this by including high doses of biotin in “hair, skin, and nails” formulations. However, there’s little evidence that biotin can help improve hair, skin, or nail health in people who don’t have a biotin deficiency (2).
How we chose
When choosing the best biotin supplements, we looked at the following:
- Indicators of trust. We prioritized products that are third-party tested for purity and potency and made in facilities that adhere to the current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Ingredient quality. We chose products that contain high quality ingredients, with minimal use of fillers and additives.
- Vetting. All the biotin supplements below have been vetted to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price range.
Generally, prices range from $0.07–$1.67 per serving, or $9.30–$50 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Note that serving sizes vary by product.
Pricing guide
- $= under $0.50 per serving
- $$= $0.50–$1.00 per serving
- $$$= over $1.00 per serving
Healthline’s picks for the best biotin supplements
Best biotin supplement capsule
Life Extension Biotin
- Price:$
- Type: capsule
- Dose: 1 capsule provides 2,000% of the DV
Live Extension Biotin is vegetarian and non-GMO, as well as third-party tested by NSF International.
Per serving, this supplement from Life Extension provides 2,000% of the DV for biotin. This is a relatively low dose compared with most other biotin-only supplements.
Several reviewers mention that taking the vitamin has helped strengthen their nails, though others note that it took close to 1 year before they noticed improvements.
Still, despite anecdotal reports, keep in mind that there’s minimal evidence to support the effectiveness of biotin for hair and nail health.
Pros
- third-party tested
- non-GMO
- vegetarian-friendly
- lower dose of biotin
- affordable
Considerations
- some reviews note a lack of noticeable benefits
- lower dose of biotin still provides 2,000% of the DV
Best organic biotin supplement
Garden of Life Mykind Organic Plant Collagen Builder
- Price:$–$$
- Type: tablet
- Dose: 2 tablets provide 830% of the DV
This organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly supplement is designed to promotecollagensynthesis and improve the appearance of your skin.
In addition to biotin, Garden of Life Mykind Organic Plant Collagen Builder contains several other vitamins, minerals, and botanicals that may help support healthy hair and skin, such as silica and vitamin C (4).
The supplement is also third-party certified gluten-free by NSF International, making it safe for those with a gluten-related condition.
Pros
- NSF certified gluten-free
- certified organic
- non-GMO verified
- certified vegan
- includes additional ingredients that may be beneficial for skin health
Considerations
- not third-party tested for accuracy and potency
- high dose of biotin exceeding 800% of the DV
Best biotin supplement for hair health
OLLY Ultra Hair
- Price:$$$
- Type: softgel
- Dose: 1 softgel provides 10,000% of the DV
OLLY Ultra Hair is formulated to promote strong hair, prevent breakage, preserve pigment, and encourage hair growth.
Each serving contains a high dose of biotin, along with vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, zinc, copper,keratin, amla fruit extract, and silicon, some of which are purported to boost hair growth, though the research is mixed (5).
The product is highly rated by reviewers, and it’s third-party tested by NSF International to ensure purity and potency.
Keep in mind that as the capsules contain gelatin and beeswax, this supplement isn’t suitable for those following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Pros
- third-party tested
- contains additional ingredients that may be beneficial for hair health
Considerations
- expensive
- not appropriate for vegans or vegetarians
- high dose of biotin
Best hair, skin, and nails biotin supplement
Pure Encapsulations Hair, Skin, and Nails Ultra
- Price:$$$
- Type: capsule
- Dose: 2 capsules provide 20,000% of the DV
Pure Encapsulations is a trusted supplement brand among healthcare professionals. The ingredients and products undergo rigorous testing by a number of third-party labs, such as Silliker, Eurofins, Covance, and Advance Laboratories.
This supplement contains 20,000% of the DV for biotin per two-tablet serving, along with a number of other active ingredients to support hair, skin, and nail health, such as silica, collagen, zinc, and coenzyme Q10(CoQ10) (4, 6, 7, 8).
Note that high doses of biotin don’t appear to pose a risk of toxicity, although they may interfere with lab testing.
When taken at high doses, excess B vitamins are typically flushed out via your urine. However, it’s possible that there simply hasn’t been enough research on the potential side effects of taking too much (1).
Regardless, be sure to clear a high dose biotin supplement like this one with a healthcare professional, especially if you plan to take it over a long period.
Pros
- third-party tested
- non-GMO
- certified gluten-free
- contains additional ingredients that may be beneficial for hair, skin, and nail health
Considerations
- very high dose of biotin
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
Best hair, skin, and nails gummy
OLLY Undeniable Beauty Gummy
- Price:$$
- Type: gummy
- Dose: 2 gummies provide 8,333% of the DV
These convenient gummies are gluten-free and provide 8,333% of the DV for biotin per serving, along with antioxidant vitamin C to potentially help promote collagen synthesis (9).
These grapefruit-flavored gummies are naturally colored using real fruit and vegetable juices and lightly sweetened with glucose syrup. Still, as they contain 2 grams of added sugar per serving, they may not be suitable for those looking to reduce their added sugar intake.
Like all other OLLY supplements, Undeniable Beauty gummies are third-party tested for purity and quality by NSF International.
Pros
- third-party tested
- convenient gummy form
- gluten-free
- naturally colored
- includes additional ingredients that may be beneficial for hair, skin, and nails
Considerations
- contains 2 grams of added sugar per serving
- not vegan-friendly
- high dose of biotin
Best budget-friendly biotin supplement
Klaire Labs Biotin
- Price:$
- Type: capsule
- Dose: 2 capsules provide 16,667% of the DV
Klaire Labs is another trusted supplement brand among healthcare professionals. The brand specializes in high quality, hypoallergenic supplements manufactured in CGMP certified facilities.
This supplement contains just one active ingredient, biotin, and is free of major allergens like wheat and dairy.
Pros
- CGMP certified facility
- free of major allergens
- inexpensive
Considerations
- not third-party tested
- high dose of biotin
Best vegan biotin supplement
Pure Encapsulations Biotin
- Price:$
- Type: capsule
- Dose: 1 capsule provides 26,667% of the DV
In addition to the hair, skin, and nails supplement mentioned earlier, Pure Encapsulations offers a biotin-only softgel that’s hypoallergenic, non-GMO verified, vegan-friendly, and certified gluten-free.
This supplement contains only biotin, cellulose as a filler, and a softgel capsule. However, keep in mind that it’s another very high dose biotin supplement.
All Pure Encapsulations supplements are third-party tested for accuracy and purity.
Pros
- third-party tested
- certified gluten-free
- non-GMO verified
- vegan-friendly
- inexpensive
Considerations
- very high dose of biotin
- some complaints of side effects, including rashes and digestive upset
Best biotin gummy
Bronson Biotin Gummies
- Price:$
- Type: gummy
- Dose: 2 gummies provide 16,667% of the DV
This supplement contains biotin in gummy form, which can be a good option for those who dislike pills or have trouble swallowing them.
However, these gummies contain some added sugar, so they may not be appropriate if you’re following a low carb diet like keto or trying to avoid added sugars.
They’re also naturally colored and flavored using blueberry flavor andpurple carrotjuice concentrate.
Bronson’s vitamins, including its gummies, are manufactured in an FDA certified CGMP facility.
Pros
- vegan-friendly
- CGMP certified facility
- gummy form may be easier to take
- non-GMO
- naturally flavored and colored
Considerations
- not third-party tested
- contains added sugar
- high dose of biotin
Best liquid biotin supplement
Carlyle Biotin Liquid Gel Drops
- Price:$
- Type: liquid
- Dose: 1 dropper (1 mL) provides 33,333% of the DV
Liquid supplements offer a sugar-free alternative to gummies that’s still easier to swallow than softgels or tablets.
One of the best liquid biotin supplements on the market is this product from Carlyle Nutritionals.
Each berry-flavored serving provides 33,333% of the DV for biotin. It’s also sugar-free, naturally flavored, vegetarian-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
While not third-party tested, Carlyle supplements are manufactured in a CGMP facility. The company also claims the products are tested multiple times throughout the manufacturing process.
Pros
- CGMP certified facility
- sugar-free
- vegetarian-friendly
- convenient liquid form
- non-GMO
Considerations
- very high dose of biotin
- not third-party tested
- some negative reviews of the taste and texture
Best drugstore biotin supplement
NatureMade Biotin 1000 mcg Softgels
- Price: $
- Type: softgel
- Dose: 1 softgel provides 3,333% of the DV
NatureMade is a trusted supplement manufacturer that provides low cost supplements, and the brand is widely available online as well as in drugstores and grocery stores. This product provides 3,333% of the DV for biotin in a single softgel.
NatureMade’s full line of supplements is third-party tested and verified by United States Pharmacopeia (USP), including this product.
However, the product does contain some processed additives like soybean oil, rapeseed lecithin, and added color.
Pros
- inexpensive
- USP verified
- dose is a single softgel
Cons
- moderately high dose of biotin
- contains some processed additives
Best lower dose vitamin supplement
Vital Proteins Hair Boost
- Price: $$
- Type: capsule
- Dose: 2 capsules provide 500% of the DV
Formulated specifically for hair health, Vital Proteins Hair Boost contains a lower dose of biotin than most other biotin supplements.
Two capsules provide 500% of the DV for biotin. However, the supplement also contains other ingredients that may help with hair health, including silica and saw palmetto extract (4, 11).
Although the product is not third-party tested, it is produced in a cGMP manufacturing facility that meets FDA standards.
Many reviewers say they’ve noticed improvements in their hair and nails after consistently using Hair Boost, but others say the supplement seemed to have no effect.
Pros
- contains a moderate dose of biotin
- produced in a cGMP facility
- mostly positive reviews
Cons
- some reviewers say the product has no effect
- not third-party tested
Best high end biotin supplement
MindBodyGreen Beauty & Gut Collagen+
- Price: $$$
- Type: powder
- Dose: 1 scoop provides 1,667% of the DV
The MindBodyGreen Beauty & Gut Collagen+ is a collagen supplement that is specifically designed to promote skin and gut health.
In addition to a fairly low dose of biotin (when compared with other supplements) providing 1,667% of the DV, the supplement contains collagen, hyaluronic acid, glutamine, turmeric, broccoli seed extract, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Collagen helps support healthy skin, bones, joints, and other types of connective tissue, and the other ingredients in this supplement may also possess some beauty benefits (10).
Reviewers say the product really seems to help with their skin, but it’s unlikely that this is because of the biotin content. Additionally, the product is not third-party tested, but is produced in a cGMP facility.
Pros
- contains a lower dose of biotin than many other biotin supplements
- contains collagen to promote skin health
- reviewers say it helps their skin
Cons
- not third-party tested
- powder form may not be as convenient as capsules or tablets
- skin benefits are probably from other ingredients, not biotin
How to choose a biotin supplement
Here are some things to consider when shopping for a biotin supplement:
- Third-party testing. It’s best to choose a supplement that has undergone third-party testing to ensure quality and purity. Many supplements on this list are third-party tested, and the rest are manufactured in CGMP certified facilities with in-house testing protocols.
- Allergies and dietary needs. Also consider any allergies or dietary considerations you may have. Klaire Labs and Pure Encapsulations offer hypoallergenic biotin supplements, while Garden of Life offers organic, vegan-friendly options.
- Supplement type. As with any supplement, you’ll want to choose the form — softgel, gummy, or liquid — that’s easiest and most convenient for you to take.
- Your goals. If you don’t need to supplement with biotin but are looking to improve the quality of your hair, skin, and nails, choose a supplement specifically formulated for this purpose. It’ll likely contain additional ingredients that support your goals.
Keep in mind that there’s little evidence to support the use of biotin for hair, nail, or skin health. Consuming a healthy, well-rounded diet will do much more for your hair, skin, and nails than taking a supplement.
Biotin supplements can also affect certain lab tests, such as those used to measure thyroid hormones or heart damage, potentially leading to false results. This could lead to the misdiagnosis of serious medical conditions, which could be dangerous and even deadly (1, 3).
As a result, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before taking a biotin supplement.
Finally, because all the supplements below contain high amounts of biotin, it’s important not to take more than the manufacturer’s recommended dose.
A comparison of the best biotin supplements
Biotin supplementsPriceTypeDoseLife Extension Biotin$capsule 1 capsule provides 2,000% of the DV Garden of Life Mykind Organic Plant Collagen Builder$–$$tablet 2 tablets provide 830% of the DV OLLY Ultra Hair$$$softgel1 softgel provides 10,000% of the DVPure Encapsulations Hair, Skin, and Nails Ultra$$$capsule2 capsules provide 20,000% of the DVOLLY Undeniable Beauty Gummy$$gummy2 gummies provide 8,333% of the DVKlaire Labs Biotin$capsule2 capsules provide 16,667% of the DVPure Encapsulations Biotin$capsule1 capsule provides 26,667% of the DVBronson Biotin Gummies$gummy2 gummies provide 16,667% of the DVCarlyle Biotin Liquid Gel Drops$liquid1 dropper (1 mL) provides 33,333% of the DVNatureMade Biotin 1000 mcg Softgels$softgel1 softgel provides 3,333% of the DVVital Proteins Hair Boost$$capsule 2 capsules provide 500% of the DV MindBodyGreen Beauty & Gut Collagen+$$$powder1 scoop provides 1,667% of the DVFrequently asked questions
What are biotin supplements good for?
Biotin supplements are most commonly used to promote healthy hair or nail growth. Some of the symptoms of biotin deficiency are hair loss, skin changes, and brittle nails (1).
However, there’s limited evidence to support this particular use for biotin because most people aren’t deficient in biotin — despite its popularity as a hair, skin, and nails vitamin (12).
However, some populations are at risk of biotin deficiency and may benefit from a supplement, including those with alcohol use disorder, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with a biotinidase deficiency, which affects how the body metabolizes biotin (1).
How much biotin should I take per day?
The daily Adequate Intake (AI) levels for biotin for adults are as follows (1):
- Men: 30 mcg
- Women: 30 mcg
- Pregnancy: 30 mcg
- Breastfeeding: 35 mcg
The AI levels for biotin are believed to meet the needs of at least 50% of the population, until more research is conducted regarding biotin needs.
Most biotin supplements contain significantly higher amounts than the AI. The supplements on this list provide 830–33,333% of the DV for biotin. Fortunately, there’s no evidence that high doses are directly harmful (1).
However, high doses of biotin can interfere with lab tests by falsely skewing thyroid hormone levels, vitamin D levels, or other results, which could have a significant impact on your medical care (1, 13).
Be sure to let a healthcare professional know if you’re taking a biotin supplement prior to having lab work done.
Are there side effects of taking biotin?
Biotin doesn’t appear to be linked to any notable side effects. Some people report skin rashes or digestive upset after taking a biotin supplement, but there’s currently no research on specific biotin side effects.
Remember, however, that biotin may interfere with lab testing results. Biotin supplements may also interfere with anticonvulsant medications, so make sure to speak with a healthcare professional before taking biotin if you’re on an anticonvulsant (1).
How to tell if you need more biotin?
Biotin deficiency is rare, but if you’re deficient in biotin you may experience (1):
- hair thinning or hair loss
- red, scaly skin rash
- conjunctivitis, or pink eye
- brittle nails
- fatigue
- seizures
If you suspect biotin deficiency, speak with a healthcare professional about confirming it with a blood test.
What happens if you take too much biotin supplement?
Taking too much biotin from supplements may cause falsely high or low thyroid hormone or vitamin D levels. For this reason, it’s important to notify your healthcare professional prior to having bloodwork done if you’re taking biotin or a hair, skin, and nails supplement (1, 13).
How long does a biotin supplement stay in your system?
According to one study, blood biotin level reaches its peak 2–4 hours after taking a biotin supplement. But the study noted that your biotin may still be elevated above normal even at 24 hours after taking a supplement (14).
For this reason, your healthcare professional may ask you to stop taking biotin supplements for 48 hours prior to having bloodwork done (14).
Useful supplement shopping guides
- How to Choose High Quality Vitamins and Supplements
- How to Read Supplement Labels Like a Pro
The bottom line
Biotin is an essential vitamin that helps regulate energy metabolism and cellular function. It’s also a key ingredient in many hair, skin, and nails supplements.
Most people don’t need to take biotin supplements, but there are a variety of options for those who do, including softgels, gummies, and liquids.
Just make sure to choose a product that’s produced by a reputable manufacturer with a cGMP certified facility and is third-party tested to ensure accuracy and purity.
These biotin supplements are all great options. That said, as with any supplement, speak with a healthcare professional before adding a biotin supplement to your routine.