The 10 Best Biotin Supplements of 2021, According to a Dietitian

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First Look

Best Overall: Jarrow Formulas at vitacost.com

"One vegetarian/vegan friendly capsule produces over 16,000 percent of the recommended daily intake of biotin."

Best for Hair: Country Life Maxi Hair at Amazon

"It contains a specific blend of nutrients to support hair health."

Best Whole Food Based: Megafood Hair Skin Nails 2 at Amazon

"This supplement strives to nourish and support a healthy complexion, nails, and hair."

Best Budget: Nature's Bounty at Amazon

"Nature’s Bounty keeps this supplement simple providing only biotin and no complementary ingredients in their product."

Best Gluten Free: Country Life at Amazon

"Offering 5,000 micrograms of potent d-biotin, one plant based capsule is gluten free, vegan, and kosher."

Best Biotin Only: Solgar Biotin at Amazon

"One vegan tablet provides 300 micrograms of biotin."

Best Vegan: NOW Foods at Amazon

"This potent biotin option, delivers 5,000 micrograms of biotin in a plant based capsule."

Best Hypoallergenic: Klaire Labs at Amazon

"Free of milk, casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, gluten, soybeans, corn, and yeast."

Best Gummy: Vitafusion Extra Strength Biotin Gummies at Amazon

"There is no high fructose corn syrup in these gummies."

Best B-Complex: Vitamin Code Raw B-Complex at Amazon

"Providing all 8 B vitamins, this product gives consumers 325 micrograms of biotin."

Biotin is a B vitamin and it is an essential nutrient, meaning humans must obtain it from food (or supplements). Food sources of biotin include eggs, fish, meat, nuts, seeds, and some vegetables. Required for energy metabolism, biotin plays an important role in many of the body’s enzymatic reactions. Biotin is probably best known for its effect on hair, skin, and nails due to the symptoms that occur when a deficiency is present (brittle nails, rashes, and thinning hair).

Research to support the use of supplemental biotin for optimal hair, skin and nail health is limited. It appears that taking supplemental biotin may be of benefit only to those who have diagnosed deficiencies. Although biotin appears to be well-tolerated and non-toxic even at high doses, it still can have undesired effects. That is, at very high doses, it may cause clinically significant falsely high or falsely low laboratory test results. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis.

As with any supplement, it is always important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplement. Biotin supplements come in various forms, including capsules and gummies. Some supplements include biotin as part of a B-complex or mixed into a multivitamin, whereas biotin-only supplements are also an option.

Here, the best biotin supplements:

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Jarrow Formulas

Jarrow Formulas Biotin — Courtesy of JarrowFormulas.com

Jarrow Formulas makes supplementing easy with this simple, biotin-only product, offering 5,000 micrograms of d-biotin, the naturally occurring form of biotin. Certified-Gluten Free by NSF, this product is also free of wheat, gluten, soybeans, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish, and peanuts/tree nuts.

One vegetarian/vegan friendly capsule produces over 16,000 percent of the recommended daily intake of biotin.

Best for Hair: Country Life Maxi Hair

Country Life Maxi Hair contains a specific blend of nutrients to support hair health. In addition to 5,000 micrograms of biotin, this product contains a blend of unique vitamins and minerals as well as Methylsulfonylmethane (an anti-inflammatory agent), horsetail extract, L-cysteine, and L-Methionine (an essential amino acid).

Ticking off major boxes such as certified gluten-free and vegetarian, this product is also free of milk, wheat, soy, preservative, and magnesium stearate. Country Life produces its products using renewable energy, a win for you and the environment.

Best Whole Food Based: Megafood Hair Skin Nails 2

Megafood is one of the most trusted brands in the supplement industry because of their commitment to transparency. Consumers can head to Megafood’s website and observe product production live 24 hours a day.

Two of the "Skin, Hair, and Nails" plant-based tablets contain vitamins A, C, E, B6, as well as biotin, zinc, and selenium. The capsules are made with natural ingredients like carrots, organic oranges, organic nettle leaf, and organic brown rice. Nettles are a type of plant with powerful medicinal compounds.

Following MegaFoods' motto “beauty from the inside out,” this supplement strives to nourish and support healthy skin, nails, and hair. The high-quality supplement is non-GMO Project Verified, glyphosate residue-free, certified gluten-free, certified vegan, kosher, and free of dairy and soy.

Best Budget: Nature's Bounty

If you are looking for a quality supplement that will not break the bank, Nature’s Bounty 5,000 mcg biotin is the choice for you. Nature’s Bounty keeps this supplement simple providing only biotin and no other herbs or complementary ingredients in their product.

The “no” list on this product is also of note. Free of artificial flavor, sweetener, sugar, starch, milk, lactose, gluten, wheat, yeast, and fish, this product ticks off many boxes for those with dietary restrictions.

Best Gluten Free: Country Life

Gluten-Free consumers can feel confident taking this simple supplement by Country Life. Offering 5,000 micrograms of potent d-biotin, one plant-based capsule is gluten-free, vegan, and kosher. In addition to being gluten-free, this supplement is also free of yeast, corn, wheat, soy, milk, salt, sugar, artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and magnesium stearate.

Offering their pledge of integrity, Country Life states that “every product we provide comes with a guarantee of high quality and purity in every bottle.”

Best Biotin Only: Solgar Biotin

Solgar has been in the dietary supplement industry for over 70 years. Their products are high-quality, and their manufacturing facilities follow strict guidelines from the FDA. One vegan tablet provides 300 micrograms of biotin. This is 1,000 percent of the daily recommended intake of biotin.

Solgar offers higher dose options however the lower dose in this specific product may be a safer option for those who do not have biotin deficiencies. The tablet is vegan, kosher, gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO.

Best Vegan: NOW Foods

NOW Foods is a leader in the supplement industry. Available at most health food stores and supermarket chains, NOW Foods offers high-quality products suitable for a variety of dietary needs. This potent biotin option delivers 5,000 micrograms of biotin in a plant-based capsule, making this an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians.

Unlike other B vitamins like vitamin B12, which is found primarily in meat and seafood, vegans are likely to meet their biotin needs through plants. However, if you're still looking to boost your intake, this is an excellent option. Nut, egg, dairy, and soy free, this product is also a good choice for those with multiple dietary needs.

Best Hypoallergenic: Klaire Labs

Finding a supplement that meets allergy-friendly requirements can be hard. Luckily, Klaire Labs makes shopping a bit easier. Trusted by healthcare practitioners since 1969, Klaire Labs products are developed closely with physicians. This product is hypoallergenic and is produced in a facility with strict regulations—in fact, consumers can head to Klaire Labs’s website and take a video tour of their facility.

Free of the following common allergens: milk/casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, gluten, soybeans, corn, and yeast, this product also contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Good to Know

As a pro-tip, take water-soluble vitamins—such as B complex and C—with non-caffeinated drinks. Caffeinated drinks can cause increased urination, which can decrease the concentration of these vitamins with the fluid loss.

Best Gummy: Vitafusion Extra Strength Biotin Gummies

If tablets and capsules are not your thing, you can still benefit from supplemental biotin in gummy form. Consumers can take two blueberry-flavored gummies for a potent punch of biotin or choose to take half of the recommended amount for a smaller (but still powerful) dose.

There is no high fructose corn syrup in these gummies—one serving contains three grams of sugar from tapioca syrup and regular sugar. This product is free of synthetic dyes and gluten; however, it does contain coconut, which is an allergen to some.

Best B-Complex: Vitamin Code Raw B-Complex

If you're biotin deficient, taking biotin on its own may be beneficial. However, if you are looking for an overall boost, taking a b-complex supplement might be the best bang for your buck. Taking a combination of B vitamins (as in a B-complex supplement) at once instead of individual B vitamins may improve their overall efficacy.

Providing all eight B vitamins, this product gives consumers 325 micrograms of biotin. In addition to powerful B vitamins, this supplement includes a raw probiotic and enzyme blend for digestive support and vegetable blend for additional nutritional support.

The capsules can be taken with or without food. If you don't like swallowing pills, you can open the capsules and add the contents to water or juice. The certified vegan, non-GMO B-complex is gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, and free of binders and fillers.

Final Verdict

Less is more when it comes to supplements unless instructed by your physician. For this reason, Solgar’s Biotin 300 mcg (view at Amazon) or Vitamin Code’s Raw B Complex (view at Amazon) are our two top choices.

What to Look for in a Biotin Supplement

Dose:

Although biotin is water-soluble and does not stay in the body for long, large doses can cause stomach pain, skin rashes, and kidney problems. Large amounts of biotin may be appropriate for those with diagnosed deficiencies; however, if you are looking to take biotin to support general health, it is always wise to update your healthcare provider with what you are taking and be on the lookout for side effects.

Certifications and third-party testing:

It's important to do your research instead of just picking a product blindly off the shelf. Opt for companies that independently test their products to verify quality and potency. For those with allergies, make sure the label is free of your particular allergen. It is also wise to look for a product with a “certified non-GMO” or “USDA Organic” seal for optimal ingredient integrity.

Additional/complementary nutrients:

Biotin supplements may contain additional ingredients, including complementary nutrients such as other B vitamins or herbs that are thought to promote hair, skin, and nail health. Always check the ingredient list to ensure that all of the ingredients are safe for your individual needs.

Form:

Supplements come in a variety of forms, including liquid, capsule, and gummies. Gummy supplements are a good choice for those who do not like to swallow pills. When shopping for a gummy supplement, pay attention to the grams of sugar per serving; ideally, it is less than four grams per serving and contains no harmful ingredients like food dyes and high fructose corn syrup.

There are biotin supplements available in liquid form. This is another easy to swallow option that is usually free of sugar. For consumers who are comfortable with swallowing supplements, you will find the most variety of options available in soft gel or tablet form.

Price:

Biotin supplements do not have to cost an arm and a leg in order to be effective. Shoppers can find high-quality products that do not break the bank. Pay attention to the number of servings in a bottle as well as the dose when comparing products. Supplement forms (tablet, capsule, liquid) and complementary ingredients will affect the price of products.

FAQs

What's the difference between a biotin-only and a B-Complex supplement?

There are eight B Vitamins and Biotin is one of them (Vitamin B-7). In general, the B Vitamins work best when taken together as seen in B-Complex supplements or multivitamins. For consumers who are looking to minimize the number of supplements they are taking, it might be wise to choose a B-Complex or Multivitamin that contains about 30 micrograms of biotin per serving. In addition to minimizing the burden of taking supplements, choosing a comprehensive product can minimize the cost.

What are some contraindications against taking biotin?

Biotin can interact with certain medications, and some medications can have an adverse effect on biotin levels. Individuals on long-term anti-seizure therapy reportedly have reduced blood biotin concentrations. Consult with your healthcare provider to see if supplementation is right for you if you are taking these medications.

Very high intakes of biotin may interfere with tests that measure levels of hormones (such as thyroid hormone) and Vitamin D, producing falsely normal or abnormal results.

I have food allergies. Can I take a biotin supplement?

Some products are allergy-friendly while others may not be, always double-check ingredients and labels.

Finding a supplement that meets allergy-friendly requirements can be hard. Thankfully, gluten-free products are more common than ever however for other dietary restrictions such as wheat, soy, egg, yeast, nut, shoppers will have to check the bottle a bit more closely. Brands like Pure Encapsulations, Klaire Labs, Megafoods, Innate Response, and Garden of Life meticulously test their products for allergens.

What Experts Say

"Many people are aware of biotin for its reputation in promoting healthy hair and strong nails. The fact is, though, very little evidence exists in strong studies indicating that biotin supplementation for hair and nails is actually effective. While small doses of biotin may be safe —and anecdotally effective—large amounts may be harmful. The best route to healthy hair and nails is truly through attention to a healthy, colorful, and balanced diet." —Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RDN

Why Trust Verywell Health?

As a Registered Dietitian, Sydney Greene takes supplement recommendations seriously. Every product has been researched and vetted by her against clinical research, product reviews, and third-party testing websites. These are products she would not only feel comfortable recommending to her clients but would take them herself if needed.