Biotin
Water-soluble B-vitamin, cofactor for enzymes of fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Deficiency manifests as hair loss and scaling. Topical application in creams and shampoos has almost no effect – skin and hair follicles take biotin from the bloodstream, transdermal absorption is minimal. Marketing ingredient.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Topical bioavailability is low. Effects on hair and skin in studies come from systemic intake, not topical use. Safe.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment.
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Biotin (vitamin B7, vitamin H) is a water-soluble B-group vitamin, a cofactor of four carboxylases in fat, carbohydrate, and amino-acid metabolism. In skin and hair follicles it contributes to keratin and barrier-lipid synthesis. Topical problem. Biotin is polar and large; it penetrates intact epidermis very poorly. Skin and hair follicles receive biotin from blood, not from an ointment. Topical use in 'hair and nail' creams, shampoos, and serums is almost pure marketing. Where found. Shampoos, conditioners, and serums for 'hair growth and strength' (Pantene Pro-V Biotin, Naturium Biotin, Klorane Biotin). Nail-strengthening creams. Concentration 0.01–0.5%; the effect is marketing. Evidence base. No direct clinical RCTs on topical biotin monotherapy. Oral – Patel 2017 (systematic review) showed hair and nail improvement in patients with true biotin deficiency (malabsorption, bariatric surgery, congenital biotinidase deficiency). In healthy patients without deficiency, oral biotin supplements do not significantly improve hair growth. AAD 2023 does not recommend oral biotin for androgenic alopecia. Safety. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, non-irritating. CIR confirmed cosmetic safety. Important: lab interference. Oral biotin at ≥5 mg/day distorts immunochemical blood assays based on streptavidin-biotin binding: troponin, TSH, parathyroid hormone, cortisol may show falsely low or high values. AEMPS and FDA recommend stopping oral biotin 48–72 hours before blood draw. Topical doses do not cause systemic effects. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Topical systemic absorption is minimal. Realistic assessment. A marketing ingredient in shampoos and serums. If hair and nails are shedding and splitting, evaluate ferritin, TSH, B12, zinc, and serum biotin – do not buy yet another biotin shampoo. For confirmed deficiency – oral correction, not topical.
Frequently asked questions
Is Biotin safe during pregnancy?
Biotin is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Biotin for?
Biotin suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Biotin and what does it do in cosmetics?
Water-soluble B-vitamin, cofactor for enzymes of fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
What's the INCI name for Biotin?
The INCI name is Biotin. It may also appear as: Vitamin B7, Vitamin H.
See Biotin in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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