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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Let's get one thing out of the way: When looking for specific supplements to support hair, skin, and nail health, research is limited. The most well-known supplement used to support hair, skin, and nail health is biotin, an essential B vitamin, meaning humans must obtain it from food (or supplements). For many, biotin is well-tolerated and safe at high doses, but for some, it may cause clinically significant falsely high (or falsely low) laboratory test results.
In addition to biotin, look for a formula with B complex supplements or specialized formulas that contain a blend of nutrients known to support hair, skin, and nail health.It's also a good idea to make sure formulas are as simple as possible, focusing on well-known nutrients and avoiding allergens.
With this in mind, we conducted hours of research on the best nutritionist-recommended hair, skin, and nail vitamins for women, spanning a range of budgets. After considering dozens of options, we compiled this list. We noted if each option is third-party tested for efficacy, as well as its inactive ingredients. We also researched how easy it is to incorporate the supplement into your daily routine, looking at things like pill size taste, if any, and how many pills are included in a serving size. We then combined these testing insights with our registered dietician nutritionist recommendations to compile a list of the best in show.
Ahead, find the best hair, skin, and nail vitamins.
Best Overall
Jarrow Formulas Biotin
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Amazon
Affordable
Vegan and vegetarian
Some reviewers note results take a while
Jarrow Formulas is our top pick for the best overall hair, skin, and nail supplement because of its super simple ingredient list. Featuring 5,000 micrograms of D-biotin, the naturally occurring form of biotin, this is a great choice for those looking for a biotin supplement that packs a punch. Certified-Gluten Free by NSF, this product is also free of soybeans, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. One capsule provides over 16,000 percent of the recommended daily intake of biotin.
Type: Capsule | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Gluten-free
Runner-Up, Best Overall
Olly Undeniable Beauty Gummy
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Amazon
Very affordable
Gluten free
No artificial colors or flavors
Intended for occasional use only
Looking for a tasty supplement that packs a nourishing punch? Olly’s gummies contain biotin, vitamins C and E, and keratin, a protein that makes up much of our hair and nails. We love that there are only 2 grams of sugar per serving, as well as no artificial colors or flavors—and its super affordable price tag is a bonus, too.
Type: Gummies | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: B corporation, gluten-free
Best Budget
Nature’s Bounty Biotin
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Amazon
A+ rating by LabDoor
Free of artificial ingredients
Contains soy
Contains gelatin
Nature’s Bounty 5,000 mcg Biotin is an awesome budget-friendly option—one bottle of 150 soft gels is priced affordably. This biotin-only supplement is free of other herbs or complementary ingredients, so you can feel confident adding it to your daily routine.
Type: Softgel | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Gluten-free
Best for Hair
Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement
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Amazon
Blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs and collagen
Winner of a 2018 Best of Beauty Breakthrough
Serving size is four capsules
Expensive
Research investigating collagen's role in hair growth and repair is minimal—however, one study found that taking collagen supplements for three months modestly increased hair thickness. (It is important to note, though, that this study was funded by the supplement company.)
Nutrafol contains a powerful proprietary blend of ingredients, called the Synergen Complex, that's specifically designed support hair health. Some of these nutrients include marine collagen, biotin, keratin, zinc, and vitamin A, among many others. Nutrafol also gives shoppers the choice of subscribing to monthly deliveries or making a one-time purchase.
Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adult 18-44 | Dosage: 4 daily | Certified: Vegetarian, drug-free, hormone-free
Runner-Up, Best for Hair
Country Life Maxi Hair Plus Biotin Hair Skin and Nails Supplement
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Iherb
Blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs and collagen
Dye and color additive free
Serving size is four capsules
Country Life Maxi Hair contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, extracts, and amino acids designed to support hair health. In addition to 5,000 micrograms of biotin, one serving contains Methylsulfonylmethane (an anti-inflammatory agent), horsetail extract, L-cysteine, and L-Methionine (an essential amino acid). In addition to being free of common allergens and preservatives, this product is also magnesium stearate-free. As a bonus, Country Life produces its products using renewable energy, so you can feel good about treating your hair (and the earth) right.
Type: Capsule | Age Range: Adults 18-44 | Dosage: 4 daily | Certified: Gluten-free
Best Whole Food-Based
MegaFood Skin, Nails & Hair 2
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Amazon
Certified glyphosate free product
Sourced from whole foods
Serving size is four capsules
Two plant-based tablets contain vitamins A, C, E, and B6, biotin, zinc, and selenium as well as and carrots, organic oranges, organic brown rice, and organic nettle leaf (a type of plant that has been used in herbal medicine). Following the brand's motto, “beauty from the inside out," this supplement is formulated to nourish and support healthy hair, nails, and skin. We love that Megafood is glyphosate residue-free, certified gluten-free, certified vegan, kosher, and free of dairy and soy.
Type: Tablet | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, non-GMO, B corporation, vegan, kosher, glyphosate residue-free
Best for Skin
Pure Encapsulations Hair/Skin/Nails Ultra
Amazon
Free of artificial ingredients and preservatives
Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
These capsules from Pure Encapsulations are designed to support healthy hair, skin, and nails with a powerful blend of vitamins and minerals—including vitamin C, zinc, copper, manganese, and silica—as well as collagen. One serving of this supplement also contains a CoQ10 complex, an antioxidant, and niacinamide.
Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Gluten-free
Best for Nails
Ritual Essential for Women
Amazon
Subscription-based model ensures you never run out
Includes omega-3 fatty acids
Only a 30 day supply in one bottle
This formula includes nine nutrients designed to support healthy skin, hair, and nails, including folate, vitamins B12, D3, E, and K2, and omega-3 fatty acids. This supplement also contains iron and is vegan and free of common allergens. Plus, because it comes in delayed-release capsules, it's specially designed to dissolve in the small intestine, which is an ideal place to absorb nutrients. FYI, Ritual also offers a prenatal vitamin, which is a Team Byrdie fave.
Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adult 18-49 | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Vegan, allergen-free
Best B Complex
Garden of Life Vitamin B Complex
Amazon
100% of the recommended daily values of B vitamins
Fruit and vegetable blend for nutrition
Not specifically designed for hair, skin and nails
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, most work more efficiently when consumed together as opposed to on their own. For example, taking a combination of B Vitamins (or, a B Complex supplement) at once as opposed to individual B vitamins (such as biotin) may improve their overall efficacy. In addition to containing all eight B vitamins, this supplement includes a raw probiotic and enzyme blend designed to aid in digestive support, as well as a vegetable blend for additional nutritional support.
Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher
Best with Collagen
Besha Natural Collagen Peptides
Amazon
Third-party tested
Verified by consumerlabs.com
Collagen is sourced from pig
Collagen is one of the main components of skin elasticity and structure. Besha, a German-made collagen product, is our top pick for the best skin supplement with collagen. ConsumerLabs, a third-party testing company, ranked it as its top pick for skin, as well. The collagen used in Besha is Verisol, a form of bioactive collagen peptides that have been used in research studies. An important point to note is that Verisol is derived from pigs, so if you have dietary restrictions, you may want to pick collagen sourced from fish or cow.
Type: Powder | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2.9 grams | Certified: n/a
Best Herbal Formula
Gaia Herbs Hair, Skin & Nail Support
Amazon
Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits
Suitable for vegans
Contains Triphala which may have a slight laxative effect
This vegan supplement is designed to help you support the healthy growth of hair, nail, and skin tissue. Gaia uses specific herbs and ingredients (like horsetail extract) that have been used for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and light protective effects. A unique ingredient in this supplement is Astaxanthin, a pigment found in plants and algae that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Type: Capsule | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2 twice daily | Certified: B corporation, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free
Final Verdict
Jarrow Formulas' Biotin earns the top spot thanks to its simple yet potent ingredient list, as well as the absence of allergens like wheat, dairy, and nuts. For a budget-friendly option, considerNature’s Bounty Biotin, which has an A+ rating by LabDoor and is free from harmful additives.
Meet the Expert
Georgia Forsyth is a nutritionist and naturopath based in Sydney, Australia. She's the founder of Cohere Studio, a health and nutrition consultancy that provides qualified advice from nutritionists to its clients.
What to Look For
Dose
Although biotin is water-soluble and does not stay in the body for long, large doses can affect laboratory values. If you're looking to take biotin to support general health or primarily to support hair, skin, or nails it might not be the wisest decision. As always, update your healthcare provider when adding in a new supplement and be on the lookout for side effects.
Certifications and Third-Party Testing
Any individual or company can bring a new supplement to the market, with no need for proof of safety or efficacy before the sale—which is why it's of the utmost importance to do your own research when shopping for a new product.
Opt for companies that independently test their products to verify quality and potency. It is also wise to look for a product that has a “certified non-GMO” or “USDA Organic” seal for optimal ingredient integrity.
Additional or Complementary Nutrients
Hair, skin, and nail supplements can contain a variety of ingredients including nutrients that are thought to promote hair, skin, and nail health, such as other B vitamins or herbs. If you're taking prescription medications or other supplements, it is always important to check with your healthcare provider to ensure safety.
Why Trust Byrdie
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.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any hair, skin, and nail vitamins from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
