When it comes to health and wellness supplements, there certainly is no shortage of options available to you, and a quick stroll down your local pharmacy aisles is guaranteed to uncover a dizzying array of pills, gummies, and bottles all promising to deliver a myriad of benefits. But while some of the available options are questionable at best, there are a few that might be worth a second glance, and one in particular, biotin, has been gaining popularity among individuals looking to improve their hair, skin, and nails. Continuously promoted by beauty gurus on social media, and frequently endorsed by dermatologists, biotin has quickly grown to become a go-to component of any well-rounded heath and wellness routine, and for good reason. With the potential to make your nails stronger, your hair longer, and your skin more radiant, biotin offers a compelling case for inclusion in your daily regimen, and if it's something you’ve found yourself curious about, then this in-depth buying guide was written for you. 

What Is Biotin?

Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is a crucial component of a healthy diet, and it’s what helps your body to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins for energy production. Naturally found in a wide variety of different foods, most people tend to meet their dietary requirements through leafy greens, whole grains, meats, and fish, but some individuals may still find that they desire a bit more supplementation. Depending on your health and wellness goals, adding a daily biotin supplement can be a smart way to ensure you’re meeting your daily needs, and some of the potential signs that could indicate you may be dealing with a deficiency could include:

Thankfully, the market is absolutely teeming with different biotin supplements for you to explore, and finding the right one can ensure you’re able to get back to feeling and looking your best each day. Whether you prefer delicious gummies, easy-to-swallow pills, or you’re hoping to integrate biotin into your daily routine with a liquid supplement, there are plenty of solutions out there to suit your preferences, allowing you to meet your health and wellness goals with ease. 

Potential Benefits of Biotin

Even if you aren’t noticing some of the more serious signs of a biotin deficiency, you may still find that incorporating a supplement into your life is beneficial, and this popular vitamin can do a lot more for you than just improve your digestive processes. Perfect for anyone who hates how dull their hair or skin have become, or who wishes they could grow long, strong nails that rival those of their favorite celebrities, biotin offers a variety of health and beauty benefits that go beyond basic health needs, and some of the most sought after potential benefits include:

What to Look For?

Once you determine that a biotin supplement is the right choice for you, the next thing you’ll need to do is to find the one that best fits in with your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. Thankfully, there is no shortable of options and brands available to you, and by looking at a few important factors, you should easily be able to settle on a well-rounded supplement that seamlessly meets your requirements. 

One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is what format you prefer your biotin supplement to come in, with the two most common options being either a delicious, chewy gummy or an easy-to-swallow capsule. Which is right for you will mainly come down to preferences and taste, however, if you happen to be vegan or vegetarian, you may find you are more limited in your options. Since many of the gummies are made with gelatin, an animal product, they won’t necessarily be suitable for those with dietary restrictions, in which case it may be safer to opt for a capsule that explicitly states it is vegan or vegetarian-friendly. In addition to dietary concerns, gummies can also contain things such as added sugars and extra calories, which may be worth looking at if you’re on certain types of diets such as intermittent fasting or keto. 

As with any product that you plan on ingesting, choosing a brand based on their reputation in the industry is a smart way to ensure you’re receiving an item that is not only safe, but effective as well. With many low-quality supplements out there, you want to stay away from options that seem much lower-priced than their competitors, and you’ll also want to check reviews to corroborate their reputation. Other considerations that can help you to make the right choice between brands is to only opt for supplements that have transparent labeling, including the amount of biotin per serving, and you should also be able to see each ingredient listed directly on the bottle. If you’re unsure, a quick Google search can be a great way to verify the credibility of a brand, and it never hurts to double-check to see if there have been any issues or concerns raised by other consumers or health professionals.

Depending on what your unique health and wellness goals are, you may find that you’re simply in the market for a straightforward biotin supplement that has a near-perfect purity, and if you fall into this category, there are numerous options available that will fit this bill. However, for those wanting to make the most out of their new daily supplement, you may want to consider looking for brands and options that also include a selection of other important vitamins and nutrients as well. From collagen to keratin, many popular supplements feature additional nutrients that can complement biotin and enhance its benefits, helping you to achieve a more radiant complexion or more luscious hair. In some cases, you may notice that a brand has also opted to include vitamins such as A, C, and E, and all of these can be a great addition for those wanting to reduce their risk of deficiencies and improve their overall well-being. 

One of the most overlooked considerations that is incredibly important to be aware of is the addition of sugars, and many people are surprised to learn that a lot of popular supplements and vitamins contain extra sweeteners. Especially true with gummy varieties, these added sugars can be detrimental for those with health concerns such as diabetes, or for individuals who follow dietary restrictions that require them to limit how much they consume. Before purchasing any biotin supplement, always take a moment to read through the ingredient list and check the nutritional label, as this is the only way to ensure that you aren’t picking up a sugary treat that will mess with your glucose levels or overall health goals. Opting for sugar-free versions, or supplements sweetened with natural alternatives like stevia or erythritol, can also be a good way to control your intake, and this will enable you to still reap all of the important benefits of biotin without any negative impact. 

Bottom Line

Offering users an impressive range of benefits that can potentially improve their overall health and wellbeing, biotin has quickly grown to become the supplement of choice among individuals hoping to enhance their hair, skin, nails, and even energy levels. By promoting the production of keratin, and aiding with essential metabolic processes, this powerhouse of a vitamin does a great job of supporting various aspects of physical appearance and vitality, making it a worthwhile consideration for your daily routine. Whether you’re tired of dealing with skin that always appears dull and lackluster, or you’re frustrated with how painfully slow your hair tends to grow, a well-rounded biotin supplement may be the answer you’ve been looking for, and there are an endless selection of options available to suit every preference and dietary need.