Biotin: the darling of hair products.

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    Biotin: The Star Ingredient in Hair Products

    If you've ever looked for solutions to strengthen your hair or reduce hair loss, chances are you've come across biotin. This ingredient is mentioned in shampoos, conditioners, supplements, and serums with the promise of improving hair health, skin health, and so many things. But how true is this claim? Is biotin really the secret to stronger, fuller hair, or is it just a marketing-driven fad?

    What is biotin and why is it associated with hair growth?

    Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is an essential nutrient involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is found naturally in foods such as eggs, nuts, and legumes. Its link to hair health comes from its role in the production of keratin, a key protein in the structure of hair, skin, and nails. However, while biotin deficiency can lead to thinning hair and brittle nails, it's rare in people with a balanced diet.

    What do scientific studies say about biotin and hair growth?

    Biotin has been the subject of various scientific studies seeking to determine its impact on hair health. Below are some relevant findings:

    Clinical studies in humans:

    Combined supplementation way: A study published in Piel. Continuing education in dermatology evaluated the efficacy of two nutritional supplements (in capsules and spray) in women with diffuse alopecia. After four months of treatment, a significant increase was observed in the percentage of hair in the anagen phase (growth phase), going from 60.26% at the beginning of the study to 64.61% at the end. In addition, the traction test showed a decrease in hair loss, indicating an improvement in hair density. It is important to note that these supplements contained, in addition to biotin, other active ingredients, which makes it difficult to attribute the results exclusively to biotin.

    Biotin deficiency and hair loss: According to MedlinePlus, biotin deficiency can cause hair thinning and skin rashes. However, this condition is rare, and scientific evidence supporting the use of biotin supplements to improve hair health in individuals without deficiency is limited.

    In vitro and animal studies:

    Effects in cell cultures: Research has shown that biotin can influence gene expression and cellular metabolism. One study indicated that administration of biotin to lactating rats increased the synthesis of hepatic glucokinase, a key enzyme in glucose metabolism. Although these results suggest an influence of biotin at the cellular level, their direct extrapolation to hair growth in humans requires further research.

    General Considerations:

    Although some studies suggest potential benefits of biotin on hair health, it is crucial to consider that many of them include other active ingredients, which makes it difficult to isolate the specific effect of biotin. In addition, biotin deficiency is rare in the general population, and supplementation in non-deficient individuals may not produce the desired effects.

    Note: while biotin plays an essential role in hair metabolism and health, current scientific evidence is inconclusive regarding its effectiveness as a hair growth supplement in non-deficient individuals. It is recommended to consult with a health professional before starting any supplementation and to consider a comprehensive approach that includes a balanced diet and proper hair care habits.

    Do biotin supplements really work for your hair?

    The short answer would be a resounding meh. But the long answer says that while many brands tout biotin as a miracle ingredient, scientific evidence on its effectiveness in people without a deficiency is limited. Some studies have found that supplementing it could improve hair quality in certain cases, but these studies often include other ingredients besides biotin, making it difficult to attribute the benefits solely to biotin. The U.S. National Institutes of Health says there's not enough evidence to claim that biotin strengthens hair or speeds up hair growth in healthy people. So if you're not biotin deficient, taking supplements may not make a huge difference to your mane.

    Although many brands promote biotin as a miracle ingredient for hair growth and strengthening, scientific evidence on its effectiveness in people without a deficiency of this vitamin is limited. Many of these products appear in rankings of hair supplements recommended by specialized beauty and health sites, such as Marie Claire or El Confidencial Digital. In addition, some have won awards, such as the Hair Awards 2022, and can be easily found in online stores and in recognized pharmacies.

    Difeel Pro-Growth Biotin Shampoo: This shampoo is formulated with biotin and other ingredients designed to strengthen hair and stimulate its growth. The brand emphasizes that biotin is essential for the health of hair, skin, and nails, and that its deficiency can cause hair loss. However, if we look at the product's advertising, we notice that the "before and after" images feature models with thick, long hair, which could lead one to think that the shampoo alone is responsible for a drastic change in hair growth. These types of visual strategies can generate unrealistic expectations about its effectiveness.

    WeightWorld Biotin 12,000 mcg: This supplement offers a high concentration of biotin in each tablet, with the promise of improving hair, skin, and nail health. The brand highlights that its product is suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions, but it does not mention specific medical conditions such as androgenic alopecia or DHT inhibition, key factors in hormonal hair loss.

    One thing to consider is how the “high concentration” is presented. The amount of biotin on the label is usually expressed in micrograms (mcg), which can make it seem higher than it actually is. In this case, the supplement contains 12 milligrams (mg) of biotin. Also, checking the nutritional label is key to determining if the product is combined with other beneficial ingredients, such as minerals or amino acids. In this case, it is not, but it is common to find supplements with advertising focused on biotin while other compounds have a higher concentration, which can influence their effectiveness.

    Nutralie Hair Complex This supplement was awarded at Marie Claire magazine's Hair Awards 2022 and combines biotin with zinc, selenium and L-cystine, ingredients known for their role in hair health. The brand presents it as an ideal option to strengthen hair and prevent hair loss, emphasizing its suitability for vegans, as it is gluten and lactose-free. On their official website, there is a section explaining who can benefit from the product. Rather than targeting people with specific needs, the answer is more general: "To have healthy and strong hair, we must not only lead a healthy lifestyle, but also provide it with the necessary nutrients." They also state that it is formulated to support hair "all year round and at specific times of stress, hormonal or seasonal changes.

    While these statements sound reasonable, available scientific studies have not shown that biotin has a direct and consistent impact on hair over time in people without a deficiency. Furthermore, it is important to differentiate the role of biotin from that of other compounds such as collagen, whose benefit on hair is more documented. However, collagen has a systemic effect throughout the body, so its impact on hair is indirect and difficult to measure accurately.

    Halier Hairvity This supplement combines biotin with vitamins, iron, horsetail extract, amino acids, and collagen, suggesting a more comprehensive approach to hair health. The inclusion of these ingredients could better support hair growth, as there are studies on their effectiveness in nourishing the hair follicle. However, while these combinations may make the product more beneficial than others that only contain biotin, it is important not to equate it with treatments such as minoxidil, whose effectiveness in stimulating hair growth is supported by solid clinical studies. In this case, biotin remains a supplement rather than a main treatment.

    Bottom line: Biotin products are widely promoted as solutions for strengthening and growing hair, but advertising often exaggerates their effects. While biotin is essential for cellular metabolism and can benefit those who are deficient, there is not enough evidence to claim that its consumption in healthy people has a significant impact on hair growth. In addition, the formulation with other ingredients is a key factor in evaluating its effectiveness. Before choosing a supplement or topical product, it is important to analyze its composition and understand its limitations. For more complex hair problems, it is always advisable to consult a specialist.

    So, is it worth using biotin for hair?

    While biotin is not a miracle ingredient, it could benefit people who are deficient in this vitamin. However, for those who already have adequate levels, the effects may be minimal. If you are considering its use, it is best to consult with a specialist to make sure you really need it and avoid possible risks. In this sense, the marketing of many biotin products can be misleading, as it suggests that any hair problem can be solved by simply taking supplements of this vitamin, when in reality hair loss is a multifactorial phenomenon. There are many causes of alopecia, from genetic factors (such as androgenic alopecia) to hormonal problems, stress, autoimmune diseases or side effects of medications. In addition, hair can be weakened by deficiencies of other vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, vitamin D or proteins.

    It is worthwhile in terms of nutrition and care, but not to be taken as a direct treatment. In the end, the key to healthy hair is not in a single ingredient, but in a combination of factors such as diet, hair care and general health (when it is not something pathological).

    sources

    • Ablon, G. (2012). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy of an oral supplement in women with self-perceived thinning hair. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 5(11), 28–34. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509882/

    • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2019, November 5). FDA warns that biotin may interfere with certain laboratory test results; urges labs to take precautions. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-warns-that-biotin-may-interfere-with-certain-laboratory-test-results-urges-labs-to-take-precautions

    • Consumer Reports. (2019, November 5). FDA: Biotin Supplements Can Interfere With Lab Tests. https://www.consumerreports.org/vitamins-supplements/biotin-supplements-interfere-with-lab-tests-fda-warns-a11601200001/

    • Difeel. (n.d.). Difeel Pro-Growth Biotin Shampoo. https://es.difeel.com/products/difeel-pro-growth-biotin-shampoo-12-oz-2

    • El Confidencial Digital. (2024, June 15). The 10 best vitamins for hair backed by science. https://www.elconfidencialdigital.com/articulo/fitness/10-mejores-vitaminas-pelo-avalados-ciencia/20240615111224799143.html

    • Examine.com. (s.f.). Biotin. https://examine.com/supplements/biotin/

    • Healthline. (2017, August 14). Biotin for Hair Growth: Does It Work?. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/biotin-for-hair-growth

    • MedlinePlus. (2021, June 2). Biotin. https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/druginfo/natural/313.html

    • Nature's Bounty. (s.f.). Biotin 10,000 mcg. https://www.naturesbounty.com/our-products/vitamins/biotin-10000-mcg-rapid-release-softgels/

    • PubMed Central (PMC). (s.f.). Home. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/

    • SBR Nutrition. (s.f.). Biotin Liquid Drops with Collagen. https://www.sbrnutrition.com/products/biotin-liquid-drops-with-collagen

    • Trosfree. (s.f.). Anti-Hair Loss Serum. https://www.amazon.com/Trosfree-Anti-Hair-Loss-Serum/dp/B08L8YQZKJ

    • WeightWorld. (s.f.). Biotin 12,000 mcg. https://www.weightworld.es/biotina-12000-mcg.html