REVIEW | PUBLISHED ARTICLE

This review presents an overview of collagen and biotin, including the role that these ingredients play in hair, skin and nail health. The evidence supporting their use in oral supplements is also evaluated.

Biotin is often linked to hair growth, but true deficiency is rare as most individuals meet their daily needs through diet and gut synthesis. Supplementation may help those with specific deficiencies (e.g., due to chronic alcohol use, certain medications or genetic factors), but data do not support significant benefits for otherwise healthy individuals. Additionally, high-dose biotin can interfere with common laboratory tests, prompting FDA warnings.

Collagen, particularly hydrolyzed and marine-derived forms, shows stronger evidence for improving skin health, with modest data suggesting benefits for hair thickness and texture. Its effects appear dose- and source-dependent, highlighting the need for more standardized clinical studies. Emerging adjunct ingredients, such as chlorogenic acid, CoQ10 and MSM, also demonstrate potential for supporting overall hair and skin vitality by addressing aging-related mechanisms.

Ultimately, the authors conclude that hair loss is multifactorial, and single-ingredient solutions often yield limited results. A multimodal nutraceutical approach that targets multiple biological pathways offers the most promise for improved outcomes and patient satisfaction, reflecting a broader shift toward personalized, evidence-based supplementation.

This review had contributions from: Patricia K. Farris, MD, FAAD, MS; Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FASDS, FAAD; Doris Day, MD, FAAD, MA.