The 11 Best Hair, Skin, and Nail Vitamins of 2024

The Best Hair, Skin, and Nail Vitamins — Byrdie / Alli Waataja

When looking for specific supplements to support hair, skin, and nail health, the most well-known ingredient is biotin, an essential B vitamin. In order for humans to reap its benefits, we must obtain it from food or supplements. And while getting vitamins from our diets is always the best option, a supplement can help when you’re feeling particularly deficient or run down. In addition to biotin, you should also 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. Formulas should be 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. We noted if each option is independently tested for efficacy and if it has inactive ingredients. We also researched how easy it is to incorporate the supplement into a daily routine, looking at pill size, taste, if any, and how many pills are included in a serving size. Finally, we spoke with registered nutritional therapist Sandrine Olmi, as well as nutritionist and naturopath Georgia Forsyth, for further insights.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SALE

Jarrow Formulas Biotin at Amazon ~~$21~~ $15

Jump to Review

Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Olly Undeniable Beauty Gummy at Amazon $23

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

SALE

Nature’s Bounty Biotin at Amazon ~~$20~~ $9

Jump to Review

Best for Hair:

SALE

Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement at Amazon ~~$88~~ $70

Jump to Review

Best for Hair, Runner-Up:

Country Life Maxi Hair Plus Biotin Hair Skin and Nails Supplement at Amazon $26

Jump to Review

Best Whole Food-Based:

MegaFood Skin, Nails & Hair 2 at Amazon $29

Jump to Review

Best for Skin:

SALE

Pure Encapsulations Hair/Skin/Nails Ultra at Amazon ~~$49~~ $39

Jump to Review

Best for Nails:

SALE

Ritual Essential for Women at Amazon ~~$37~~ $23

Jump to Review

Best B Complex:

SALE

Garden of Life Vitamin B Complex at Amazon ~~$38~~ $32

Jump to Review

Best With Collagen:

SALE

Besha Natural Collagen Peptides at Amazon ~~$44~~ $28

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Jarrow Formulas Biotin

PHOTO: Amazon

$21 $15 at Amazon $18 at Target $15 at IHerb

What We Like

Affordable
Vegan and vegetarian

What to Consider

Some reviewers note results take a while

Type: Capsule | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Gluten-free

Jarrow Formulas is our top pick for the best overall hair, skin, and nail supplements 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 seeking 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.

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Olly Undeniable Beauty Gummy

Olly Undeniable Beauty Hair, Skin & Nail Gummy

PHOTO: Amazon

$23 at Amazon $16 at Ulta $13 at Walmart

What We Like

Very affordable
Gluten-free
No artificial colors or flavors

What to Consider

Intended for occasional use only

Type: Gummies | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: B corporation, gluten-free

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 and no artificial colors or flavors—its super affordable price tag is a bonus, too.

Best Budget

Nature’s Bounty Biotin

PHOTO: Amazon

$20 $9 at Amazon $9 at Walmart $24 at IHerb

What We Like

Great value
A+ rating by LabDoor
Free of artificial ingredients

What to Consider

Contains soy and gelatin

Type: Softgel | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Gluten-free

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.

Best for Hair

Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement

PHOTO: Amazon

$88 $70 at Amazon $88 at Sephora View on Nutrafol.com

What We Like

Blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs and collagen
Winner of a 2018 Best of Beauty Breakthrough
Can set up a monthly subscription

What to Consider

Serving size is four capsules

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adult 18-44 | Dosage: 4 daily | Certified: Vegetarian, drug-free, hormone-free

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 to 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.

Best for Hair, Runner-Up

Country Life Maxi Hair Plus Biotin Hair Skin and Nails Supplement

PHOTO: Iherb

$26 at Amazon View on Countrylifevitamins.com $26 at IHerb

What We Like

Blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs and collagen
Dye and color additive free

What to Consider

Serving size is four capsules

Type: Capsule | Age Range: Adults 18-44 | Dosage: 4 daily | Certified: Gluten-free

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.

Best Whole Food-Based

MegaFood Skin, Nails & Hair 2

PHOTO: Amazon

$29 $26 at Amazon $33 at IHerb View on Vitacost

What We Like

Certified glyphosate free product
Sourced from whole foods

What to Consider

Serving size is four capsules

Type: Tablet | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, non-GMO, B corporation, vegan, kosher, glyphosate residue-free

Two plant-based tablets contain vitamins A, C, E, and B6, biotin, zinc, and selenium, as well as 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.

Best for Skin

Pure Encapsulations Hair/Skin/Nails Ultra

PHOTO: Amazon

$49 $39 at Amazon View on Pureencapsulationspro.com View on Vitacost

What We Like

Free of artificial ingredients and preservatives

What to Consider

Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Gluten-free

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.

Best for Nails

Ritual Essential for Women

PHOTO: Amazon

$37 $23 at Amazon $37 at Target View on Ritual.com

What We Like

Subscription-based model ensures you never run out
Includes omega-3 fatty acids

What to Consider

Only a 30 day supply in one bottle

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adult 18-49 | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Vegan, allergen-free

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, is vegan, and is 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.

Best B Complex

Garden of Life Vitamin B Complex

PHOTO: Amazon

$38 $32 at Amazon View on Vitacost View on Smallflower.com

What We Like

100% of the recommended daily values of B vitamins
Fruit and vegetable blend for nutrition

What to Consider

Not specifically designed for hair, skin and nails

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher

When it comes to vitamins and minerals, most work more efficiently when consumed together than when consumed 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 and a vegetable blend for additional nutritional support.

Best With Collagen

Besha Natural Collagen Peptides

PHOTO: Amazon

$44 $28 at Amazon View on Beshainc.com

What We Like

Tested by ConsumerLabs
Verified by consumerlabs.com

What to Consider

Collagen is sourced from pig

Type: Powder | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2.9 grams | Certified: n/a

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 ranked it as its top pick for skin, as well. The collagen used in Besha is Verisol, a form of bioactive collagen peptide that has 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.

Best Herbal Formula

Gaia Herbs Hair, Skin & Nail Support

PHOTO: Amazon

$32 at Amazon $29 at IHerb View on Gaiaherbs.com

What We Like

Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits
Suitable for vegans

What to Consider

Contains Triphala which may have a slight laxative effect

Type: Capsule | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2 twice daily | Certified: B corporation, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free

This vegan supplement is designed to help you support the healthy growth of hair, nails, 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.

What to Look for in Hair, Skin, and Nail Vitamins

Dose: Forsyth mentions the importance of getting familiar with the label of your chosen supplement, including the dosage. “This will break down specific ingredients, the correct dosage, and how long you’ll need to keep it up until you start to see results,” she says. As always, update your healthcare provider when adding in a new supplement and be on the lookout for side effects.
Quality: “The price of supplements often reflects the quality,” Olmi advises. “Good quality supplements include natural rather than synthetic nutrients, use ingredients that are sourced and utilized ethically, are free of additives such as fillers that may hinder the desired improvement, are easy for your body to absorb and use, and contain nutrients in the correct ratios.”
Certifications: 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.

FAQ

Do hair, skin, and nail vitamins work?

According to Forsyth, they can work, but it’s important to reach for formulas that include specific vitamins and minerals. She recommends looking for products with zinc, vitamins E and C, selenium, vitamin B (in particular, niacin and riboflavin), and collagen.
Olmi adds, however, that a healthy diet is one of the best ways to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. “The key nutrients needed are healthy fats, protein including collagen, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, Zinc and biotin. If those are not available in the diet, then supplements may be helpful”.
How do you know if you need a vitamin for skin, hair and nails?

Olmi says that there are a few telltale signs that you could be lacking in certain vitamins needed by the hair, skin, and nails. “Thinning of hair and hair loss, a patchy red rash (most commonly near the mouth), a dry, flaky scalp and skin, and brittle nails are symptoms of biotin deficiency,” she says. Spoon nails can also point to iron deficiencies while longitudinal grooves on nails point to B12 deficiency.
Are hair, skin, and nail vitamins safe?

The ingredients that collectively make up most hair, skin, and nail supplements aren’t harmful due to each vitamin and mineral being present in a smaller concentration, explains Forsyth. “However, it’s important to be mindful of where your products are sourced,” she says. “Look for reputable brands that come backed by experts in the field.” She also recommends looking out for single-ingredient vitamins in some cases, such as with zinc, in order to be able to monitor exactly how much you’re ingesting.
Whether a single-ingredient or a multivitamin, she stresses the importance of reading the product instructions thoroughly and checking with a dedicated health professional before integrating any new supplement into your routine.
Can you take hair, skin, and nail vitamins with prenatal vitamins?

When it comes to mixing beauty supplements with prenatal vitamins, it really depends on each product's formula. “It’s best to consult with your healthcare practitioner if you’re expecting or wanting to conceive,” says Forsyth.
Can you take hair, skin, and nail vitamins with a multivitamin?

In the case of mixing them with multivitamins, Forsyth says it's typically safe to take both at the same time. “There generally is no real harm in upping the ante; however, the body is only able to metabolize, store, and absorb so many nutrients at a time,” she says. “An overdosage of a specific vitamin or mineral will not increase your results. Instead, you’ll just flush it out (and it will essentially go to waste).”
How often should you take hair, skin, and nail vitamins?

When it comes to taking beauty supplements, Forsyth suggests taking them every day for maximum results. “However, if you notice any side effects or your skin is having an adverse reaction, it may be best to take a break or call it quits,” she says.

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 and product reviews. These are products she would not only feel comfortable recommending to her clients but would take them herself if needed.

Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best weekender bags.

We tapped these experts for additional insights on the best hair, skin, and nail vitamins:

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.
Sandrine Olmi is a registered nutritional therapist based in London, United Kingdom.

Updated by Jill DiDonato

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5582478/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/
Kalman DS, Hewlings S. The effect of oral hydrolyzed eggshell membrane on the appearance of hair, skin, and nails in healthy middle-aged adults: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Jan;19(6):1463-1472. doi:10.1111/jocd.13275
Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients. 2017 Mar;9(3):290. doi:10.3390/nu9030290
Kregiel D, Pawlikowska E, Antolak H. Urtica spp.: Ordinary Plants with Extraordinary Properties. Molecules. 2018 Jul;23(7):1664. doi:10.3390/molecules23071664
Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-119. doi:10.1159/000355523
Davinelli S, Nielsen ME, Scapagnini G. Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2018 Apr;10(4):522. doi:10.3390/nu10040522