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If you’re looking for healthier hair, stronger nails, or clearer skin, you may be wondering whether it’s worth buying a hair, skin, and nails vitamin.
Depending on its ingredients, taking one of these supplements may help strengthen your hair and nails or improve skin concerns such as acne.
This article provides a list of the 7 best vitamins for hair, skin, and nails, as well as tips on what to look for when selecting a supplement.
A quick look at the best hair, skin, and nails vitamins
- Best overall: Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin, and Nails
- Best affordable: Revly Vegan Hair, Skin, & Nails Complex
- Best gummy: Olly Undeniable Beauty Hair, Skin, and Nails
- Best vegan: Briogeo B. Well
- Best for postpartum: Ritual Postnatal Multivitamin
- Best create-your-own: Persona Nutrition
- Best organic: Garden of Life mykind Organics Plant Collagen Builder
How to choose hair, nails, and skin supplements
Shopping for a hair, nails, and skin supplement can be overwhelming. Here are a few key factors to consider.
Ingredient quality and effectiveness
Ideally, look for products that contain research-backed ingredients and are free of artificial additives and fillers.
If you’re interested in a supplement that contains a proprietary blend, keep in mind that manufacturers do not disclose the exact amounts of the ingredients used in the blends. Therefore, you’ll want to avoid any products that contain ingredients you may be sensitive to.
Additionally, while studies do support the effectiveness of some ingredients, research on the benefits of hair, skin, and nails supplements is still quite limited.
Therefore, there’s no guarantee these products will result in notable differences in your hair, skin, or nails.
Brand reputation and third-party testing
Any time you purchase supplements, it’s important to buy from a trusted source.
For an extra level of reassurance, look for vitamins that are tested by a third-party organization such as USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.
A third-party seal of approval guarantees that the product contains the types and amounts of ingredients that are listed on the bottle.
Potential contraindications
Some ingredients may interact with medications or be unsafe if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Always talk with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplements to make sure that a product is safe for you to take.
Useful supplement shopping guides
Check out these two articles to help make supplement shopping a breeze:
- How to Choose High Quality Vitamins and Supplements
- How to Read Supplement Labels Like a Pro
To help you decide which products are worth considering, Healthline researched the best hair, skin, and nails vitamins using the following criteria:
- Vetting. All the products included have been vetted to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.
- Effective ingredients. We looked for products that include quality, research-backed ingredients.
- Price. We included supplements to fit a wide range of budgets.
- User reviews. All the vitamins on this list have mostly favorable customer reviews.
A note on price
General price ranges are indicated below with dollar signs ($–$$$). One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $0.10–$2.40 per serving, or $8.99–$69.99 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $0.25 per serving
- $$ = $0.25–$0.50 per serving
- $$$ = over $0.50 per serving
Note that the dosage recommendations vary from 1–3 capsules or tablets 1–3 times daily.
Thus, a product you need to take once per day may end up being comparatively cheaper, despite having a higher price per count than a product you need to take multiple times per day.
Healthline’s picks of the best vitamins for hair, skin, and nails in 2021
Best overall
Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin, and Nails
- Price: $$
- Type: softgel capsules
- Age range: 18+
- Dosage: 3 softgels per serving
Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin, and Nails is a great option if you’re looking for a multivitamin that’s also formulated to support healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Among the many vitamins included in this supplement is vitamin A, which can aid in collagen production and may help improve acne symptoms. This product also contains vitamin D, which may be beneficial for acne (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
Other notable ingredients in Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin, and Nails are collagen, a protein important for skin elasticity and nail health, and zinc, an important mineral that supports collagen production and may help treat acne, though more research is needed (6, 7, 8, 9).
Also included are horsetail, which may help improve thinning hair and the appearance of skin, and hyaluronic acid, which has been shown to help boost skin’s moisture (10, 11, 12).
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), or vitamin B10, is also included and can help absorb UVB rays that are associated with sunburn and DNA damage. It may also help with repigmentation of graying hair, but research on this effect is limited (13, 14, 15, 16).
Nature’s Bounty products are made in facilities that are third-party certified by USP and Specialized Technology Resources to ensure high quality manufacturing practices.
Pros
- manufactured in a third-party certified facility
- more than 35,000 mostly positive reviews online
- affordable
- non-GMO verified
- free of dairy, gluten, lactose, fish, sugar, and artificial flavors
Cons
- not suitable for vegans
- not third-party tested for purity and potency
Best affordable
Revly Vegan Hair, Skin, & Nails Complex
- Price: $
- Type: capsules
- Age range: 18+
- Dosage: 1 capsule per day
Revly Vegan Hair, Skin, & Nails Complex has several science-backed ingredients at an affordable price, so it’s a great choice if you want the most bang for your buck.
The ingredient list is also quite comprehensive, including methlysulfonylmethane (MSM), which may help improve the hydration and elasticity of skin, and horsetail, which may reduce shedding and help strengthen hair (10, 17, 18).
Revly’s supplement also contains some less common ingredients, such as gotu kola.
An herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola has been shown to have potent antioxidant properties. It’s also used topically to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, though more research is needed on the benefits of taking it orally (19, 20).
The supplement also contains green tea extract, which was found to be beneficial in improving signs of acne in one study. Another study found that a supplement containing green tea extract and several other ingredients was effective in treating hair loss (21, 22).
Ultimately, more studies are still needed.
Pros
- positive reviews with anecdotes of hair and nail growth and improved skin
- budget-friendly
- vegan
- gluten-free
Cons
- some reviews noting no noticeable improvements in hair, skin, or nails
- no information available on whether the product is third-party tested
Best gummy
Olly Undeniable Beauty Hair, Skin, and Nails
- Price: $$
- Type: gummies
- Age range: 18+
- Dosage: 2 gummies per day
These bright red, grapefruit-flavored gummies are naturally colored using sweet potato, apple, radish, cherry, blueberry, and carrot juices.
As for effective ingredients, Olly’s supplement includes vitamin C, which helps protect your skin from UV damage and stimulates collagen synthesis (23).
It also contains vitamin E, which may protect your hair from UV exposure and help treat eczema (24, 25, 26).
A unique ingredient in these gummies is keratin, a protein that is the primary structural component of your hair, skin, and nails. However, research on the effectiveness of taking keratin as a supplement is lacking.
Pros
- third-party tested to ensure safety and quality
- more than 16,000 mostly positive reviews online
- many positive reviews of the gummies’ taste
- gluten-free
- no artificial flavors or colors
Cons
- off-putting smell, according to some reviewers
- not suitable for vegans
- contains 2 grams of added sugar per serving
Best vegan
Briogeo B. Well
- Price: $$$
- Type: softgels
- Age range: 18+
- Dosage: 2 softgels per day
The B. Well supplement from Briogeo is one of the best if you’re looking for a vegan option, as it’s also cruelty-free, meaning the product wasn’t tested on animals.
This supplement contains a type of omega-3 called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which may be effective in promoting hair growth, improving hair density, and reducing hair loss (27, 28).
As a result of their potent antioxidant properties, omega-3s may also help reduce inflammation caused by acne, though more research is needed (27, 28, 29)
Other notable ingredients in this supplement are sodium hyaluronate, silica, zinc, and vitamin C (8, 9, 23, 30, 31).
Pros
- not tested on animals
- many positive reviews with customers reporting stronger, shinier hair
- vegan
- gluten-free
Cons
- not third-party tested
- relatively expensive
Best for postpartum
Ritual Postnatal Multivitamin
- Price: $$$
- Type: capsules
- Age range: 18+
- Dosage: 2 capsules per day
People who have recently given birth need plenty of nutrients to support their recovery, as well as to produce breast milk for their little one if they choose to breastfeed.
Plus, thanks to changes in hormones, people often notice extra hair shedding during their first year postpartum (32).
In addition to helping you meet your postnatal nutritional needs, Ritual’s supplement contains ingredients that are beneficial for your hair, skin, and nails, including zinc and vitamins C and D (4, 5, 8, 9, 23)
This postnatal vitamin also includes DHA, which may be effective in promoting hair growth, improving hair density, and reducing hair loss (27, 28, 29).
Furthermore, omega-3 supplements may help with perinatal depression and support infants’ brain development (33, 34).
Just remember that it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your routine, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Pros
- third-party tested for safety and quality
- designed to be easy on the stomach and can be taken with or without food
- detailed information available on sourcing of ingredients
- non-GMO
- vegan
- free of gluten, major allergens, fillers, and preservatives
Cons
- relatively expensive
- requires a subscription
- not a comprehensive postnatal multivitamin
Best create-your-own
Persona Nutrition
- Price: $$$
- Type: capsules
- Age range: 18+
- Dosage: 1 capsule per day for most supplements
Persona Nutrition is a vitamin delivery service that allows you to pick and choose which supplements you want to add to your daily routine.
In addition to individual vitamins and minerals, Persona offers several nutrient blends designed to target specific concerns, including hair, skin, and nail health.
One item in particular that may be helpful is Persona’s Beauty Sleep supplement. It contains hyaluronic acid and fish collagen, both of which may help improve the hydration and elasticity of skin (6, 35).
The supplement also includes horsetail extract, which may help reduce hair shedding, and L-theanine, an amino acid that may help with sleep (10, 36).
As a complement to the Beauty Sleep supplement, Persona offers a Beauty Wake supplement, which contains all the same ingredients, but with caffeine instead of L-theanine.
Persona also offers a specific hair, skin, and nails vitamin that contains biotin, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), zinc, copper, and a proprietary blend of collagen, sodium hyaluronate, and flaxseed.
Just keep in mind that more isn’t necessarily better when it comes to vitamins. Before taking multiple products, make sure to check the labels carefully for overlapping ingredients.
Pros
- multiple supplements for hair, skin, and nail health available
- extensive in-house testing on products
Cons
- not third-party tested
- not all products are suitable for vegans
- may not be ideal if you are sensitive to certain ingredients, as exact amounts aren’t always listed
Best organic
Garden of Life mykind Organics Organic Plant Collagen Builder
- Price: $$$
- Type: tablets
- Age range: 18+
- Dosage: 2 tablets per day
If you prefer a supplement that includes whole food ingredients and is made entirely from blended fruits, vegetables, and herbs, then you may want to consider Garden of Life mykind Organics Plant Collagen Builder.
Notable ingredients in this supplement include zinc and vitamin C, both of which may help promote healthy hair and skin (8, 9, 23).
It also contains green tea extract, which may be beneficial in improving both hair and skin, but more research is needed (21, 22).
Pros
- made from whole food ingredients
- certified organic
- certified vegan
- NSF certified gluten-free
- non-GMO verified
- free of soy, and artificial fillers and preservatives
- more than 5,000 mostly positive reviews from customers online
Cons
- not third-party tested for purity and potency
Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:
| Nature’s Bounty | Revly | Olly | Briogeo B. Well | Ritual Postnatal | Persona | Garden of Life | |
| Price range | $$ | $ | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ |
| Dose per serving | 3 softgel capsules | 1 capsule | 2 gummies | 2 softgel capsules | 2 capsules | 1 capsule | 2 tablets |
| Third-party tested | no | no | yes | no | yes | no | no |
| Pros | • non-GMO verified • free of dairy, gluten, lactose, fish, and artificial flavors | • vegan • gluten-free • affordable | • gluten-free • naturally flavored and colored • good-tasting | • vegan • gluten-free • cruelty-free | • non-GMO • vegan • gluten-free • free of fillers and preservatives | mix-and-match options | • whole food ingredients • certified organic • certified vegan • certified gluten-free • non-GMO • free of fillers and preservatives |
| Cons | not vegan-friendly | mixed reviews | • not vegan-friendly • contains added sugar | • not third-party tested • expensive | • expensive • lacks several nutrients found in other postnatals • requires a subscription | • not third-party tested • exact ingredient amounts not always listed | not third-party tested |
Common ingredients found in hair skin and nails vitamins
Here are ingredients that are commonly found in hair, skin, and nails supplements and a brief overview of their effectiveness.
Biotin
One of the most popular ingredients found in hair, skin, and nails vitamins is biotin, a B vitamin that’s thought to help with hair and nail growth.
While evidence supports its use in individuals who have a biotin deficiency, research on its effectiveness for hair and nails in the general population is mixed (37, 38, 39).
Still, despite the lack of strong evidence, biotin is commonly found in hair, skin, and nails supplements — and often in high doses (40).
While large doses of biotin have not been shown to be toxic, they can affect lab results, which could result in a misdiagnosis of a health condition or inappropriate management of an existing condition (41).
Vitamins A, D, and E
Vitamins A, D, and E are fat-soluble vitamins frequently found in hair, skin, and nails supplements due to their potential benefits, particularly for hair and skin (42).
Because A, D, and E are fat-soluble vitamins, excess amounts are stored rather than excreted. As a result, these vitamins can be toxic if taken in large quantities.
Unless under the supervision of a healthcare professional, avoid consuming these vitamins in doses above the tolerable upper limit (UL).
The ULs for vitamins A, D, and E are as follows (43, 44, 45):
- Vitamin A: 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg)
- Vitamin D: 4,000 IU (100 mcg)
- Vitamin E: 1,100 IU (1,000 mg)
Keep in mind that if you’re deficient in vitamin D, a healthcare professional might recommend a supplement containing more than 4,000 IU to increase your blood levels sufficiently.
Methlysulfonylmethane (MSM)
MSM is another common ingredient because studies suggest it has potential benefits for skin health.
A small 2019 study with 50 female participants found that taking 400 mg of MSM, in combination with 200 mg of hyaluronic acid and 500 mg of L-carnosine, daily for 2 months improved skin hydration by 15.2% and skin elasticity by 22.6% (17).
Additionally, a small 2020 study found that even a low dose of MSM improved skin elasticity and hydration. It was also effective in reducing visual signs of aging such as skin roughness and facial wrinkles (18).
While these results sound promising, overall research on the effectiveness of MSM in hair, skin, and nails vitamins is limited.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that helps maintain hydration levels in your body.
While it’s commonly found in topical skin care products, oral intake of hyaluronic acid in doses of 120 mg per day has been shown to help improve skin moisture, especially in people with dry skin (11, 12).
Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body.
Studies have shown that taking collagen supplements may help reduce the signs of aging and improve skin hydration and elasticity (6).
It may also be beneficial in improving brittle nails and preventing hair damage, though more research is needed (7, 46).
Horsetail (silica)
Horsetail is a fern that contains silica, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
As a result, horsetail may be beneficial in reducing hair shedding and thinning, but more research is needed (10).
Additionally, horsetail supplements may interact with some medications, so be sure to talk with a healthcare professional before adding this supplement to your routine (47).
Is it safe to take hair, skin, and nail vitamins daily?
Dietary supplements such as hair, skin, and nail vitamins are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way that medications are.
Specifically, the FDA doesn’t test to ensure that a supplement contains the types and amounts of ingredients that its label claims it does, which is why it’s best to choose supplements that are third-party tested for purity and potency (48).
Also keep in mind that these supplements may not be safe for all people (49).
For example, because many of these supplements contain high doses of some nutrients, toxicity is possible, especially if you’re already taking another supplement, such as a multivitamin.
Additionally, some ingredients found in hair, skin, and nail vitamins may interact with certain medications or are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation (49).
It’s important to review any new supplement with a healthcare professional before taking it.
Do hair, skin, and nail vitamins work?
Some ingredients commonly found in hair, skin, and nail vitamins, like collagen and hyaluronic acid, have more research to support their effectiveness than others (6, 11, 12).
Still, it’s important to keep in mind that the overall research on these supplements is limited. As a result, more robust studies are needed before we can confidently say whether hair, nail, and skin vitamins are effective.
Do hair, skin, and nail vitamins help with hair growth?
There’s some research to support the use of certain ingredients for hair growth and health, such as horsetail and DHA omega-3s. However, there’s currently insufficient evidence to confirm these benefits (10, 27, 28).
How long does it take hair, skin, and nail vitamins to work?
While the science on hair, skin, and nails vitamins is still inconclusive, studies that found positive effects of individual ingredients commonly found in these products ranged from in length from 40 days to 6 months (6, 10, 11, 27).
While not all supplements are created equal, some contain ingredients that may be beneficial for your hair, skin, and nails.
With so many options to choose from, it’s important to do your research ahead of time to know which product is the best fit for you.
Especially if you’re taking other supplements or prescription medications or are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to talk with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplements.
Lastly, remember that supplements are not meant to replace other healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress levels, and getting plenty of sleep, all of which also contribute to healthier hair, skin, and nails.
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