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The demand for, and use of, the best hair, skin, and nail vitamins (a.k.a. HSNs) has skyrocketed in recent years, according to a 2023 survey published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. However, before adding any supplementation to your routine, it’s essential to identify why you think you need one—and what might be causing the issues in the first place.
“Hair, skin, and nail concerns are often external signs of internal imbalances,” says board-certified dermatologist Mina Amin, MD. “Stress, poor sleep, hormonal shifts, and nutritional deficiencies can all show up through dull, sallow skin, thinning hair, or weak nails.”
To find the best solution, it’s essential to take a whole-body approach to target these underlying causes before going down the vitamin or supplement rabbit hole. “Nutritional supplements do not equal nutrition,” says Dana Stern, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in nail health. “Consuming a healthy diet where you’re getting adequate vitamins and nutrients from plenty of protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables is first and foremost where you should start.”
Vogue’s Favorite Hair, Skin, and Nail Vitamins
If you’ve already covered your nutritional bases, a hair, skin, and nail vitamin can be a great addition to support glowing skin, strong nails, and healthy hair from the inside out. To find the very best hair, skin, and nail vitamins, we went straight to the source—top dermatologists and dieticians—to cut through the noise and find the top formulas on the market.
In This Article:
- Do hair, skin, and nail vitamins really work?
- Are hair, skin, and nail vitamins safe?
- What to look for in hair, skin, and nail vitamins
- What ingredients help hair, skin, and nail health?
- Are there disadvantages to hair, skin, and nail vitamins?
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: Pure Encapsulations Hair/Skin/Nails Ultra Supplement
- Why We Like It: Many key nutrients contribute to healthy hair, skin, and nails, and the comprehensive formulation of Pure Encapsulation’s Hair/Skin/Nails Ultra earned it the top spot on our list. “Hair, skin, and nails are all made of similar proteins, like keratin and collagen, which require some overlapping nutrients—like biotin, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E—to support growth and repair,” says registered dietician Taylor Fazio, a wellness advisor for primary-care members club The Lanby. “At best, these supplements help replenish nutrients your body is actually low in—like biotin, zinc, or iron—and that’s when you’re most likely to see a noticeable benefit in hair, skin, or nail health.” This supplement is supercharged with folate, biotin, vitamin C, and zinc, as well as collagen, and we also love how transparent the brand is. Pure offers research and scientific studies on its website, along with thorough and clear vitamin information and rigorous testing. It even has a new drug-nutrient-interaction checker on its website, where you can input current medications or supplements for added assurance and safety.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, folate, biotin, vitamin C, zinc, and a hydrolyzed collagen complex
- Type: Capsule
- Serving Size: Two capsules
- Servings per Bottle: 30 servings
- When to Expect Results: Three to six months
- Dietary Notes: NSF certified, cGMP certified, third-party tested, non-GMO, hypoallergenic, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, tree-nut-free
Best Budget: Nature’s Bounty Advanced Hair, Skin & Nails Softgels
- Why We Like It: You don’t have to spend a fortune to receive the same amazing results, and this argan-oil-infused vitamin is proof. At under $20, it’s a widely popular option made with hydrolyzed collagen, biotin, and vitamin C. The pairing of collagen and vitamin C in this gelcap is especially brilliant. “Collagen works best when overall protein intake is adequate since your body needs a full range of amino acids to build hair, skin, and nails,” says Fazio. “Taking collagen with vitamin C can further boost its effectiveness by supporting collagen synthesis.”
- Key Ingredients: Biotin, hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C, and E
- Type: Softgel
- Serving Size: Three softgels
- Servings per Bottle: 50
- When to Expect Results: N/A
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, wheat-free, lactose-free, non-GMO
Best for Hair Growth: OMI WellBeauty Women’s Hair Growth Peptides
- Why We Like It: Clinically tested to boost new hair growth, reduce hair loss, and enhance strand strength in 90 days, this new supplement from OMI features a powerful blend of B vitamins, niacin, and zinc. The star of the formula is the brand’s patented follicle-supporting biotechnology peptide complex, IFP Hair Growth Peptides, which can deliver promising results. “Antioxidants, keratin peptides (like IFP Hair Growth Peptides), fatty acids, and oligo-elements like iron, zinc, copper, and selenium are very important for healthy hair, skin, and nails,” says Antonella Tosti, MD, who is also a scientific advisor to the brand. “The peptides and vitamins in this supplement are specifically designed to prevent hair loss and induce hair growth, but many ingredients are also shown to increase nail strength. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, researchers looked at skin improvements and found that the IFP Hair Growth Peptides also improved skin hydration, smoothness, and elasticity over 90 days.”
- Key Ingredients: Patented intermediate filament peptides (IFP), biotin, niacin, vitamin B6, zinc
- Type: Capsule
- Serving Size: Two capsules
- Servings per Bottle: 30 servings
- When to Expect Results: Three months
- Dietary Notes: Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free
Best Organic: Mary Ruth’s Organic Hair, Skin, and Nails Vitamins
- Why We Like It: While Mary Ruth’s went viral on social media for their Liquid Multivitamin + Hair Growth supplement, this vitamin C–packed gummy is right up there in terms of results. With 17% of your daily value, this strawberry-flavored gummy (customers say it actually tastes like real strawberries) can help you reach your vitamin C goals. “Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in collagen synthesis,” says Amin. “It contributes to skin firmness, strengthens nails, and helps protect hair follicles from oxidative stress. It can also improve the body’s ability to absorb iron, another nutrient essential for hair health.” Organic, Clean Label Project certified, and GMP certified, the brand is known for its clean formulations and impressive results.
- Key Ingredients: Biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin E
- Type: Gummy
- Serving Size: Two gummies
- Servings per Bottle: 30
- When to Expect Results: N/A
- Dietary Notes: Clean Label Project certified, GMP certified, vegan, USDA organic
Best Gummy: Plant People WonderBeauty Hair, Skin & Nail Rejuvenation Gummy
- Why We Like It: Clean and simple, this watermelon-flavored gummy packs a nutrient punch without any added sugar. Cofounder Gabe Kennedy is also a chef and passionate about the power of plants and mushrooms—so not only are they guaranteed to be delicious, but they’re also packed with tremella mushrooms, collagen peptides, biotin, and hydrolyzed keratin, a protein that makes up the foundation of hair and nails. “Collagen is a structural protein that supports skin elasticity, nail strength, and hair health, but natural production declines with age,” says Fazio. “The most effective form for supplementation is hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are easily absorbed and shown in studies to improve skin hydration, reduce wrinkles, and strengthen nails.”
- Key Ingredients: Biotin, hydrolyzed keratin, and collagen peptides
- Type: Gummy
- Serving Size: Two gummies
- Servings per Bottle: 30
- When to Expect Results: N/A
- Dietary Notes: NSF certified, cGMP certified, non-GMO, sugar-free, gluten-free
Best Daily: Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin
- Why We Like It: Consistency is key when it comes to seeing results from any vitamins or supplements, and this daily multivitamin from Ritual is chock full of all the good ingredients—iron, folate, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and more—making it the gold standard to fill in any nutritional gaps to keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy and beautiful. Research shows that decreased levels of iron can also impact hair follicle cells. “Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair shedding and dull skin,” says Fazio. “The body stores iron in ferritin, and low ferritin levels often impact hair growth.” The ingredients in this formula are also 100% traceable and have been meticulously tested against heavy-metal contamination. “Many supplements are not clinically tested, have variable potency, and are poorly absorbed,” says Amin. The capsules from Ritual are not only clinically tested, but they’re also designed to be delayed release, which means they’re meant to dissolve in the small intestine for maximum absorption.
- Key Ingredients: Iron, folate, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids
- Type: Capsule
- Serving Size: Two capsules
- Servings per Bottle: 30
- When to Expect Results: N/A
- Dietary Notes: NSF certified, cGMP certified, third-party tested, vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free
Best Vegan: Nutrafol Women’s Vegan Hair Growth Supplement
- Why We Like It: A favorite of Dr. Amin, Nutrafol is the go-to of many dermatologists thanks to the great anecdotal success stories and clinical studies. “Nutrafol takes a whole-body approach, which is key,” says Dr. Amin. “Hair, skin, and nail health isn’t just about what’s happening on the surface. Our needs evolve and change with age and life stages, and I appreciate that Nutrafol offers targeted formulations that address the root causes of hair thinning, like postpartum or menopause.” We especially love that they offer a vegan version—perfect for those living a plant-based lifestyle. It is important to note that this formulation includes an herbal blend with ingredients like ashwagandha and curcumin. “Some herbal blends may not be appropriate for everyone as they can interact with medications or hormone pathways,” says Fazio. “So it’s important to check with a medical professional before starting any supplement.”
- Key Ingredients: Saw palmetto, zinc, vitamins A, C, D, E, and B12
- Type: Capsules
- Serving Size: Four capsules
- Servings per Bottle: 30
- When to Expect Results: Visible results in three to six months
- Dietary Notes: Vegan, non-GMO, drug-free, hormone-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free
Everything You Need to Know
Do hair, skin, and nail vitamins really work?
While they can work, it’s important for consumers to remember that not all supplements are created equal and they aren’t a substitute for whole foods and minerals. “Try to optimize skin, hair, and nail health by eating plenty of protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables to start,” says Dr. Stern. If your diet is already well-balanced and nutrient dense, supplements can have a minimal impact. However, vitamins can fill the gaps and support the health of your hair, skin, and nails if you’re deficient in key nutrients like biotin, zinc, or iron, says Fazio. “If the underlying cause of your symptoms is something else, such as hormone imbalances, poor nutrient absorption, or lifestyle factors, supplements alone won’t be enough to fix the issue,” she adds. “It’s best to identify and address the root cause for lasting results.”
Are hair, skin, and nail vitamins safe?
For the most part, vitamins and supplements can be used safely and effectively for those with no known health concerns. But as with any ingestible, you should still exercise caution. “It’s always best to consult your doctor before adding a new product to your routine because they know your health history and individual needs best,” says Dr. Amin. Fazio adds that it’s especially important if you are “pregnant, breastfeeding, have a preexisting medical condition, or are taking other prescription medications.”
There is also some concern around contamination and safety. “A study conducted by the Organic Consumers Association and the Clean Label Project tested 28 of the top-selling brands of collagen supplements on Amazon in 2020 found 64% tested positive for arsenic, 37% for lead, 34% trace levels of mercury, and 17% cadmium,” says Dr. Stern. “The ability to control levels of contamination comes down to the manufacturing process and good practices.” To avoid issues, look for supplements with NSF or USP certifications and formulas made with high-quality ingredients and clinical studies.
What to look for in hair, skin, and nail vitamins
Quality assurance, efficacy, and safety are top priorities when it comes to the best hair, skin, and nail vitamins for you. “It’s important that consumers understand that the FDA does not regulate supplements for safety or effectiveness,” says Dr. Stern. Fazio notes that a trustworthy supplement company should provide independent lab testing for potency, purity, and consistency. Supplements should offer third-party testing to ensure nutrient levels match label claims and that the product is free from contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and toxins; certificates of analysis (COAs) that are accessible to the public to verify the product’s quality; batch testing to ensure consistency; transparent ingredient lists; and realistic, evidence-based claims, she explains.
Supplements can also be confusing to consumers. “As a category, supplements overwhelmingly rely on single-ingredient studies, which can make it hard to understand which products are going to deliver the impact they promise,” says Dr. Amin. “Look for products with clinical studies conducted on full formulations to ensure they are efficacious.”
What ingredients help hair, skin, and nail health?
Biotin: Also known as B7, biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin and one of the most well-known ingredients associated with hair and nail health. “Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that helps convert nutrients into energy,” says Fazio. “It supports keratin production, a key structural protein in hair, skin, and nails, and low levels are linked to brittle nails and hair thinning.” It’s important to note that a true biotin deficiency is rare (save for congenital conditions). However, Dr. Tosti explains that there is emerging evidence that gastrointestinal disease, smoking, pregnancy, and lactation, as well as the use of antibiotics, antiepileptics, and isotretinoin, can all cause suboptimal biotin levels. “Up to 40% of patients with hair loss have marginal biotin levels and may benefit from supplementation,” she adds.
Collagen: Collagen is a structural protein that supports skin elasticity, nail strength, and hair health; it’s essential for healthy skin. It naturally declines with age. “When collagen breaks down, we develop skin laxity, wrinkles, and sagging,” says Dr. Stern. When it comes to collagen supplementation, Fazio recommends hydrolyzed collagen peptides, types I and III. “Clinical benefits are typically seen with 2.5 to 10 grams per day, taken consistently for at least 8 to 12 weeks,” she says.
Vitamin C: With potent antioxidant properties, lots of research supports the benefits topical vitamin C has on skin. “It can improve the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles, prevent skin aging, and even protect against some UV and environmental-induced damage,” says Dr. Stern. For oral or ingestible benefits, vitamin C helps support collagen production. “Vitamin C aids collagen synthesis, which helps follicle integrity,” explains Tosti. “It protects against oxidative stress through its antioxidant properties and enhances the absorption of iron—an essential mineral for healthy hair growth.”
Niacin/Niacinamide: Another form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide can also support hair and scalp health. “It can improve blood circulation to the follicles, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients while also offering antioxidant protection against oxidative stress that can impair follicle function,” says Dr. Tosti.
Zinc: An essential micronutrient and trace mineral involved in cell repair, growth, and regeneration, zinc supports a healthy scalp environment, helps reduce inflammation, and contributes to clearer skin and stronger nails, explains Dr. Amin. “Zinc deficiency can also lead to hair loss or thinning and poor skin healing,” adds Fazio.
Are there disadvantages to hair, skin, and nail vitamins?
Similar to other supplements, it’s always important to weigh the drawbacks of taking hair, skin, and nail vitamins. “It’s important to remember that there is no magic pill and results don’t happen overnight,” says Amin. “Hair growth, in particular, is a gradual process that requires time, patience, and consistency to support the body’s natural cycle and address underlying imbalances to see any long-term improvement.”
There are also some risks associated with taking hair, skin, and nail vitamins. While biotin supplements are generally considered safe, it’s important to know that they can affect the results of blood tests, especially lab testing for thyroid issues. The FDA warns that excessively high biotin consumption can cause incorrect lab results, such as falsely elevated levels of T4 and T3 and low levels of TSH.
Taking unnecessary supplements—like fat-soluble vitamins A or E or minerals like iron—can build up in the body and lead to toxicity, explains Fazio. “Some people may experience worsening symptoms, such as breakouts from high-dose biotin or nausea from excess zinc, and supplements can also interact with medications or mask underlying health issues like hormonal imbalances or nutrient absorption problems.” It’s essential to work with a practitioner to evaluate the best course of action for your specific needs.
Meet the experts
- Mina Amin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.
- Dana Stern, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in nail health.
- Taylor Fazio is a New York registered dietitian and wellness advisor for The Lanby.
- Antonella Tosti, MD, is a Fredric Brandt Endowed Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami. She currently sits on OMI’s scientific advisory board.