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How we vet brands and products
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Our dietitians weighed in on the best hair, skin, and nail vitamins. While not everyone needs one, a good multivitamin can offer extra support.
Healthy hair, nails, and skin require sufficient nutrients, including vitamins A, D, and E. While these are commonly found in a balanced diet, some people — such as those with specific dietary restrictions or unique needs — may require more.
It’s important to acknowledge that for most people with good health, there’s limited evidence that taking targeted vitamins solely for hair, skin, or nails results in noticeable improvements.
However, if you have concerns about your nutritional intake and wish to ensure your hair, nails, and skin receive optimal support, our team of nutritionists has curated a selection of quality multivitamins and individual supplements designed to promote overall well-being, including the health of your hair, nails, and skin.
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. These products meet the allowable health claims and labeling requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and they’re manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs).
- Ingredients: We aimed to include several options that are free from potentially unwanted ingredients like artificial flavors or sweeteners, certain allergens, and additives and preservatives.
- Price: We included supplements to fit a wide range of budgets.
- User reviews: All the vitamins on this list have mostly favorable customer reviews.
- Trustworthiness: We also chose products only from medically credible companies that follow industry best standards. Many also provide objective measures of trust, like third-party certifications.
Shopping for a hair, nails, and skin supplement can be overwhelming. Here are a few key factors to consider.
Ingredient quality and effectiveness
Look for products with a minimal list of unnecessary additives and fillers.
Some additives and preservatives, like soybean oil, glycerin, and soy lecithin serve a vital role in extending a vitamin’s shelf life, but it’s essential to differentiate them from fillers. Fillers are ingredients that contribute little or no nutritional value but are added to bulk up a product and can ultimately dilute the essential nutrients in a supplement.
While complete elimination of additives isn’t necessary, prioritize supplements with essential nutrients without unnecessary extras.
Additionally, hair, skin, and nail vitamins often contain proprietary blends, and manufacturers don’t disclose the exact amounts of the ingredients used in the blends. If the product contains proprietary blends of ingredients you have to be cautious of, it may be best to choose a different product.
It’s also worth noting that while some ingredients in these supplements have shown effectiveness in other areas, research on their direct benefits for hair, nails, and skin remains limited. For example, a
The multifaceted nature of these supplements means that while they may contribute to overall well-being, specific outcomes related to hair, nails, and skin can vary.
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 like USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab whenever possible. This guarantees that the product contains the types and amounts of ingredients that are listed on the bottle.
While not all the products on our recommended list are third-party certified, we aim to provide a range of options that cater to different preferences.
The availability of third-party certification can depend on various factors, including the manufacturer’s commitment to rigorous testing standards and the specific certification programs applicable to the products.
Potential contraindications
Some ingredients may be unsafe if you’re pregnant or nursing. Additionally, some commonly used ingredients, such as
There’s some research to support the use of certain ingredients for hair growth and health, such as DHA omega-3s. Deficiencies in other nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and vitamins C, and D have been linked to poor hair growth.
However, there’s currently insufficient evidence to confirm the benefits of supplementing with these nutrients specifically for hair growth.
The best supplement for hair and nail growth can vary from person to person, as individual needs and responses to supplements differ. Some commonly used ingredients, like biotin, actually lack sufficient evidence in terms of promoting hair and nail growth. However, ingredients like omega-3 DHA, collagen, and hyaluronic acid may be effective.
Nutrafol has been shown to promote hair growth in women with self-perceived hair thinning, though it’s worth noting the clinical trial was self-funded, which may be a conflict of interest.
Some ingredients commonly found in hair, skin, and nails vitamins, like collagen and hyaluronic acid, have more research to support their effectiveness than others.
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, nails, and skin vitamins are effective.
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 nursing, be sure to talk with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplements.
Remember that supplements are not meant to replace other healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress levels, and getting quality sleep, all of which also contribute to healthier hair, skin, and nails.
