Biotin (Vitamin B7)

✦ Supports keratin infrastructure to visibly strengthen hair strands and reduce breakage with continued use.
✦ INCI-compliant, cosmetic-grade Biotin (Vitamin B7) for professional and DIY haircare and skincare formulations.
✦ Effective at low concentrations of 0.1% to 1.0% in both leave-on and rinse-off product formats.
✦ Water-soluble active that integrates cleanly into the aqueous phase of emulsions, serums, and scalp tonics.
✦ Supports nail plate integrity and cuticle health when used in dedicated nail care and cuticle treatment products.
✦ Gentle and well-tolerated across all skin types with no known sensitization risk at standard cosmetic use levels.
✦ Vegan-compatible and suitable for clean beauty, bioactive, and B-vitamin complex formulation platforms.

Biotin, designated by the INCI name Biotin and widely recognized as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, is a water-soluble member of the B-complex vitamin family. First isolated in the 1930s, it has long been recognized for its essential role in cellular metabolism, particularly in the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids, and glucose. Its adoption into cosmetic formulations grew from clinical observations linking biotin deficiency with progressive hair loss, brittle and ridged nails, and impaired skin barrier function, establishing it as a targeted active for these specific cosmetic concerns.

What distinguishes Biotin in cosmetic science is its involvement in the biosynthesis of keratin, the fibrous structural protein comprising approximately 95% of the hair shaft and forming the primary matrix of nail tissue. By supporting keratin-associated metabolic pathways at the cellular level, topically applied biotin is understood to reinforce the structural integrity of hair fibers, reduce brittleness in nail plates, and contribute to the overall health of scalp tissue and follicular environments. Its consistent presence in premium haircare and nail care formulations reflects broad professional confidence in its functional contribution as part of a synergistic B-vitamin system.

Rabibazaar supplies cosmetic-grade Biotin suitable for professional cosmetic chemists, independent haircare and skincare brands, and experienced DIY formulators seeking bioactive ingredients for targeted hair, nail, and scalp care solutions.

INCI Name : Biotin
Chemical Name : 5-[(3aS,4S,6aR)-2-Oxohexahydro-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazol-4-yl]pentanoic acid
CAS Number : 58-85-5
Molecular Formula : C10H16N2O3S
Appearance : White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor : Odorless
pH (1% solution) : 5.5 – 7.0
Solubility : Slightly soluble in cold water; freely soluble in hot water; practically insoluble in fixed oils
Specific Gravity : 1.30 – 1.35 g/cm³
Flash Point : Not Applicable
HLB Value : Not Applicable
Recommended Use Level : 0.1% – 1.0%
Type : Water-soluble B-vitamin / Cosmetic active
Shelf Life : 24 months from manufacture date when stored correctly

Skincare (Creams, Serums, Lotions) ★★★★☆
Biotin integrates cleanly into leave-on skincare targeting skin barrier support and cellular energy metabolism reinforcement. Add at 0.1% to 0.5% in the water phase of emulsions or pair with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in brightening serums.

Haircare (Shampoo, Conditioner, Masks) ★★★★★
This is Biotin's primary and most evidence-backed cosmetic application, where it fortifies hair strands and supports scalp tissue and follicular health. Use at 0.2% to 1.0% in conditioning masks, leave-in treatments, and rinse-off shampoos for full benefit delivery.

Nail Care (Strengtheners, Cuticle Serums, Treatments) ★★★★★
Biotin is a well-established active in nail care for improving nail plate thickness, reducing brittleness, and supporting cuticle tissue health. Incorporate at 0.2% to 0.5% in water-based nail serums or solubilized cuticle treatment formulations.

Body Care (Lotions, Emulsified Scrubs) ★★★☆☆
Biotin has limited functional relevance in anhydrous body care formats due to poor oil solubility but performs well in emulsified body lotions and treatment creams via the water phase. Restrict use to emulsified systems and apply at 0.1% to 0.3%.

Scalp Treatments (Serums, Tonics, Growth Drops) ★★★★★
Targeted scalp serums represent one of the highest-impact delivery formats for Biotin given its direct proximity to follicular tissue. Formulate at 0.5% to 1.0% in lightweight water-glycerin bases for leave-on scalp applications alongside peptides or caffeine.

When I formulate with Biotin, I treat it as a foundational active rather than a standalone hero — its real value emerges from synergistic pairing with complementary keratin-supporting ingredients. In haircare systems, I consistently combine it with Panthenol and hydrolyzed keratin peptides because each ingredient targets a different dimension of hair fiber health: Panthenol plumps the cortex, keratin peptides repair surface damage, and Biotin supports the underlying metabolic environment required for healthy structural protein production. For scalp serums, I layer it with caffeine and niacinamide to create a multi-pathway approach addressing both microcirculation and cellular energy support simultaneously.

ADVANCED TIP: To maximize Biotin bioavailability in a leave-on scalp serum, dissolve it at 0.5% in a warm base of 5% glycerin and 90% distilled water at 50°C, then cool to room temperature before adding your delivery polymer or film former. Adjust pH to 5.5 and pair with 2% Niacinamide and 0.5% Panthenol to create a complete B-vitamin complex that addresses follicular nutrition across three distinct metabolic pathways in a single application.

Normal Skin : ★★★★★ — Well tolerated with zero irritation risk, making it a clean and versatile addition to routine maintenance formulations.
Dry Skin : ★★★★☆ — Supports skin barrier metabolism and pairs effectively with humectants in moisturizing and barrier-repair formulations.
Oily Skin : ★★★★☆ — Lightweight and non-comedogenic in water-based formats, suitable for oil-control serums without contributing heaviness or occlusion.
Combination : ★★★★☆ — Performs evenly across mixed skin zones and does not disrupt sebum balance at standard cosmetic concentrations.
Sensitive Skin : ★★★★☆ — No known sensitization potential identified at topical use levels, making it one of the more low-risk actives for reactive skin formulations.
Mature Skin : ★★★★★ — Supports cellular energy pathways relevant to skin renewal and integrates well with anti-aging actives in mature skin treatment formulations.
Acne-Prone : ★★★★☆ — Non-comedogenic and free from pore-clogging risk; high-dose oral biotin has been associated with breakouts in some individuals, but topical use at cosmetic levels carries no such concern.

CONCEPT 1: Biotin and Caffeine Scalp Revitalizing Serum
Usage Level : 0.5%
Key Ingredients: Caffeine 2%, Panthenol 3%, Niacinamide 2%, Glycerin 5%
Result : A lightweight water-based leave-on serum that targets hair thinning by combining metabolic support, microcirculation stimulation, and scalp barrier nourishment in a single daily application.

CONCEPT 2: B-Vitamin Strengthening Hair Mask
Usage Level : 1.0%
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Keratin 2%, BTMS-50 5%, Cetyl Alcohol 4%, Panthenol 3%
Result : A rich conditioning mask that repairs damaged hair fibers, improves tensile strength, and delivers a comprehensive B-vitamin dose to the hair shaft for visibly stronger, more resilient hair.

CONCEPT 3: Nail Fortifying Cuticle Treatment Serum
Usage Level : 0.3%
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Collagen 1%, Allantoin 0.2%, Polysorbate 20 2%, Propanediol 5%
Result : A fast-absorbing nail and cuticle serum that visibly strengthens brittle nail plates, softens rough cuticles, and supports nail integrity with continued daily use.

INCI Declared : Yes — required on all finished cosmetic product labels in the EU regardless of concentration
EU Cosmetics Reg : Permitted — not listed in Annex II, III, IV, V, or VI; no concentration restrictions apply to cosmetic use
Rinse-Off Limit : No limit established
Leave-On Limit : No limit established
Allergen Alert : No — no known cosmetic sensitization risk identified at topical use levels
Skin Safety : Safe at recommended levels (0.1% – 1.0%)
Eye Area Use : Use with caution — avoid direct eye contact; not recommended for direct periocular application in rinse-off formats
Ingestion : Not for internal use
Pregnancy Use : Generally considered safe at cosmetic use levels; consult physician if formulating products specifically intended for use during pregnancy
Child Safety : Safe in formulations for children above 3 years at standard cosmetic concentrations
Ventilation : Not required
Storage : Cool, dry place below 25°C away from direct light and humidity
Container : HDPE or amber glass — protect from moisture exposure to prevent powder caking and degradation

Working pH Range : 4.0 – 7.5
Heat Stability : Stable up to 70°C; dissolve in water phase before emulsification; avoid prolonged exposure above 80°C
Freeze-Thaw Stable : Yes
Emulsion Type : Water phase ingredient — O/W preferred; W/O requires prior solubilization in water phase
Emulsification Phase: Warm or cold water phase
Compatible With : Niacinamide, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hyaluronic Acid, Caffeine, Amino Acids, Propanediol
Incompatible With : Strong oxidizing agents; highly alkaline environments above pH 9 where thermal degradation risk increases
Oxidation Risk : Low — no antioxidant addition required under normal formulation and storage conditions
Discoloration Risk : Possible — slight yellowing may occur under prolonged heat exposure above 80°C or at extreme alkaline pH values
Formulation Notes : Dissolve completely in warm water at 40°C to 50°C before incorporating into the emulsion system. At concentrations above 0.5%, verify full visual dissolution before proceeding to avoid particle settling in the finished product.

Q: What is the recommended use level for Biotin in haircare products?
A: The standard cosmetic use level for Biotin is 0.1% to 1.0%, with most leave-on haircare formulations targeting 0.2% to 0.5%. Scalp serums and intensive treatment masks can be formulated at the upper end of this range for more concentrated follicular delivery.

Q: Is Biotin soluble in oils, butters, or anhydrous systems?
A: Biotin is a water-soluble ingredient and is practically insoluble in fixed oils, butters, and anhydrous bases. It must be fully dissolved in the water phase of an emulsion or in a water-glycerin carrier before incorporation into any formulation system.

Q: Can Biotin be used in cold-process soap?
A: Cold-process soap operates at a highly alkaline pH above 9 during saponification, which degrades most water-soluble vitamins including Biotin. It is not recommended for cold-process soap; if vitamin enrichment is the goal, it is better incorporated into a finished melt-and-pour base or a syndet cleansing bar.

Q: Does topically applied Biotin actually reach the hair follicle?
A: The transdermal bioavailability of topical Biotin is still under active scientific investigation, and absorption through intact skin without a penetration enhancer may be limited. Applying scalp serums on a freshly cleansed scalp and incorporating solvents such as propanediol or penetration-enhancing peptides can support improved surface-level delivery.

Q: How does Biotin compare to Panthenol for haircare formulations?
A: Panthenol and Biotin are complementary rather than interchangeable — Panthenol acts as a direct humectant and film former that visibly smooths and moisturizes the hair shaft, while Biotin targets the metabolic and structural pathways supporting keratin synthesis. Most professional hair strengthening formulas combine both at 2% to 3% Panthenol and 0.3% to 0.5% Biotin to address multiple dimensions of hair health simultaneously.

Product evaluation

Review the specifications, supplied grade, intended use and compatibility of Biotin (Vitamin B7) before ordering for production. Test a small quantity in the actual application and document the result before scaling.

Quality control

Inspect the received batch for expected appearance, odor, texture, packaging condition and labeling. Keep supplier and batch records, use accurate measurements, and retain a reference sample when the material is used commercially.

Storage and responsible use

Store tightly closed in a clean, cool and dry location away from direct sunlight. Follow the current supplier instructions and all safety, labeling and regulatory requirements that apply to the intended finished product.