Does Biotin Cause Acne?

Does Biotin Cause Acne?

A simple google of this question, which patients are asking as well, reveals lots of complaints about biotin causing acne.  Is this just coincidence or a real scientific phenomenon?  Let’s sort it out today.

Biotin is Vitamin B7.  It is most commonly used as a supplement for hair and nail growth.  Unlike many other vitamins, there is no set Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for biotin. Because it is water soluble, unabsorbed amounts are secreted in the urine.  

After a thorough medical literature search, there is no data that has proven an increase in acne with biotin.  In contrast, biotin has been investigated to determine if it improves acne.  In those studies, the results showed that biotin has little impact on acne, positive or negative. 

However, there are some studies that show that two other B vitamins, B6 and B12 can increase acne in some cases.  Patients achieving Biotin (B7) from a B Complex could be experiencing acne from Vitamin B6 and/or B12.  

As with any dietary supplement, it is always important to consider all of the active and inactive ingredients and try one new supplement at a time, waiting 3 months in between changes in supplementation.  

Some vitamins, such as B12 are vital to our health.  If supplementation is required, and if that supplementation causes acne, it can be easily treated.

No matter what the cause of the acne, the treatments remain the same.  Prescription topical and oral treatments can be effective for all types of acne.