Biotin Vs. Collagen: Which Is Better For Your Hair And Nails?

As our collective understanding of beauty products and ingredients deepens, consumers are more literate in chemicals, naturally occurring substances, and hormones, but it can be hard to analyze them in relation to one another. After all, this is legitimate science. Today we're taking a deep dive into collagen and biotin, both of which are said to be great for your nails and hair — but is one better than the other?

Collagen supplements have been touted as miracle products, and their effectiveness has been called into question before. Some people believe it best to think twice before adding collagen supplements into your daily routines, but it is also believed to be one of the best things for your nail and hair health.

What is collagen, though? According to Healthline, it's "the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for about one-third of its protein composition." In addition to be a building block for bones, muscles, skin, and ligaments, it's also found in teeth and blood vessels, among other areas of your body. Collagen is a tricky protein because there are 16 forms of it, but what you need to know is that your body produces less of it as you age, which is why cartilage weakens and skin sags as we grow older.

When it comes to your hair, collagen aids your elasticity, moisture retention, and promotion of growth, among other benefits (via Mane Addicts). It can even regenerate your follicles! But is biotin a better supplement?

While collagen is known as a wonder ingredient, biotin, on the other hand, is known as a "beauty superstar," per Vegamour. Known as vitamin B-7 or vitamin H, biotin is "important for cell growth and fatty acid metabolism." This vitamin aids your body's conversion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy, and its supplements are vegan, unlike collagen. Moreover, they're water-soluble, so your body doesn't store them.

According to Vegamour, some have claimed that biotin helps pregnant women maintain their health, as well as it being good at regulating blood sugar. But does it help your hair and nails? Verywell Health explained that biotin is believed to aid thinning hair as well as strengthening nails. It's also said to stimulate the growth of both nails and hair. It does this through promoting keratin, a protein common in nails and hair, per Vegamour. This fortification of your nails and hair can help protect them from future damage, too.

What everything boils down to, according to Vegamour, is that collagen better maintains your skin while biotin better aids your hair and nails. The best part, though, is that they can be used in conjunction with one another. They complete slightly different tasks but operate in the same arenas, so if you choose both, you'll fortify yourself brilliantly.