Formulating with Biotin
Mineral and vitamin deficiencies are caused by a huge number of factors and can vary from person to person. Some vitamins like Biotin (vitamin B7 or H) are essential for keratin production and any deficiency can lead to hair loss. Scientifically, Biotin has a direct correlation with hair growth, thickness, and strength.
How?
Although Biotin is not a protein, it supports keratin production by helping the body synthesize amino acids, the building blocks of keratin, which gives hair its strength and structure. It also enhances the health of hair follicles by improving hair elasticity.
In short, it is a powerhouse vitamin that facilitates protein synthesis.
So, does Biotin need to be paired with a protein to be effective? No. It can be used in the water phase of your formulation without the presence of a protein and will be a great addition to your ingredient list.
But if you really want to boost your product, try adding a protein with it!
Our recommendation: Spirulina
We shared information about hydrolyzed proteins recently to members of our email list but wanted to add this ingredient for its incredible synergistic benefits with Biotin specifically.
Spirulina is high in protein, iron, zinc, essential amino acids, and B vitamins (including Biotin) and is known for its ability to improve scalp health and strengthen hair.
And when Biotin and Spirulina come together? Magic!! ✨ Well, actually, a very powerful synergy.
Here’s how they work together:
Benefits of combining Biotin and Spirulina:
Biotin stimulates keratin production and strengthens hair strands..
Spirulina offers protein, iron, vitamins (including Biotin), and antioxidants that nourish and protect hair follicles.
Together, they promote faster, healthier hair growth and improve hair texture and shine.
Using these two ingredients in your formulations will, in essence, make your product a protein-packed hair treatment that will work to solve the problem of weak, thinning strands that so many people with textured hair experience.
Have you used either of these ingredients in a hair product before, or used them together? If not, will you be trying it?
We dive deeper into proteins in hair product formulations as part of our extensive module (Module 3) on choosing ingredients in the pro course.
Let’s use knowledge and nature to solve hair loss problems. 🌿
FORMULATION TIPS:
Here are some key things to consider when formulating with Biotin or Spirulina:
When using Spirulina powder plus Biotin as separate ingredients, a common concentration is about 1-5% w/w.
Biotin is generally used at much lower concentrations due to its potency, typically in the range of 0.1-0.5% w/w.
Combine Biotin (usually as a powder) carefully to maintain stability.
Spirulina’s green color and scent may require masking agents or complementary ingredients to make the final product more appealing.
Include nourishing oils, conditioning herbs, or natural gels to improve application and effects.
Remember, protein treatments should only be used once or twice per week to keep from overloading the hair or scalp.