Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Biotin (Vitamin B7) has traditionally been used to support skin health, including conditions like seborrhea (sometimes referred to as seborrheic dermatitis, especially in infants as "cradle cap"). The basis for this usage comes primarily from early observations that biotin deficiency in infants can manifest as dermatitis, alopecia, and other skin problems. In infants who are formula-fed with egg white (which contains avidin, a biotin-binding protein that inhibits biotin absorption), deficiencies sometimes resulted in skin changes resembling seborrhea, and these improved with biotin supplementation. As a result, biotin began to be used for various skin disorders, including seborrheic dermatitis. However, the evidence supporting biotin supplementation for seborrhea in individuals without a confirmed deficiency is limited. Most modern clinical studies do not find a significant benefit of biotin supplementation for seborrheic dermatitis in adults or children with normal biotin levels. The use of biotin is therefore rooted more in tradition and observations from deficiency syndromes, rather than robust clinical trials or scientific validation for the general population. Despite its popularity in over-the-counter supplements for "hair, skin, and nails," biotin’s efficacy for seborrhea outside of deficiency states is not well-supported by current scientific evidence.

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