Biotin vs. Keratin — What's the Difference?

Essential for the health of hair, skin, and nails.

A tough, fibrous protein that is a key structural material in the human body.

A B-vitamin important for metabolic and cellular health.

Can be damaged by external factors like heat and chemicals.

Available in many foods like eggs, nuts, and grains.

Provides strength and protection to cells exposed to stress.

Often recommended for metabolic issues.

Produced naturally by the body.

Involved in the synthesis of fatty acids and glucose.

Used in various cosmetic products.

Biotin, also called vitamin B7, is one of the B vitamins. It is involved in a wide range of metabolic processes, both in humans and in other organisms, primarily related to the utilization of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids.

Keratin () is one of a family of fibrous structural proteins known as scleroproteins. α-Keratin is a type of keratin found in vertebrates.

A vitamin, C10H16N2O3S, that is a component of the vitamin B complex and is a cofactor in many enzyme systems. It is found in large quantities in liver, egg yolk, milk, and yeast and is used in many biotechnology applications.

A fibrous protein forming the main structural constituent of hair, feathers, hoofs, claws, horns, etc.

(vitamin) A sulfur-containing member of the vitamin B complex, 5-[(3aS,4S,6aR)-2-oxohexahydro-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazol-4-yl]pentanoic acid, found in liver, egg yolk, milk, and yeast, essential to the activity of multiple enzyme systems.

Any of a class of filamentous proteins that are abundant in the cytoskeleton of vertebrate epithelial cells and are the main constituents of the outer layer of skin and tough epidermal structures such as hair, nails, hooves, feathers, and claws.

A B vitamin (C10H16N2O3S) that aids in body growth; - called also vitamin H and coenzyme R. It functions as a coenzyme in many carboxylation reactions.

Material composed principally of keratin proteins.

A B vitamin that aids in body growth

(protein) The protein of which hair and nails are composed.

A sulfur-containing fibrous protein constituting the main structural protein of hard epidermal tissues, such as horn, hair, feathers, nails, claws, hoofs, and the like. It is an insoluble substance, and, unlike elastin, is not dissolved even by gastric or pancreatic juice. By decomposition with sulphuric acid it yields leucine and tyrosine plus various other acid-stable amino acids. The amino acid composition varies, but it usually has a high percentage of cystine, which stabilizes and insolubilizes the protein by forming intrachain linkages. A softer form of keratin is present in the epidermis and whalebone. Called also epidermose.

A fibrous scleroprotein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in horny tissues such as hair feathers nails and hooves

Keratin strengthens and protects hair, improving its texture and resilience against environmental and chemical damage.

Biotin primarily functions in metabolic processes, helping convert food into energy and supporting cellular health.

Yes, biotin supplements can support the body's keratin production by enhancing the health of cells that produce keratin.

Biotin can be effective in treating hair loss that is due to biotin deficiency, though it might not affect all types of hair loss.

Some keratin treatments contain chemicals like formaldehyde, which can pose health risks if inhaled or used improperly.

If experiencing hair loss, brittle nails, or skin issues, a doctor can help determine if these are due to deficiencies or damage that biotin or keratin could address.

Yes, keratin plays a crucial role in maintaining the strength and elasticity of the skin.

Signs include dry, brittle hair, split ends, and overall lack of shine and strength.

Eating biotin-rich foods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can increase your biotin intake.

Yes, using both can synergistically improve the health and appearance of hair, skin, and nails.

Keratin treatments can be beneficial but may not be suitable for all hair types, especially if already damaged or extremely fragile.

Yes, vegetarian sources of biotin include nuts, legumes, whole grains, and certain vegetables.

Excessive or improper use of keratin products can lead to build-up and potential hair damage over time.

Biotin is absorbed through ingestion and impacts cellular metabolism, whereas keratin is a structural protein that must be produced internally or applied topically.

It may take several weeks to months of consistent biotin intake to see noticeable improvements in hair and nail health.