Biotin
What Is It?
Biotin, also known as Coenzyme R, Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H is a water soluble vitamin that is found naturally in food. In cosmetics and personal care products, Biotin is used primarily in the formulation of hair conditioners, grooming aids, shampoos and moisturizing agents.
Why Is It Used?
Biotin improves the texture of creams and adds body and shine to hair. Biotin has moisturizing and smoothing properties and can also help improve brittle nails.
Scientific Facts
Widely used in food and vitamin supplements, Biotin plays a role in cellThe basic structural and functional unit of all organisms; cells may exist as independent units of life or may form colonies or tissues as in higher plants and animals. growth. Biotin deficiency may lead to hair loss, skin rash, high cholesterol and heart problems. Nuts, liver, soybeans and fish are rich dietary sources of Biotin.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration reviewed the safety of Biotin and determined that it was Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS“GRAS” is an acronym for the phrase Generally Recognized As Safe. Under sections 201(s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act), any substance that is intentionally added to food is a food additive, that is subject to premarket review and approval by FDA, unless the substance is generally recognized, among qualified experts, as having been adequately shown to be safe under the conditions of its intended use, or unless the use of the substance is otherwise excluded from the definition of a food additive.) as a dietary supplement. The safety of Biotin has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient ReviewThe Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) was established in 1976 as an independent safety review program for cosmetic ingredients. The CIR Expert Panel consists of independent experts in dermatology, toxicology, pharmacolgy and veterinary medicine. The CIR includes participation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Consumer Federation of America. (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and noted the large number of people exposed to Biotin in food and cosmetic products. The CIREP concluded that Biotin was safe as used in cosmetic products.
CIR Safety Review: The CIR Expert Panel recognized that data on the irritation and sensitization potential of Biotin were absent from the report, but the CIR Expert Panel was of the opinion that if Biotin had a strong potential for irritation or sensitization, case reports would be available in the published literature. The lack of such case reports was an indicator to the CIR Expert Panel that Biotin did not have a strong potential for skin irritation or sensitization. UV absorption data demonstrated that phototoxicity would not be a concern. The CIR Expert Panel noted that a large number of people are exposed to Biotin daily in their diet at dose much higher than those resulting from use of cosmetic and personal care products containing Biotin.
FDA: Link to FDA Code of Federal Regulations regulation for Biotin:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr…
The use of Biotin in cosmetics and personal care products in Europe is permitted according to the general provisions of the European Cosmetics Regulation.
Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation:
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_p…
More Scientific Information
Biotin plays a role in cell growth; as well as in the production of fatty acids, metabolism of fats, and amino acids. It plays a role in the Krebs Cycle, which is the process through which energy is released from food. Biotin not only assists in various metabolic chemical conversions, but also helps with the transfer of carbon dioxide. Biotin is also helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level. Biotin is often recommended for strengthening hair and nails. Consequently, it is found in many cosmetic and personal care products.
Resources
Find out more about the regulation of Food Additives by the Food and Drug Administration
Food Ingredients and Packaging: http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/default.htm
Food Contact Substances: http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/PackagingFCS/defaul…
Substances Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS): http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/GRAS/default.htm
Medline Plus http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-biotin.html
Search the Code of Federal Regulations http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm
EU Cosmetics Inventory http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/cosmetics/cosing/