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Hair Skin & Nails

Nature's Bounty Optimal Solutions
4.5
(26767 ratings)
Folate 200 mcg
Biotin 3000 mcg
Vitamin A 5000 IU
Vitamin B5 15 mg
Thiamin 5 mg
Horsetail 3 mg
Vitamin D 1000 IU
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Score 65.0

Nature's Bounty Optimal Solutions Hair Skin & Nails is a popular, affordable supplement featuring a high dose of biotin for hair and nail strength, complemented by a basic blend of vitamins and minerals. While effective for many users' hair and nails, its overall efficacy is limited by low dosages of collagen and less bioavailable forms of some ingredients.

Quantity: 60 Tablet(s)Servings size: 3 Caplet(s) (20 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Bone Health
Energy
Vision Support
Immunity
Skin Health

Score 65.0

Nature's Bounty Optimal Solutions Hair Skin & Nails is a popular, affordable supplement featuring a high dose of biotin for hair and nail strength, complemented by a basic blend of vitamins and minerals. While effective for many users' hair and nails, its overall efficacy is limited by low dosages of collagen and less bioavailable forms of some ingredients.

Analysis

Nature's Bounty Optimal Solutions Hair Skin & Nails is a widely available and affordable multi-nutrient supplement specifically designed for beauty from within. It features a notable 3000mcg dose of Biotin, a key ingredient frequently lauded by consumers for visible improvements in hair growth and nail strength. The formula also includes a foundational blend of essential vitamins (A, C, D, E, B-complex) and minerals (Calcium, Zinc, Manganese, Magnesium) that contribute to overall wellness and support various bodily functions relevant to beauty. While its broad ingredient list aims to address multiple aspects, the efficacy for certain goals is hampered by low dosages of specific compounds, such as the minimal 50mg of collagen and 3mg of horsetail powder, which are unlikely to yield significant benefits. Additionally, the use of less bioavailable forms for some nutrients, like Magnesium Oxide and Cyanocobalamin B12, may reduce their absorption and overall impact compared to higher-quality formulations. Despite these drawbacks, its budget-friendly price point and positive anecdotal evidence for hair and nail improvements make it a popular choice for those seeking an entry-level beauty supplement.

Pros
  • Contains a very high dose of Biotin (3000 mcg), a key ingredient strongly associated with hair and nail health improvements.
  • Includes a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals relevant to general wellness, skin, hair, and nails (Vitamins A, C, D, E, B-complex, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium).
  • Very affordable price per serving ($0.40), making it an accessible option for many consumers seeking beauty support.
  • Numerous positive user reviews frequently highlight noticeable improvements in hair growth and nail strength.
Cons
  • The dosage of collagen (50mg) is significantly below the amounts generally considered effective for skin elasticity or joint health.
  • Contains less bioavailable forms of some essential nutrients, such as Magnesium Oxide and Cyanocobalamin (B12), which may lead to suboptimal absorption and reduced efficacy.
  • The inclusion of a vast and repetitive list of goals can be misleading, as the product's ingredient profile and dosages are not optimized to effectively support all claimed benefits.
  • The amount of horsetail extract (3mg) is very low, making its contribution to silica-related benefits for hair, skin, and nails negligible compared to dedicated supplements.
Warnings
  • High doses of biotin can interfere with certain lab tests, including thyroid function tests and troponin tests for heart attacks, potentially leading to inaccurate results; users should inform their healthcare providers.
  • The product contains hydrolyzed gelatin (collagen) and other non-vegan ingredients, making it unsuitable for individuals following a vegan or strict vegetarian diet.
$7.52($0.37 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 8.09
Walmart
$ 9.69
Amazon
$ 8.36
iHerb
$ 7.52
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate) 5000 IU
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 60 mg
Vitamin D (Vitamin D3, Cholecalciferol) 1000 IU
Vitamin E (DL-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate) 15 IU
Thiamine (Vitamin B1, Thiamine Hydrochloride) 5 mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 2 mg
Niacin (Niacinamide) 25 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 5 mg
Folic Acid 200 mcg
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 8 mcg
Biotin (D-Biotin) 3000 mcg
Pantothenic Acid (D-Calcium Pantothenate) 15 mg
Calcium (Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate) 200 mg
Phosphorus (Dicalcium Phosphate) 90 mg
Magnesium (Magnesium Oxide) 50 mg
Zinc (Zinc Gluconate) 7.5 mg
Manganese (Manganese Gluconate) 2 mg
PABA 10 mg
Choline Bitartrate 10 mg
Inositol 30 mg
Citrus Bioflavonoid/Rutin Complex 38 mg
Horsetail powder 3 mg
Collagen (hydrolyzed Gelatin) 50 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Sugar Free
Categories
Biotin 95.0
The standout feature is the very high 3000mcg (3mg) dosage of D-Biotin, which is a significant amount frequently associated with strong anecdotal evidence and studies supporting improvements in hair and nail strength and growth.
Vitamin D 90.0
The product provides a substantial 2000 IU of Vitamin D3, which is well above the recommended daily intake for many adults, significantly contributing to bone health and immune system support.
Thiamin 75.0
Providing 10mg of Thiamine (Vitamin B1), the supplement offers a good dose that supports energy metabolism and nervous system function, exceeding typical daily requirements.
Goals
Nail Health 85.0
With 3000mcg of Biotin, this product is highly effective for improving nail strength and reducing brittleness, a benefit frequently reported by users. The inclusion of Calcium, Manganese, and other B vitamins further supports overall nail integrity, making it a strong contender for this specific goal.
Hair Health 80.0
This product includes a substantial dose of Biotin (3000mcg), which is a well-regarded ingredient for promoting hair growth and strength, often cited as the primary reason for positive user reviews. It also contains other supporting nutrients like Zinc, Vitamin C, and B vitamins, all of which contribute to healthy hair follicle function and overall hair vitality.
Energy 65.0
The inclusion of a full spectrum of B vitamins (Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, B12, Pantothenic Acid, Folate, Biotin) is beneficial for energy metabolism, as these vitamins play key roles in converting food into energy. However, the dosages for some B vitamins are standard rather than 'high potency,' and the B12 is in the less bioavailable cyanocobalamin form, which might limit perceived energy boosts for some individuals.
72 Value

Extra Strength Hair Skin & Nails

Spring Valley
4.6
(5231 ratings)
This alternative offers a notably higher dose of Biotin (5000mcg) and a similar profile of supporting vitamins and minerals to the original, all at a significantly lower cost per serving. This provides a more potent hair, skin, and nail formula without a substantial price increase.
69 Value

Alive! Hair Skin & Nails Gummies Delicious Strawberry Flavored

Nature's Way
4.6
(37785 ratings)
While offering a slightly lower biotin dose (2500mcg) than the original, this alternative provides double the collagen (100mg) and comes in a palatable gummy form at a comparable price per serving. It presents a good balance of ingredients for general beauty support, especially for those preferring gummies.
65 Value

One Daily Women's

21st Century
4.7
(31249 ratings)
This multivitamin offers remarkable value by providing a comprehensive spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, including a substantial 1000mcg of Biotin, at an extremely low price per serving. While not exclusively focused on HSN, it delivers broad nutritional support that encompasses many of the original product's benefits at a fraction of the cost.
75 Performance

Extra Strength Hair Skin & Nails

Nature's Bounty Optimal Solutions
4.5
(81287 ratings)
This is an upgraded version from the same brand, offering increased potency in key areas. It provides a higher 5000mcg of Biotin and includes Hyaluronic Acid (30mg), which significantly enhances skin hydration and elasticity, directly addressing areas where the original product was less effective.
78 Performance

Hair Skin & Nails

Nature's Truth
4.6
(3573 ratings)
This alternative offers a more comprehensive and potent blend for hair, skin, and nail health. It not only provides a higher Biotin dose (5000mcg) and similar Horsetail content but also includes beneficial additions like Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, and Hyaluronic Acid, creating a more holistic and effective formula.
80 Performance

Liquid Collagen

Applied Nutrition
4.4
(14794 ratings)
This product is a significantly better alternative for collagen benefits, providing a robust 4000mg of hydrolyzed collagen per serving compared to the negligible 50mg in the original. It also includes 2000mcg of Biotin and 134mg of Horsetail (for silica), offering a much more impactful dosage for structural and beauty support.
90 Budget

Biotin 10000 mcg

Nature's Bounty
4.6
(117085 ratings)
This alternative offers a significantly higher dose of Biotin (10000mcg vs 3000mcg), which is the primary beneficial ingredient for hair and nails in the original product, at a substantially lower price per serving, making it a more cost-effective choice for targeted biotin supplementation.
88 Budget

Biotin 5000 mcg

Doctor's Best
4.7
(2797 ratings)
Providing a high potency 5000mcg dose of Biotin at an exceptionally low price per serving, this product is a very economical option for individuals whose main goal is to boost biotin intake for hair and nail health without needing the broader, less effective blend of the original.
89 Budget

Biotin 10000 mcg

21st Century
4.7
(44583 ratings)
This alternative delivers a maximum strength 10000mcg of Biotin at one of the lowest costs per serving available, offering a superior biotin dosage for beauty support at a fraction of the price of the original product, focusing strictly on the most impactful ingredient.
72 Value

Extra Strength Hair Skin & Nails

Spring Valley
4.6
(5231 ratings)
This alternative offers a notably higher dose of Biotin (5000mcg) and a similar profile of supporting vitamins and minerals to the original, all at a significantly lower cost per serving. This provides a more potent hair, skin, and nail formula without a substantial price increase.
69 Value

Alive! Hair Skin & Nails Gummies Delicious Strawberry Flavored

Nature's Way
4.6
(37785 ratings)
While offering a slightly lower biotin dose (2500mcg) than the original, this alternative provides double the collagen (100mg) and comes in a palatable gummy form at a comparable price per serving. It presents a good balance of ingredients for general beauty support, especially for those preferring gummies.
65 Value

One Daily Women's

21st Century
4.7
(31249 ratings)
This multivitamin offers remarkable value by providing a comprehensive spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, including a substantial 1000mcg of Biotin, at an extremely low price per serving. While not exclusively focused on HSN, it delivers broad nutritional support that encompasses many of the original product's benefits at a fraction of the cost.
75 Performance

Extra Strength Hair Skin & Nails

Nature's Bounty Optimal Solutions
4.5
(81287 ratings)
This is an upgraded version from the same brand, offering increased potency in key areas. It provides a higher 5000mcg of Biotin and includes Hyaluronic Acid (30mg), which significantly enhances skin hydration and elasticity, directly addressing areas where the original product was less effective.
78 Performance

Hair Skin & Nails

Nature's Truth
4.6
(3573 ratings)
This alternative offers a more comprehensive and potent blend for hair, skin, and nail health. It not only provides a higher Biotin dose (5000mcg) and similar Horsetail content but also includes beneficial additions like Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, and Hyaluronic Acid, creating a more holistic and effective formula.
80 Performance

Liquid Collagen

Applied Nutrition
4.4
(14794 ratings)
This product is a significantly better alternative for collagen benefits, providing a robust 4000mg of hydrolyzed collagen per serving compared to the negligible 50mg in the original. It also includes 2000mcg of Biotin and 134mg of Horsetail (for silica), offering a much more impactful dosage for structural and beauty support.