Could Your Hair, Skin & Nails Supplements Be Clogging Your Pores?

If you’re struggling with breakouts and taking biotin or “hair, skin & nails” supplements, your skincare routine might not be the only problem—your supplements might be. While these vitamins promise glowing skin and strong nails, they can actually trigger acne in people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Here's why.

💊 What Is Biotin and Why Is It in These Supplements?

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is often marketed to promote stronger nails, shinier hair, and healthier skin. It’s found in many over-the-counter “beauty” supplements—especially ones labeled for hair, skin & nails.

It sounds great in theory, but here’s the truth: biotin can do more harm than good for acne-prone skin.

🚫 Biotin and Pore Clogging: What’s the Link?

Biotin increases keratin production. That sounds like a good thing—after all, keratin is what makes up your hair and nails. But here’s the problem: people with acne-prone skin already have an issue with excess skin cell buildup (aka keratinization).

Adding more keratin into the mix can actually make it worse by:

• Increasing keratin buildup in pores, leading to clogged pores

• Preventing proper skin cell shedding

• Creating the perfect environment for breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads

This is a classic case of internal pore clogging—your pores get blocked from the inside out.

⚠️ Not Just Biotin: Other Hidden Acne Triggers in Supplements

Many “beauty” supplements also contain ingredients like:

• B12 (which can also trigger acne in some)

• Iodine (commonly found in multivitamins and known to cause breakouts)

• Coconut oil or whey (sometimes in powdered versions)

These can all contribute to pore clogging, especially if you’re already prone to congestion or breakouts.

🧴 What Should You Do Instead?

If you’re serious about clearing your skin, it’s best to stop any hair/skin/nails supplements for at least 4–6 weeks and monitor your skin’s response. Focus instead on:

✅ A balanced diet✅ A consistent, acne-safe skincare routine✅ Supplements that are truly acne-safe (no biotin, iodine, or triggers)

Need help checking if your current supplements or products are breaking you out? Use our free Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker to copy and paste ingredient lists and identify potential culprits.

✅ Clear Complexion Skincare = Acne-Safe, Supplement-Smart

At Clear Complexion Skincare, we understand the science behind pore clogging. That’s why every product we create is free of pore-clogging ingredients, non-comedogenic, and truly acne-safe.

We go beyond skincare by educating you on hidden acne triggers—including common supplements and lifestyle factors. If you're ready to stop guessing and start clearing your skin, our team of acne experts is here to help.

🔍 Not Sure What’s Causing Your Breakouts?

Take the first step by filling out our Acne Boot Camp Questionnaire. You’ll get a custom routine created by a licensed acne expert who knows how to address internal and external pore-clogging issues.

Final Thoughts

Biotin may help your hair grow, but it could also be clogging your pores and triggering breakouts. If you’re prone to acne, skipping “hair, skin & nails” supplements might be the missing piece in your clear skin puzzle.

✨ Take control of your skincare from the inside out—with expert guidance, acne-safe products, and education that empowers you to make the best choices for your skin.