Many people want longer, fuller lashes. They try oils, growth serum, and pills. One name comes up a lot—biotin. But does biotin help eyelashes grow? Some say yes, some say no. It’s easy to get confused. You’re not alone if you’re searching for answers.
Biotin is in many hair products and lash vitamins. It’s even in some foods. But can it really make your lashes longer? Will it work for you? Keep reading to see what biotin can or cannot do for your eyelashes. You’ll learn what works, what’s safe, and what’s just hype.
What is Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin is a type of B vitamin. It’s also called vitamin B7. Your body needs it to make keratin. Keratin is the protein found in hair, skin, and nails. Without enough biotin, hair can thin or fall out.
People often take biotin vitamins for eyelash growth to support healthy lashes. Some foods like eggs, nuts, and seeds have biotin too. But many choose pills or gummies for a stronger dose.
Biotin is water-soluble. That means your body gets rid of what it doesn’t use. So it’s safer than some other vitamins. Still, taking too much isn’t helpful. Your body only uses what it needs.
Many beauty products include biotin today. You’ll find it in shampoos, conditioners, and eyelash supplements. But does it really work for lashes? That’s what we’ll look at next.
Biotin’s Role in Hair Health
Biotin helps your body grow strong hair. It supports keratin, which gives hair its shape and strength. When people lose hair or have weak strands, they often try biotin.
Most studies on biotin look at head hair, not lashes. In people with low biotin, hair grows better after taking it. That’s why many use vitamins to help eyelashes grow, hoping for the same result on their lashes.
Biotin may not boost growth if you already get enough from food. But it could help if your body lacks it. Some people take biotin every day and say their hair feels thicker and stronger.
Still, results are not the same for everyone. Some people see changes. Others don’t. Hair health also depends on sleep, stress, and diet—not just biotin.
Lashes are hair too. So it makes sense to ask: can biotin help eyelashes grow like it does for the hair on your head? We’ll look at what research says next.
Scientific Insight on Eyelash Growth
There is limited clinical research directly linking biotin to eyelash growth. Most available studies focus on its role in improving brittle nails or thinning scalp hair, especially in individuals with biotin deficiency. Because of this, claims about biotin’s impact on eyelashes often rely on indirect evidence or anecdotal reports rather than proven science.
Many people still ask, does biotin help with eyelash growth? In theory, it could—since eyelashes are made of keratin, and biotin supports keratin production. However, scientific support for this idea is weak. No peer-reviewed studies have shown that biotin supplementation alone leads to measurable changes in eyelash length, thickness, or density in people with normal biotin levels.
Biotin is commonly included in eyelash growth vitamins, often alongside ingredients like vitamin E, B-complex, and collagen. This combination makes it difficult to credit biotin specifically for any changes users report. While many people claim to see results, these effects are usually mild, vary between individuals, and may not be solely due to biotin.
So, does biotin help eyelashes grow? Possibly—but only if a deficiency exists. If your body already gets enough biotin from food, extra supplementation may not have any effect on lash growth. For now, the connection between biotin and eyelashes remains more of a trend than a proven treatment.
Biotin Deficiency and Its Impact
Biotin plays a key role in the health of hair, skin, and nails. When levels are too low, the body may show signs that include changes in eyelash appearance and growth.
Signs of biotin deficiency may include:
Biotin deficiency can show up in several ways. Some may notice thinning hair or hair loss, including lashes and brows. Nails can become brittle and break easily, while skin may turn dry or scaly. Other signs include tiredness, muscle pain, or even mild depression. Red rashes, particularly around the eyes, nose, or mouth, can also appear.
Who is at risk of deficiency:
Certain groups are more likely to have low biotin levels. This includes people with digestive disorders like Crohn’s or IBS, those on long-term antibiotics or anti-seizure medications, and individuals with genetic conditions such as biotinidase deficiency. Pregnant women may also need more biotin due to increased nutritional demands. Eating large amounts of raw egg whites can interfere with biotin absorption, raising the risk of deficiency.
Some turn to biotin for eyelashes growth when they see lashes thinning or falling out. In these cases, correcting a biotin deficiency may help support normal lash growth.
But high doses aren’t always safe. Too much biotin can interfere with lab test results, especially thyroid and heart tests. Always check with a healthcare provider first.
If you’re low in biotin, then yes—biotin help eyelashes grow by restoring lash health. But if your levels are already normal, extra biotin likely won’t improve lash growth.
Supplementation Practices
Biotin supplements are widely available and often marketed for hair, skin, and nail support. If you’re considering them for lash health, it’s important to know how they work and how to use them safely.
Common forms of biotin supplements:
Biotin is available in several forms to suit different preferences. Tablets or capsules are common options, while gummies often combine biotin with other vitamins. Powders can be mixed into smoothies or shakes for easy intake. There are also topical products, such as eyelash serums, that include biotin as an ingredient.
Typical biotin doses:
Most over-the-counter products provide between 1,000 to 5,000 micrograms of the supplement. While there’s no officially established upper daily limit, taking higher doses doesn’t always lead to better results. For individuals without a deficiency, smaller amounts may work just as well.
How to use biotin safely:
Take the supplement once daily with food, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. It’s best to avoid very high doses unless there’s a specific medical reason. Some users have reported skin breakouts, including acne, when taking large amounts.
Many lash serums now include biotin as a key ingredient. These are applied along the lash line once or twice a day. They may also contain peptides or plant extracts for extra support.
Alternative Approaches to Lash Enhancement
Over-the-Counter Lash Products
Many people use non-prescription serums to enhance the look of their lashes. These products often include ingredients like peptides, panthenol, and natural oils to support lash strength. Applied directly to the lash line, they are easy to incorporate into a daily routine. Castor oil and coconut oil are among the more popular natural options. With consistent use, results typically appear within 4 to 8 weeks.
Prescription Lash Treatments
For those seeking medically backed results, doctors may prescribe bimatoprost, commonly known by the brand name Latisse. This FDA-approved treatment is used to grow longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes. It’s applied once daily to the upper lash line, with visible results typically appearing within 8 to 12 weeks. Some users may experience side effects such as eye redness or darkening of the eyelid skin.
Oral and Nutritional Support
Some people take eyelash growth vitamins to support lash health from within. These supplements typically include biotin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and various B-complex nutrients. They’re usually taken daily as pills or gummies and may help reduce lash shedding or breakage. The effectiveness often depends on individual diet and overall health.
Lash Care Habits
Making a few simple adjustments to your routine can help protect your natural lashes. Gently removing makeup prevents unnecessary stress on the lash line, while avoiding eye rubbing reduces the chance of lash breakage or fallout. Using mascara and lash curlers carefully helps maintain lash health without causing damage. Replacing eye makeup every three months also lowers the risk of irritation and keeps the area around your eyes cleaner.
User Reports and Expected Outcomes
Many people who try biotin for lashes share mixed results. Some say their lashes feel stronger or fall out less. Others report no real change, even after weeks of use. How your lashes respond depends on your health, diet, and whether you have a biotin deficiency.
On average, users report changes—if any—after 4 to 8 weeks of daily use. Results are usually subtle. You may notice less lash breakage or a slightly fuller look. But dramatic growth is uncommon unless biotin was missing from your diet.