Belonging to the B-Vitamin family (B7), biotin is also called ‘Vitamin H’, named from the German words "Haar (hair) and Haut (skin). A biotin deficiency can lead to many skin issues including redness, itchy skin, acne and cradle cap (in babies). Biotin assists enzymes that are involved in fatty acid metabolism required for skin health; this may help to explain the link between biotin deficiency and skin vulnerability.

Biotin is also a coenzyme to aid cellular energy production and to efficiently utilize proteins, carbohydrates and fats.