There are hundreds of hair, skin, and nail vitamins on the market right now. But amidst all the hype, it can be hard to differentiate between what vitamins may actually be beneficial and what ones aren’t worth the purchase.

Look for natural ingredients

There are plenty of products that claim to be all-natural when, in reality, they are full of filler ingredients that really serve no health benefits. Most hair, skin, and nail supplements have a few key ingredients: biotin, vitamins A, C, and E, and, sometimes, fatty acids like fish oil. There should be no impossibly long ingredients listed on the bottle. Stick to the basics.

Have you experienced long-term problems?

Issues with fine hair, dry or blotchy skin, and brittle nails over an extended period of time might be a sign of a more serious medical issue. It’s always critical to discuss any changes in your hair, skin, and nails with a professional who can recommend a plan that it best suited to you and your needs.

Supplements aren’t regulated heavily by the FDA

Unlike prescription medications, many vitamins and supplements aren’t regulated as strictly by the Food and Drug Administration. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are unsafe. There are other governing bodies such as US Pharmacopeia, Consumerlab.com, and NSF International, that provide a seal of approval based on testing.

Other natural sources of vitamins and minerals

Diet is one of the most important factors in hair, skin, and nail health. If you find that you are not able to get enough essential nutrients from diet alone, supplements may be of benefit. But according to Consumer Reports, there is currently no scientific proof that supplements offer significant benefit to hair growth or skin health in individuals who do not have an existing medical condition.

*Consult a doctor before beginning any new vitamin or supplement plan.