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Biotin shampoo OEM/ODM manufacturing
Biotin Shampoo · OEM/ODM
Biotin (vitamin B7) is a very familiar name on “hair” products, and that reputation comes mainly from oral supplements. Most of the hair evidence for biotin concerns oral biotin in people who are deficient or have specific health conditions; in healthy people, reviews have not found strong enough evidence, and the double-blind, placebo-controlled study covered by a 2024 review found no difference between oral biotin and placebo in hair growth. For topically applied biotin, human data are almost absent: one study showed that biotin is absorbed through the skin from a 0.3% ointment-type preparation, and one small study without a control group tested a commercial serum and was funded by the company that owns the product. In the sources we checked, there is no study on a biotin shampoo — a product that stays on the scalp only briefly before it is rinsed off. Butter-C therefore builds a biotin shampoo as an honest ingredient story: biotin is present at a stated level, while the soft, easy-to-comb feel and reduced breakage during combing come from the cleansing base and conditioners, measured on the finished product itself. The technical work specific to biotin lies in its very low water solubility, its pH-dependent stability, and a formula sheet that records both the raw-material percentage and the actual biotin percentage. Butter-C offers turnkey OEM/ODM manufacturing, from formula development to labeled finished goods and the notification dossier.
Formula base
Biotin, the cleansing system and hair conditioners
A biotin shampoo is first of all a shampoo: the cleansing system and conditioners determine how hair feels; biotin is the named ingredient and must be read correctly and incorporated correctly.
Biotin — reading the raw material correctly
The material in Butter-C’s catalog carries the INCI name Biotin (vitamin B7, CAS 58-85-5), as a powder; the certificate of analysis should state the biotin content. Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Ethyl Biotinate and Allantoin Biotin are different INCI names with their own dossiers — their data are not interchangeable with biotin. An encapsulated, more water-soluble form (one published form contains about 50% biotin) makes the raw-material percentage differ from the biotin percentage.
Cleansing system
Sodium Laureth Sulfate with Cocamidopropyl Betaine for the mainstream line; amino acid, isethionate and glucoside surfactants for sulfate-free lines — the same options as an herbal shampoo, chosen by positioning and price.
Conditioners that create the feel on hair
Polyquaternium-10, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Panthenol and optional silicone: cationic polymers deposit on hair during rinsing so it feels soft and combs easily. This is what creates the “healthy hair” feel after washing — not biotin.
pH, preservation and fragrance
A mildly acidic pH that is gentle on the scalp and suits biotin stability; a preservative system chosen for the agreed pH range; a light scent with little essential oil for sensitive-scalp lines.
Key technical points
Solubility, pH and the two numbers on the formula sheet
These four points are where a biotin shampoo differs from an ordinary shampoo; each is settled by testing on samples.
Dissolving biotin
According to data compiled on PubChem, biotin dissolves only to about 0.22 mg/mL in water at 25 °C (about 0.022%) and is slightly soluble in alcohol, while its salts are quite soluble. Sprinkling the powder straight into the batch easily leaves undissolved particles and uneven distribution; biotin is dissolved separately first (raising the pH to form the salt, or per the TDS) and then added, after which recrystallization is checked at the finished pH and in cold storage (formulation experience).
pH and stability
Also according to PubChem (HSDB source), in liquid pharmaceutical form after 1 year at room temperature biotin loses 0–8% at pH 5–8, 6–12% at pH 4.1–4.3 and 15–20% at pH 3.3–3.6. Shampoo pH should therefore not be pushed too low; Sodium Benzoate needs a pH below 5.5 to be effective, so the pH range and the preservative system are agreed together.
Short contact time
Shampoo stays on the scalp only briefly before it is rinsed off. In the sources we checked, no study has measured the effect of biotin in a shampoo; the biotin level is therefore chosen for the story, solubility and cost, not for an expected effect on hair.
Two numbers on the formula sheet
Record both the raw-material percentage and the actual biotin percentage — essential to distinguish when an encapsulated form or a pre-made solution is used. When the label states a biotin content, it is assayed in the finished product and across the stability time points.
Three formulation directions
Three biotin shampoo lines
Mainstream biotin shampoo
Sulfate–betaine system, Polyquaternium-10, Panthenol and a low biotin level; rich lather, good price, suited to broad retail channels.
Sulfate-free biotin shampoo
Amino acid–glucoside–betaine system; positioned as gentle for sensitive scalps (mildness tested on the finished product). Amino acid surfactants need a pH that is not too low — also the pH range that favors biotin stability.
Biotin shampoo for breakage-prone hair
Biotin as the named ingredient with cationic polymers and silicone; the claim “reduces breakage during combing” is used only when breakage is measured on hair tresses with the finished product, and the result belongs to the whole formula.
Packaging is designed with the formula
Pump or flip-top bottles, refill pouches; a clear shampoo needs cold-storage testing in its actual bottle to spot biotin crystallization, and a pearlescent version uses an opaque bottle.
Parameters we monitor
What our R&D lab measures on every sample
Below are the parameters Butter-C tracks during formula development and scale-up. Specific limits are agreed with you on the approved sample and then written into the product’s in-house specification.
- Incoming biotin certificate of analysis
- Biotin content, form of the material (powder or encapsulated), microbiology — for every lot.
- Appearance and clarity
- Compared with the reference sample; checked for haze and settled crystals after cold storage and freeze–thaw cycling.
- pH
- Measured at 25°C; kept within the range agreed for biotin stability and the preservative system.
- Viscosity
- Rotational viscometer at 25°C; final viscosity adjusted after biotin, fragrance and conditioners have been added.
- Biotin content
- Assayed (HPLC) in the finished product and across the stability time points when the label states a content.
- Foaming
- Foam height and stability, compared with the approved sample.
- Performance on hair tresses
- Wet and dry combing force; breakage during combing — measured when you want to use the matching claim.
- Microbiology and preservative efficacy test
- Tested at a GLP / ISO 17025-accredited laboratory; preservative efficacy (challenge) test to ISO 11930.
- Eye irritation
- Shampoo runs over the eyes during rinsing: assessed with an in vitro method proposed by the testing laboratory.
Claims
Honest claims for a biotin shampoo
Appendix 03-MP (Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT) does not accept the claims “prevents hair loss”, “stimulates hair growth”, “thickens hair strands” or “restores hair cells/hair follicles” — having biotin in the formula does not change this boundary. Data on oral biotin and figures from other products are not used as support. Heavy, prolonged or patchy hair loss needs a dermatologist to find the cause. Butter-C reviews the wording on labels and marketing materials while preparing the notification dossier.
Contains biotin (vitamin B7)
State the content when it can be assayed. Instead of: supplies vitamins to the hair follicle, nourishes the roots from within.
Cleanses hair and scalp
Say “gentle” once irritation testing has been done on the finished product. Instead of: acts on bacteria or fungi on the scalp.
Leaves hair soft, smooth and easy to comb
Supported by combing-force measurements on hair tresses. Instead of: restores damaged hair, regenerates hair.
Helps reduce breakage during combing (when measured on the finished product)
Instead of: prevents hair loss, stops shedding, stimulates hair growth, grows new baby hairs.
Helps hair look fuller (when measured on the finished product)
Instead of: thickens hair strands, hair grows thicker thanks to biotin.
Data and studies
Do not cite studies of oral biotin, studies in biotin-deficient people or figures from another commercial serum for this shampoo. Instead of: “76% less hair loss”, “science proves biotin makes hair grow”.
Manufacturing specifications
Available capabilities
- Texture
- Clear or pearlescent shampoo; with or without sulfate.
- Biotin raw material
- Powdered biotin is in Butter-C’s current raw-material catalog; the encapsulated, more soluble form is sourced per order.
- Pack format
- Pump bottle, flip-top bottle, refill pouch. Volume agreed when packaging is selected.
- Minimum order quantity
- Agreed per order and per fragrance.
- Testing
- Performed at a GLP / ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, including a biotin assay when the label states a content; certificates of analysis delivered with every lot.
- Documentation
- Product Information File (PIF) and cosmetic product notification dossier prepared by Butter-C, with the biotin certificate of analysis.
- Packaging
- Label design, printing and packing run in parallel with formula development.
Suggested product concept
Sulfate-free biotin–panthenol shampoo for breakage-prone hair
A concept to help you picture the product — not a ready-made product for sale. The actual formula is developed around your brand’s positioning and price range.
Biotin at a stated level
Dissolved separately before addition; the formula sheet records raw-material % and biotin %, and the label reads “contains biotin (vitamin B7)”.
Amino acid–betaine base
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside; a mildly acidic pH set by the clarity of the system and by biotin stability.
Panthenol and cationic polymers
Polyquaternium-10, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and Panthenol leave hair soft and easy to comb; combing force and breakage are measured on hair tresses before the claim is printed.
400 ml pump bottle
Opaque bottle, with a refill pouch for repeat purchases.
Customization options
What you can specify
The same product type can target very different customers. Tell us your requirements in the areas below and our pharmacists will develop a matching formula.
How biotin appears on the label
Just “contains biotin” or a stated content — a stated content requires an assay of every lot.
Biotin form
Powder (in stock) or the encapsulated, more soluble form (sourced per order, higher cost).
Cleansing base
With or without sulfate; rich lather or gentle.
Supporting ingredients
Panthenol, Niacinamide, hydrolyzed proteins; choose few rather than many.
Hair type
Breakage-prone, dry and frizzy, or oily hair.
Product set
Shampoo, conditioner and scalp serum in one biotin line.
Further reading
Related topics
Biotin (vitamin B7) in cosmetics
Oral versus topical evidence, solubility, pH stability and acceptable claims (in Vietnamese).
Hair shedding and hair breakage
Why shampoo cares for the hair shaft but does not change the hair follicle cycle (in Vietnamese).
Herbal shampoo OEM/ODM manufacturing
A shampoo page with a similar cleansing base; this page focuses on biotin.
Scalp serum OEM/ODM manufacturing
A leave-on scalp format with longer contact time than shampoo.
Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT
Appendix 03-MP: claims not accepted for hair products (in Vietnamese).
How we work
From idea to finished batch
Eight steps and three milestones signed off by both sides: approved sample, notification number, finished batch. Step-by-step details (in Vietnamese) →
Get started
Tell us about the product you plan to launch
Send us your product direction and expected volume. Our team will get back to you during business hours (Vietnam time, GMT+7).
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