Update 7/3/19 Halo Beauty hair skin and nails booster by Tati Westbrook is touted to be the best supplements in the world. Skin, hair, and nails share some common nutrients and so in this review, I'll look at the logic and science behind the use of the ingredients in Halo Beauty and along the way, answer your questions too. I will also address the drama about its use of saw palmetto too. Does Halo Beauty really work or is it a scam? Let's see what we can discover.
Other Hair Reviews
Who Makes Halo Beauty?
Halo Beauty
In her own words, “everyone is under the halo and no one is left out.” Also, the halo is meant to convey something is pure. Tati is also on Instagram as well as everywhere else. Just google her name or “GlamLifeGuru” and she will pop up.
Halo Beauty Benefits
From HaloBeauty.com, we learn the product is touted to provide the following benefits:
- Promotes Thick and Luxurious Hair Growth
- Minimizes Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Supports Collagen and Keratin Production
- Promotes Strong and Healthy Nails
- Contains Anti-Gray Fighting Enzymes
Remember these are the claims of the company. Like all supplement claims, they have not been confirmed by the FDA. Still, there is research on some of the key ingredients which will be covered below.
Halo Beauty Clinical Evidence
At the time this review was created, Halo Beauty Booster did not appear to have any human clinical trials. Lack of evidence doesn't automatically mean something doesn't work. It means we have to look at the evidence for the ingredients in Halo Beauty.
Let's do that next…
Halo Beauty Ingredients
In 2 capsules of Halo Beauty, we find the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | 2 capsules | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 60 mg | 100% DV |
| Vitamin D3 | 1000 IU | 250% DV |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 5 mg | 333% DV |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 5 mg | 294% DV |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL) | 2mg | 100% DV |
| Biotin | 3000 mcg | 1000% DV |
| Zinc (Zinc methionine) | 10mg | 67% DV |
| Copper (copper gluconate) | 2mg | 100% DV |
| Manganese (manganase gluconate) | 2mg | 100% DV |
| Catalase | 2500 IU | N/A |
| Rosehip power extract (4:1) | 100mg | N/A |
| Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) | 160mg | N/A |
| Saw Palmetto (45% beta sterols) | 160mg | N/A |
| Embilca Officianalis (Alma) (45% tannins) | 200mg | N/A |
| Grape Seed Extract (85% polyphenols) | 60mg | N/A |
| Pumpkin Seed 10:1 Extract Powder (Curcubita pepo) | 80mg | |
| Ceramide RX Phytoceramides (Rice extract) | 40mg | N/A |
| Horsetail Equisetum arvense | 20mg | N/A |
| Astaxanthin | 4mg | N/A |
| L Glutathione | 10mg | N/A |
| Alpha Lipoic Acid | 30mg | N/A |
In the table above, “N/A” means no daily value for the nutrient has been established.
Other ingredients in the product are:
- microcrystalline cellulose
- hydroxymethyl-propyl cellulose (the veggie capsule)
- silicon dioxide
- vegetable magnesium stearate
These other ingredients play no role in the effectiveness or benefits of Halo Beauty. They make up the capsules and help the ingredients mix well together.
Let's now take a look at the clinical evidence for the main ingredients.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant but it also does many other things too including helping to make the protein collagen. Collagen is a key protein in hair, skin, and nails. So, it makes sense this vitamin would be in a supplement of this type.
While most people in the US are probably not deficient in vitamin C, Halo Beauty provides 60 mg which is a good amount, just in case. The antioxidant ability of vitamin C – along with the other antioxidants in the supplement – might, in theory, help reduce split ends too.
Halo Beauty also contains rose hips. This term refers to the fruit of the rose plant. The fruits are called the “hips” of the rose plant. Rose hips provide a lot of vitamins A and C as well as several minerals. If you were to eat the rosehip fruit, you also get a good source of fiber too.
Vitamin D3
There are 2 main types of vitamin D: vitamin D 2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is the form of the vitamin we make when we are exposed to sunlight. This is the form that Halo contains.
Vitamin D is actually more of a hormone than a vitamin and like all hormones has global effects in the body. By global, I mean it does MANY things. While often being associated with keeping bones strong, it's important to know that there are vitamin D receptors on every cell in your body -including your hair follicles.
While studies have not yet proven whether vitamin D can grow hair, the evidence does show an association between hair loss and low vitamin D3 levels in women. In other words, the lower the vitamin D3 levels, the more hair loss experienced.
This is important because odds are, most people reading this are deficient in vitamin D. Lab animal research has also shown vitamin D may play a role in the health of hair follicles.
Vitamin D tip: As a rule of thumb, every 1000 IU of vitamin D will raise blood levels of the vitamin by 10. So, if you had a blood level of 30 ng/ml, a supplement providing 1000 IU would help boost that to about 40 ng/ml.
While a level of 30 ng/ml is often seen to be OK on a blood test, this amount is only for bone health. What about immune health? What about hair health?
While optimal vitamin D levels differ depending on who you talk to, many experts recommend a vitamin D range of 30-80ng/ml. Given the possibility of rampant vitamin D deficiency, I was pleased to see Halo Beauty providing 1000 IU of vitamin D3.
For the vegans reading this, vitamin D in Halo Beauty is plant-based and comes from lichens. No animal sources are used anywhere in this product.
Vitamin B1, B2 & B6
Halo Beauty Booster contains 3 of the B complex family of: Vitamin B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin) and B6 (Pyridoxine). All of the B vitamins take part in a variety of functions. These vitamins help us produce the connective tissues and collagen and elastin which are important to hair, nails, and skin.
Most healthy adults may not be deficient in these vitamins but they do make sense from hair skin and nail health perspective. They are good insurance.
Biotin
Biotin (sometimes called vitamin H) is a common vitamin to hair growth supplements and even some shampoos. This makes sense given that a lack of biotin is can lead to hair loss. While biotin probably doesn't grow hair that's already been lost, it can help existing hair grow faster. The same goes for nails too.
While we can't make biotin ourselves, – our microbiome makes it for us. While deficiency is rare, some medications might make deficiency more likely. Medications associated with biotin deficiency include anti-seizure and some antibiotics. This supplement contains 3 grams (3000 mg) of biotin. That's a good amount and in line with what I'd expect in hair, nails and skin supplement.
See the Sugar Bear Hair Gummy Review
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that takes part in many cellular reactions including hair health. One study noted lower zinc levels in men and women who were experiencing hair loss.
Reports are zinc and hair loss is complex and interesting. One report describes the case of a woman experiencing hair loss, which did not stop even after she started taking levothyroxine (hypothyroid medication). She was later determined to also be low in zinc.
Only after a zinc supplement was added to her diet did her hair loss stop and even regrew. In another study, boys seemed to show an association between zinc concentration and hair color. Zinc seems to be associated with melanin, the pigment which gives hair its color.
Research suggests zinc may help acne too.
Copper
The mineral copper is needed for the production of melanin which gives skin and hair its color. We also use copper to make the connective tissues, collagen, and elastin. In addition, copper helps make an important antioxidant called super-oxide-dismutase (SOD) which, among other things, breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
The build-up of hydrogen peroxide is one of the things thought to be associated with gray and white hair. While it's unlikely eating extra copper restores gray hair color, this mineral is very important to our health.
Two capsules of Halo Beauty provides 50 mg of copper. That's 50% of the RDA. I like this because it still leaves room for us to get copper from foods too.
Catalase
Catalase is an enzyme, an antioxidant enzyme which, like SOD mentioned above, breaks down hydrogen peroxide, which is a free radical. Free radicals are known to promote wrinkles and a host of other things too (even the aging process!).
I sometimes see catalase in anti-gray hair supplements. In theory, it makes sense because if catalase can reduce hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles, hair color might be restored or maybe we could at least slow down the graying process.
One problem is I can't find proof catalase supplements work or not. Nobody seems to have looked into it. There is however research on a cream called Pseudo-Catalase which does seem to restore the color of skin and maybe our hair too. This hints that the idea of restoring hair pigment by way of reducing hydrogen peroxide may have some merit.
See the gray hair supplements review
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a popular ingredient in arthritis supplements. With respect to Halo Beauty, one interesting study noted that MSM supplements seemed to reduce wrinkles. This study lasted 16 weeks and involved 20 women who took 3 grams of MSM or a placebo.
OptiMSM was the supplement used in this study.
At the end of the study, researchers noted a significant reduction in wrinkles and crow feet compared to the placebo. It was stated that MSM seemed to alter genes related to inflammation. I'd like to see this study duplicated to see if the same effect is observed again.
Saw Palmetto
While on the surface, saw palmetto (serenoa repens) might seem an odd choice for a nutraceutical like Halo Beauty because it's often found in prostate supplements. But, I understand the logic of why it's present. What's good for the prostate might also be good for hair too.
How so?
The science is a bit complicated but here's the summary:
- Saw palmetto contains an extract called Beta-sitosterol (pronounced beta-sight-toe-stair -all)
- Beta-sitosterol decreases a hormone called DHT (di-hydro-testosterone) which is linked to hair loss
- Reducing DHT levels might help hair growth
Sounds good, so, is there any proof?
Well, one study involving both men and women noted that a shampoo containing saw palmetto caused a 35% increase in hair density when it was used for 3 months.
In another study, 60% of the men reported their hair growth improved after they used a 200 mg saw palmetto supplement (containing 50 mg beta-sitosterol).
If you think this sounds crazy, remember, the prescription hair growth medication called Propecia (finasteride) also works by reducing DHT levels.
Halo Beauty Saw Palmetto Controversy
When Halo Beauty made its debut, lots of women complained it was a bad choice because they said it interfered with birth control pills and increased risk of getting pregnant.
A click bate article in Allure Magazine didn't help matters. Let me set this record straight. I have been investigating supplements for over 20 years, I've never seen ANY proof of saw palmetto causing a woman to get pregnant.
Saw palmetto and pregnancy is a myth.
While I can understand medical websites mentioning this possibility –I'm looking at you webmd – they usually don't tell women there is no human proof. The evidence linking saw palmetto to pregnancy is based on test-tube studies.
There is no human proof women will get pregnant if they take saw palmetto supplements. I discussed this further in the Side Effects section below and I've written an entire review on this too.
Saw Palmetto and Birth Control Review
Emblica Officinalis (Amla fruit)
Amla fruit, also known as Indian gooseberry is thought of as similar to saw palmetto by reducing DHT levels. While lab animal research has documented this effect, human evidence needs to confirm this. My hunch is that saw palmetto and amla fruit would work together to cause an even greater decrease in DHT levels.
See the Amla Fruit Review for more insights.
Grape Seed Extract
Grape seeds contain an abundance of nutritional extracts. The label of Halo Beauty specifically mentions an extract called polyphenols. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants. While human proof is lacking, some animal evidence suggests grape seed extract might promote hair growth.
Pumpkin Seed
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of magnesium, zinc, and potassium as well as various antioxidants. The oil in pumpkin seeds also appears to reduce the same enzyme involved in DHT production as saw palmetto does. That enzyme is called 5-alpha reductase. Blocking this enzyme, in turn, helps reduce DHT levels, which in theory might mean less hair loss. This is the same enzyme that saw palmetto blocks.
So, halo beauty contains at least 3 DHT blocking ingredients
- Saw palmetto
- Amla fruit
- Pumpkin seeds
I think I know what they are doing. Given the proof DHT causes hair loss, they are trying to combine different DHT blocker ingredients to produce a greater reduction in DHT levels.
In a study lasting 24 weeks, men who used pumpkin seed oil reported 40% more hair than men who used a placebo oil. Pumpkin seeds also contain essential fatty acids which might help skin retain moisture.
Ceramide RX Phytoceramides
Ceramides are a type of fat found in the skin. As we get older, we tend to make less of them. Ceramides help keep skin cells together. Imagine a brick wall. Ceramides are like the cement between the bricks.
Thus, as we make fewer ceramides, skin can lose moisture, wrinkle, and sag. Laboratory studies suggest ceramides stimulate the growth of fibroblasts, a type of skin cell as well as elastin.
Ceramide PCD is a product from a company called True Body Wellness. I believe Ceramide RX is the name Tati Westbrook's company (Inside Out Beauty Labs ) is calls this ingredient.
I believe Ceramide PCD and Ceramide RX are the same thing. The ceramides used in Halo Beauty come from rice (good news for vegans).
Ceramide Skin Wrinkle Research
Ceramides do have research showing they may help wrinkles. Here's a summary of that research.
Study 1
In one unpublished study, Ceramide PCD seems to help improve skin moisture. In this investigation, 33 people with rough skin were given either 44 mg of Ceramide RX or a placebo for 6 weeks. Those taking Ceramide RX reported less rough skin. Click here to download a PDF of that study. Halo Beauty containing a similar amount of ceramide as was used in this study.
Study 2
Researchers in 2011, published a study, where 51 (age 20-60) received either
- a placebo
- 350 mg of a ceramide supplement
Each day for 3 months.
Women taking the ceramide supplement had better skin hydration in the arms and legs than those taking the placebo.
Study 3
Another study, published in 2019 has also shown ceramides work. In this investigation, 66 healthy women (age 45-60) were given either
- a ceramide supplement (350 mg)
- placebo
for 12 weeks (3 months)
The supplement used was called LipoWheat. Another name for this supplement is “Ceratiq.”
Before and after, the women were seen by a dermatologist.
After only 8 weeks of use, women the LipoWheat supplement, women had significantly less noticeable crows-feet around their eyes. The women had better hydration on their face and legs as well.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a type of plant nutrient called a carotenoid. Astaxanthin has a reddish color which contributes to the colors of some foods. As a carotenoid, it's also an antioxidant so it can neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.
In the skin, research suggests astaxanthin might have a sun protective effect against UVA rays. Ultraviolet A rays cause wrinkles and skin aging. Another interesting study noted that 6 weeks of topical astaxanthin supplementation improved crowfeet, the size of age spots and skin elasticity.
An even more interesting study compared astaxanthin supplements to a placebo in 65 women. This study noted astaxanthin was associated with fewer wrinkles and better skin moisture thank women taking a placebo. This hints astaxanthin might offer some protection against skin aging.
Glutathione And Alpha Lipoic Acid
Glutathione is one of the master antioxidants in the body. Just a few of the things glutathione does include:
- neutralize free radicals
- regenerates vitamins C and E
- protects cells from stress
- helps our mitochondria (fat burning batteries) work better
Evidence also suggests a lack of glutathione may be related to the loss of hair color. Glutathione levels also tend to drop as we get older. As such, anything that could bolster glutathione levels would be a good thing.
Alpha-lipoic acid is another antioxidant found in Halo Beauty. Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to improve sun-induced photo-aging and might even help reduce smoking-induced skin damage too. It might also improve blood flow as well.
Halo Beauty Questions
Now let's address several questions women might have about this supplement. If I missed anything, leave a comment below and I'll personally investigate it for you and get back to you promptly.
1 Is Halo Beauty Gluten-Free?
Yes. The supplement is gluten-free. It's also:
- soy-free
- sugar-free
- vegan
- cruelty-free
I can appreciate Tati Westbrook mentioning it's cruelty-free. I like the fact the product did not involve cruelty to animals. I don't see this mentioned much in the supplement world.
2 Does Halo Beauty Have Shark Cartilage?
Halo Beauty is vegan, so it contains nothing from animals -including sharks.
3 Can Women of Color Use It?
I believe so. I see nothing in Halo Beauty which would be contraindicated for women of different ethnic backgrounds.
4 Does Halo Beauty Contain Any Drugs?
There are no prescription mediations in this supplement. Given the lack of oversight in the supplement industry, I was glad to see Tati addressing this issue upfront when she launched her supplement.
5 Why Doesn't Halo Beauty Have Collagen?
Collagen is popular for just about everything these days but honestly, I was glad to see that Halo Beauty did not contain it? But why you ask; Isn't collagen important? Yes, it is, but when you eat collagen, it's really not absorbed as collagen. Rather, it's absorbed as individual amino acids -just like any other protein is. Your body treats it like any other protein.
See the review of weight loss scams for more insights.
6 Halo Beauty Cost
A bottle of Halo Beauty is $39.95 for a one month supply. Tax and shipping may be extra. Free shipping is offered when purchasing 3 or more bottles at a time.
Heres Halo Beauty On Ebay
7 Buy Halo Beauty
Currently, you can only get it at HaloBeauty.com. It's not available in stores like Costco, Kholes, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Target or Sam's Club, although I would not be surprised if it eventually was.
8 Is It Sold Internationally?
Yes, the supplement sold internationally to countries like Canada, etc. Shipping to other countries may add extra to the cost.
9 Is There An Auto-Ship Program?
No. Halo Beauty does not have an auto-ship program. Many supplement companies these days sign people up for automatic shipments when they order the product. More than one person has been slapped with a big bill if they don't cancel auto-shipments before a pre-determined time.
I was glad to see no auto-ship program with Halo Beauty.
10 How Do You Take It?
Take 2 capsules per day. If you don't like swallowing capsules, open them up and add the contents to juice or water.
11 Will It Grow Hair All Over The Body?
There is no evidence Halo Beauty causes hirsutism – the medical term for excess body hair growth. I've never seen cases of excess body hair associated with any of the ingredients.
12 Does It Help Acne?
I can't say for sure it would help everybody but I've seen before and after pictures on Instagram which show it might. Several people have told me it helps too. Some of the ingredients like zinc have some efficacy for improving acne. If it helped you, let me know below.
See the Halo Kiwi Review.
Halo Beauty Before And After Pictures
Here are some Before and After Pics I found online:
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I also found this video review by Serina Amadee too. She took Halo Beauty for 2 months.
13 Can Men Use Halo Beauty?
I get a lot of emails from men looking for anti-aging supplements. Can they use Halo Beauty too? Sure. I see no reason why not. There are no “women-only ingredients” men need to worry about. It's not going to raise a man's estrogen levels or lower testosterone either. This is a gender-neutral supplement.
14 Can You Use It While Tanning?
None of the ingredients are thought to be bad for someone who goes to a tanning salon or lays out on the beach. I think in most people it should be OK. That said since tanning causes wrinkles, I'd think you should not tan.
15 What About Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is a medical condition where people make too much of a protein called keratin, which blocks hair follicles, causing little bumps to show up on the skin.
I have not seen any research on Halo Beauty treating keratosis pilaris. If you have this condition and Halo helped, leave a comment below and let me know.
Halo Beauty vs. Halo Kiwi Seed Booster
The Kiwi Seed Booster review has is a table that compares the ingredients to each other.
Halo Beauty vs. The Competition
One thing I can say about Halo Beauty is it's different from many of the other skin, nail and hair supplements I've seen. Most hair growth nutraceuticals tend to contain only one ingredient – biotin. By providing more than just biotin, Halo Beauty is at the least, a more broad-spectrum supplement. That said, let's take a quick look at how it compares to other supplements.
Halo Beauty vs. Viviscal
Viviscal is arguably the most popular hair growth supplement on Earth. While Viviscal does have hair-growth research, no head-to-head clinical studies have tried to see which might work best. Because their ingredients are so different, I could not say which was better.
See the Viviscal review for more insights.
Halo Beauty vs. Nutrafol
Another popular supplement for hair growth is Nutrafol. Like Halo Beauty, Nutrafol also contains saw palmetto. While there are similarities in their ingredients, no research study -so far- has compared these two supplements to each other.
Halo Beauty vs. PHYTO Re 30
PHYTO Re 30 is a topical cosmetic touted to reverse gray hair. Halo Beauty does not make this claim. They are different products.
See the PHYTO Re30 review for more insights.
Halo Beauty Side Effects
Halo Beauty is expected to be safe in healthy people. No side effects are known. With healthy people, I doubt there would be any bad side effects. With any new supplement, start with less than is recommended for the first week, to see how you respond.
Like all supplements, a few other things to consider include:
- Stop taking Halo Beauty at least 2 weeks before surgery
- Start with less than recommended for the first week to see how you respond
- Taking with food may reduce nausea in some people
- Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant/nursing
- Speak to your pharmacist/doctor if you take any medications or have health problems
- Not intended for people younger than 18 – and if you are that young, odds are you don't need it anyway
Someone in the comments section mentioned her urine changed color after taking Halo. She described her urine as looking yellowish /neon green. Halo Beauty contains a good amount of the yellow-colored vitamin, riboflavin (vitamin B2) which is known to change urine color. This is harmless and should go away if you stop taking the supplement.
Again, if none of this applies to you, I see no issues with this supplement.
What About Saw Palmetto and Birth Control Pills?
Some women discuss the possibility of saw palmetto interfering with birth control pills and raising the risk of pregnancy. While some herbs might do this – such as St. Johns wort – when it comes to saw palmetto, I don't see the proof.
Tati's website correctly states “There is no scientific or medical proof that Saw Palmetto makes birth control ineffective.” I have looked into this and agree, there is no direct proof.
To be fair, there is some evidence from lab animal /test tube studies suggesting this possibility. The animal/ test tube research is where the hype is coming from.
Saw palmetto has been around a long time. I'd think if it caused unwanted pregnancy, we'd have heard of it by now. Saw palmetto is in several supplements –including many that women use.
For example, saw palmetto is in many skin, nail, and hair supplements including Nutrafol, one of the most popular hair growth supplements out there. Nutrafol is now in business with the consumer goods giant, Unilever. Do you really think Unilever would risk a lawsuit over one of their products if it really did this?
Aside from Halo Beauty and Nutrafol, Amazon lists almost 100 different hair skin and nail supplements that contain saw palmetto. I have not heard anybody yelling about those and birth control pills.
All that said, given the drama over this I would not be surprised if Tati eventually removed saw palmetto from Halo Beauty.
Read the Saw Palmetto and Birth Control Pills review
Does Halo Beauty Work?
In this Halo Beauty review, I gave you an honest breakdown of the ingredients and research. While I didn't try Halo Beauty, scanning Instagram and YouTube I did see several before and after pictures and videos of women saying their skin, hair, and nails had improved.
For the most part, the ingredients in Halo Beauty seem logical for a skin, hair and nails supplement. Will you look like Tati Westbrook after taking Halo Beauty for 30 days? I think the results will vary. Like all beauty supplements, don't expect miracles and you should be OK. That's sage advice for all supplements.
Here's Phytoceramides on Amazon