Beauty
Horsetail Extract
Also known as: Equisetum arvense
Natural source of silica for hair, skin, and nail strength. Traditional beauty remedy.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Horsetail Extract product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NutraBio Extreme Joint Care | 85 A- | $1.17 |
| 2 | Vital Nutrients Osteo-Nutrients II (with Vitamin K2-7) | 77 B+ | $0.34 |
| 3 | Bluebonnet Nutrition CHELATED MULTIMINERALS | 76 B+ | $0.95 |
| 4 | Bluebonnet Nutrition HIGH POTENCY CHELATED MULTIMINERALS (IRON-FREE) | 76 B+ | $0.95 |
| 5 | Bluebonnet Nutrition CALCIUM MAGNESIUM & ZINC | 76 B+ | $0.56 |
| 6 | Terra Origin Healthy Hair, Skin, & Nails | 76 B+ | $0.67 |
| 7 | NOW Foods Silica Complex with Horstail Extract | 75 B+ | $0.12 |
| 8 | Vital Nutrients Osteo-Nutrients (with Vitamin K2-7) | 75 B+ | $0.62 |
| 9 | Bluebonnet Nutrition ULTIMATE HAIR & NAIL FORMULA | 69 B | $1.35 |
| 10 | Nature's Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin & Nails Softgels | 66 B- | $0.41 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Horsetail Extract should I take?
The typical range is 300-600mg extract daily. Long-term for beauty
When should I take Horsetail Extract?
Any time. Optional.
Which form of Horsetail Extract is best?
Capsules — Standardized extract. Other forms in the catalog: Tea.
Is Horsetail Extract safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset, Thiamine depletion long-term. Serious warnings: Contains thiaminase (may deplete B1 with long-term use). May affect kidney (diuretic)
Which Horsetail Extract supplement scores highest?
NutraBio Extreme Joint Care, at 85/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Hair strength
- Nail strength
- Silica source
How it works
- Natural silica source
- May support keratin
- Traditional remedy
Dosage
- Typical range
- 300-600mg extract daily
- Timing
- Any time
- With food
- Optional
- Duration
- Long-term for beauty
- Special populations
- Weak hair/nails, silica support
Forms
- Capsules
- Tea
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Thiamine depletion long-term
Contraindications
- Thiamine deficiency
Products containing Horsetail Extract
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Horsetail Extract on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Traditional use, silica source
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Beauty
Check a full stack
Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.
Open the checkerWhere does Horsetail Extract fit in your stack?
Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.
Build my stack2 questions · free · no account needed to start
Also on iPhone — get the free app
Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam
We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.
Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.