Niacinamide, vitamin B3

A water-soluble, all-round active ingredient that can positively
influence every skin type and refine the complexion. Bioavailable Vitamin B3 as a multifunctional active ingredient for anti-aging, increased skin hydration, and an even complexion.

INCI
Niacinamide

Item number
A005

Characteristics

A water-soluble, all-round active ingredient that can positively influence every skin type and refine the complexion.

Niacinamide is enjoying well-deserved, growing popularity. It is a derivative of nicotinic acid (Vitamin B3), which in topical application would lead to severe skin redness due to increased blood flow (flush) and is also poorly water-soluble. In its amide form, it no longer has the same disadvantageous properties as in its acid form, but certainly retains the positive effects.

Niacin also plays an important role in numerous metabolic processes in our body. It serves as a component of many coenzymes required for a wide variety of chemical reactions in the organism. Although it can be produced in the body from the essential amino acid tryptophan, we still rely on intake through our food. For this reason, it is also considered essential and is therefore a vitamin. The pathological deficiency of niacin is called "pellagra," which manifests itself, among other things, in rough, inflamed skin. However, this disease is rarely encountered in this country anymore. There are also medical studies that have been able to prove that niacin has had a positive effect on the treatment of certain types of cancer.

Niacinamide also performs many tasks in skincare and exhibits the following interesting effects:

• promotes the skin's own moisture supply through increased formation of aquaporin-3 (moisture channels in the skin)
• promotes the formation of collagen (softens fine lines)
• promotes the formation of ceramides, thus strengthening the skin barrier and counteracting dry, rough skin
• reduces pore size and improves the general appearance of the skin
• regulates the skin's own sebum production and counteracts clogged pores (comedones) - interesting for the treatment of oily and blemished skin
• reduces signs of acne (redness, inflammatory processes, and hyperpigmentation after pimples have healed)
• reduces melanin synthesis - has a slight skin-brightening effect and promotes an even complexion
• has an antioxidant effect (neutralizes free radicals)
• has high skin tolerance and is well tolerated even by sensitive skin and in the eye area in high concentrations
• helps revitalize the hair root and promotes healthy hair growth

Niacinamide is nature-identical and is also used as a dietary supplement. However, it is synthetically produced and is therefore not approved for certified natural cosmetics.

Usage concentration and processing

• 1 - 5 % in leave-on products (emulsions, toners, serums)
• over 2% in products for blemished skin
• simply dissolve in the water phase; it is not temperature-sensitive

Special features at a glance

• water-soluble and uncomplicated to process
• multifunctional active ingredient for face, body, and scalp
• Useful for every skin type - sensitive, dry, oily, blemished, or for anti-aging care

Included in the following recipe suggestions