CAS Number:
98-92-0
Chemical Name:
3-Pyridinecarboxamide
INCI Name:
Niacinamide
Molecular Formula:
C6H6N2O
Molecular Weight:
122.12 g/mol
EC Number (EINECS):
202-713-4
COSING REF No.:
35034 (Nicotinamide)
Uses:
Niacinamide is a highly versatile active ingredient with a broad spectrum of applications in skin and hair care .
Skin Care Applications:
· Anti-aging & Wrinkle Reduction: Minimizes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and aging signs by boosting collagen and improving skin elasticity .
· Skin Brightening & Toning: Acts as a skin lightening agent by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, reducing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone .
· Acne & Blemish Control: Helps reduce the appearance of acne, blemishes, and congestion by balancing surface sebum production .
· Barrier Function Improvement: Reinforces the skin barrier by supporting key skin components (lipids), compensating for dry and rough areas, and preventing moisture evaporation .
· Anti-inflammatory & Redness Reduction: Suitable for sensitive skin, rosacea, and conditions involving discoloration and redness .
· Protection: Reduces ROS (reactive oxygen species) and carbonylated protein levels in response to blue light irradiation; protects from UV and environmental damage .
· Pore Refinement: Minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores and improves overall skin texture .
Hair Care Applications:
· Anti-hair Loss: Revitalizes hair, minimizes hair fall, and promotes hair growth .
· Overall Hair Appearance: Improves hair condition and vitality .
Origin:
Niacinamide is a semi-synthetic/animal/plant-derived ingredient . It is a very stable form of Vitamin B3 and a component of the essential coenzymes NAD and NADP, which play a central role in ATP production, DNA repair, and skin homeostasis .
Note: While the origin is listed as variable, cosmetic grades are typically produced synthetically to ensure purity and consistency.
What does NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3) do in a formulation?
According to its INCI-defined functions and supplier data, its primary roles are:
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Skin Conditioning Agent / Smoothing Agent: Seeks to achieve an even skin surface by decreasing roughness or irregularities .
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Humectant: Helps maintain skin hydration levels .
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Antistatic Agent: Reduces electrostatic charges (e.g., of the hair) .
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Antioxidant: Provides protection against oxidative stress associated with intrinsic aging and photoaging .
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Lightening/Whitening Agent: Reduces pigmentation and evens skin complexion .
Safety Profile:
Niacinamide has a well-established safety profile for topical cosmetic use.
General Assessment & Regulatory Status:
· CIR Safety Conclusion: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel published its final report on the safety assessment of Niacinamide and Niacin in 2005. The panel concluded that Niacinamide is safe for use in cosmetics under current practices of use and concentration .
· GRAS Status: Recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) .
· Compliance: Compliant with international cosmetic ingredient standards and appears on numerous retailer compliance lists, indicating it is not a restricted substance .
Use Concentration Guidelines:
· Maximum Historical Use (China): 3% for both leave-on and rinse-off products .
· CIR Assessment Range: Reported use concentrations in?? products range from 0.0001% to 3% .
· Formulation Range: Investigated for skin benefits at concentrations varying from 0.2% up to 20% , though 3-5% is a common standard for efficacy .
· Patent Mention: Cosmetic compositions comprising 1% to 15% Vitamin B3 compound have been disclosed .
Key Safety Consideration (Purity):
· Nicotinic Acid Residual: Nicotinic acid is an impurity that can cause vasodilation and skin redness (flushing). High-purity grades (e.g., with nicotinic acid content below 10-20 ppm) are preferred to ensure non-irritating formulations .
Note on Oral Supplementation Safety: Recent clinical reviews (2025) have examined high-dose chronic oral supplementation (1g/day) for skin cancer prevention, noting potential adverse effects related to metabolites in patients with specific risk factors. This data pertains to oral supplementation, not topical cosmetic use, and does not change the established safety profile of Niacinamide in topical cosmetic formulations at recommended concentrations .
Technical profile:
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Property
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Values
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Appearance
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White crystalline powder
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Assay / Purity
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99.0% - 101.0%
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Melting Range
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128.0 - 131.0 °C
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pH (10% aqueous solution)
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5.5 - 7.5
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Solubility
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Soluble in water
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Loss on Drying
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≤ 0.5%
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Residue on Ignition
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≤ 0.1%
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Heavy Metals (as Pb)
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≤ 20 ppm
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Nicotinic Acid (Impurity)
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≤ 20 ppm (high-purity grade)
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Key Stability Characteristics:
· Stability: Niacinamide is described as a very stable vitamin . It has excellent stability across a wide pH range, making it easy to formulate.
· Compatibility: It works synergistically with other ingredients (e.g., lauroyl lysine) and helps strengthen the skin barrier, making other actives easier to tolerate .
Summary:
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a scientifically validated, multifunctional active ingredient essential for modern skincare and haircare formulations. Its key strengths are its unparalleled versatility—addressing aging, pigmentation, acne, barrier repair, and protection—combined with an excellent safety profile validated by CIR at concentrations up to 3%. It is a stable, water-soluble crystalline powder that delivers broad-spectrum efficacy from a single molecule, making it a cornerstone ingredient in cosmetic science.