Ingredient's Bio Activity

VITAMIN B3 (Niacin & Niacinamide)


ABOUT THE INGREDIENT

Chemist Hugo Weidel first described niacin in 1873 in his studies of nicotine.

Niacin is referred to as vitamin B3 because it was the third of the B vitamins to be discovered. It has historically been referred to as "vitamin PP", "vitamin P-P" and "PP-factor” that are derived from the term "pellagra-preventive factor". Niacin and niacinamide are similarly effective as a vitamin because they can be converted into each other within the organism.

Vitamin B3 is generally found as niacinamide in animal-based products, such as red meat, poultry, fish and in many refined grain products, including cereals. However, niacin is in plant-based foods like nuts, seeds and green vegetables.


ACTIVE COMPONENTS

Vitamin B3 is present in two forms: Niacin and Niacinamide.

Niacinamide is the active form of vitamin B3.


BENEFITS IN COSMETICS

 

REDUCES HYPERPIGMENTATION

Niacinamide can help fade hyperpigmentation on the skin. Niacinamide gave 35-68% inhibition of melanosome transfer in the culture model and reduced cutaneous pigmentation in the PREP model. Therefore, niacinamide is an effective skin-lightening compound that works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes.

 

HYDRATES THE SKIN

Niacinamide strengthens the complexion’s natural protective shield by promoting the production of ceramides and elastin. This results in more hydrated, healthy skin that can better defend itself against moisture loss and outside irritants.

 

REGULATES OIL PRODUCTION

In helping to even out the amount of oil the skin produces, niacinamide can help prevent acne breakouts especially in people with oily skin.

 

TREATS ACNE

Niacinamide heals acne by targeting the first step in the acne cycle, reducing the inflammation that would otherwise lead to sebum oxidation, clogged pores, bacteria growth and eventually an angry pimple.

 

ANTIOXIDANT

When applied topically, niacinamide converts into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which has potent free-radical fighting antioxidant properties. This is crucial to skin health, as DNA damage can occur invisibly in response to a number of everyday stressors, including environmental pollution and ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure.

 

ANTI-AGING

In aging skin, topical application of niacinamide improves the surface structure, smooths fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.


SAFETY

Vitamin B3 is safe to use in cosmetic products with concentrates specified in this safety assessment.


SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25399625/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31272139/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3142702/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921764/