Vitamin B3 Niacinamide – Nicotinamide

Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide or nicotinamide, is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the complex of B vitamins. It is often used in cosmetic products because of its numerous skin care benefits. Niacinamide is often extracted from natural sources such as meat, fish, poultry, whole grains, nuts and green vegetables. It is produced for use in cosmetic formulations.

Characteristics of Vitamin B3 Niacinamide

• Skin soothing: Niacinamide has moisturizing properties that help maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance, keeping it soft and supple.
• Brightening: It is known for its ability to even out the complexion and reduce hyperpigmentation, giving the skin a brighter and more even appearance.
• Anti-aging: Niacinamide can stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and elasticity, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
• Anti-inflammatory: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and irritation, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as acne.
• Sebum-regulating: Niacinamide can help regulate sebum production, making it suitable for those with oily skin or acne-prone skin.

Uses in cosmetic products of Vitamin B3 Niacinamide

• Soap: Add niacinamide to soap formulations m the skin softening and brightening benefits. It is generally recommended to add niacinamide at a concentration between 1-5% of the total weight of the soap.
• Lotions: Niacinamide can be incorporated into lotions and creams to provide moisturizing, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits. A usual concentration in lotions is between 2-5%.
• Shampoo: For hair care products, niacinamide can be added to shampoos to soothe the scalp, regulate sebum production and improve overall hair health. A recommended concentration for shampoos is usually between 1-3%.

It is important not to exceed the recommended concentrations of niacinamide, as higher concentrations may not be more effective and may even cause skin irritation. When adding niacinamide to your cosmetic formulations, it is also advisable to use an appropriate preservative to ensure product stability.