Niacinamide USP (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that’s essential for our skin’s cells. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, making it a favorite in both serums and moisturizers. We especially like niacinamide because it helps regenerate NAD and NADH, two co-enzymes in cells are vital to energy production, DNA repair and overall skin homeostasis. NAD/NADH decrease we age, making niacinamide ideal for mature skin.
Niacinamide also demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for acne-prone or rosacea-prone skin types.
Niacinamide has been scientifically shown to have additional skin benefits at low use levels, including:
- evens out skin tone at 2% - 5%
- reduces hyperpigmentation at 2%
- improves skin’s texture texture at 4%
- reduces the appearance of pore size at 4%
- regulates sebum production at 2%.
- boosts skin barrier function, increasing ceramides, at 4%
- fine line and wrinkle reduction at 5%
- increases skin hydration at 2%
Niacinamide does have specific formulating requirements to ensure your consumers are safe. Please read our formulation guidelines below in the product details for best practices formulating with niacinamide.
Many commercial cosmetic products use niacinamide at concentrations higher than 10 or 20%. This is not necessary, and can even sensitize individuals to niacinamide. Niacinamide has been studied with great efficacy between 2-5%, and we recommend to stay within those use levels. We do not recommend going higher than 7% in your formulations.
Niacinamide is a synthetic ingredient made by hydrolysis of 3-cyanopyridine. It is then purified by ion exchange and water is removed. The isolated niacinamide crystals are spray dried to form a United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) compliant crystal.
Niacinamide
| Niacinamide | 100% |
USP
Readily biodegradable, 95 % (OECD 301E)
China
Synthetic
Skin brightening, Pigment reduction, Barrier protection, Sebum control, Skin soothing, Anti-aging, Hydration, Skin conditioning
Facial Serums, Lotions, Toners, Emulsified Butters
| General Use | 1-7% |
| Skin lightening, pigment reduction | 2% |
| Skin soothing for acne-prone skin | 4% |
| Improving skin’s texture | 4% |
| Reduction in pore size | 4% |
| Regulation of sebum production | 2% |
| Boosting barrier function | 4% |
| Increasing skin hydration | 2% |
| Reducing appearance of fine lines | 5% |
5 - 8, preferably 6 - 7
pH outside of 5 - 8
exfoliating acids, enzymes, oxidizing ingredients
heat
Add up front to the water phase, or post-add after emulsification, keeping exposure to niacinamide under 158ºF / 70ºC. Niacinamide is air and light stable, meaning you can use it in formulations with clear packaging.
White / Odorless / Crystal
6.0 - 7.5 (10% Solution in Water)
Water, Alcohol, Glycerin at room temperature
100%
0
Store in closed container in a dark, cool place
See retest date on Certificate of Analysis.
For external use only. Keep out of reach of children. Refer to regulatory documents for full precautions. Niacinamide has requirements for formulating, please read formulation tips and tricks above.
None
Safety Data Sheet
Certificate of Analysis Lot 23F005
Sold in ounces by weight. See our Terms for full warranties on safety & regulatory.
| 2 oz 4 oz 8 oz 16 oz 5 LB |
Paper Tube Stand Up Pouch Stand Up Pouch Stand Up Pouch Poly Bag |
Our niacinamide is specifically purified for use in skincare products - it has the lowest nicotinic acid concentration on the market.
3-Cyanopyridine is synthesized from nicotinic acid.
3-Cyanopyridine undergoes hydrolysis and is purified by ion exchange.
Water is removed and isolated niacinamide is spray dried into crystals.
Niacinamide and fatty acid-rich emollients reduce water loss in skin, while complementing skin’s ability to produce more ceramides in the outer layers of skin. Butter Pearls enriches the formula to provide a cocooning skin feel.
Double boiler
Scale
Thermometer
Mixing Bowl
Spoon
Storage Container
Skill Level: Medium
Makes 100 grams or 3.4 ounces.
| INGREDIENT | FORMULA | WEIGHT | |
| 1 | Deionized Water | 62.4% | 62.4 g |
| 2 | Organic Glycerin | 5.0% | 5.0 g |
| 3 | Xanthan Gum SFT | 0.1% | 0.1 g |
| 4 | Natural Emulsifier 68 MB | 3.0% | 3.0 g |
| 5 | Cetearyl Alcohol MB | 1.0% | 1.0 g |
| 6 | Butter Pearls | 5.5% | 5.5 g |
| 7 | Squalane | 9.0% | 9.0 g |
| 8 | Broccoli Seed Oil | 4.0% | 4.0 g |
| 9 | Blackberry Seed Oil | 1.0% | 1.0 g |
| 10 | Organic Shea Butter | 3.0% | 3.0 g |
| 11 | Hyaluronic Acid (1% Sol.) | 1.0% | 1.0 g |
| 12 | Niacinamide | 4.0% | 4.0 g |
| 13 | Preservative PE | 1.0% | 1.0 g |
| TOTAL | 100% | 100.0 g |
Ensure all equipment is cleaned and sanitized. Prepare a double boiler with water in the bottom pan and add ingredient 1 to the top pan. Begin heating the mixture to 165ºF / 75ºC. Premix ingredients 2-3 into a slurry and add to the water. Begin mixing to allow the xanthan gum to fully hydrate.
Meanwhile, in a side vessel, premix ingredients 4-10 and begin heating them to 165ºF / 75ºC. Gently stir the mixture until all the solids are dissolved and the mixture looks homogenous.
When both are at temperature, slowly add the oil to the water phase with good stirring. Homogenize until a milky white mixture forms.
Turn off heat and allow the mixture to naturally cool while stirring gently. Do not homogenize below 122ºF / 50ºC as this will destroy the emulsion.
Once the temperature reaches 120ºF, stir in ingredients 11-13. Continue gently mixing until 95ºF / 35ºC. Check pH and adjust pH to 5.5 - 6.5. Transfer into the desired container.
INGREDIENTS: Water (Aqua, Eau), Squalane, Glycerin, C10-18 Triglycerides, Niacinamide, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol
This recipe is only a representative formulation to serve as an example of how these ingredients can be used. It is not a commercial product. Please conduct own testing as this formulation has not been subjected to testing for either performance, efficacy or safety.
Before handling ingredients, read all product information and safety data sheets for the ingredients to understand any handling instructions, safety precautions, and disposal instructions.