NIACINAMIDE

Vitamin B3, known as niacinamide, is a water-soluble vitamin, well tolerated by the skin, easy to formulate, chemically stable and compatible with other formulation components, it is an ideal agent for use in products cosmetics, especially with all its benefits:

• Moisturizes and repairs the skin barrier: vitamin B3 increases the synthesis of free fatty acids, cholesterol and ceramides in the skin which results in a healthier and stronger skin barrier.
• Unifies the complexion and reduces brown spots, vitamin B3 effectively acts as a depigmenting active ingredient by inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes, vesicles carrying melanin. Vitamin B3 has a different mode of operation from other depigmenting active ingredients. Studies show that 2-5% niacinamide used daily for 8 weeks results in significant lightening of hyperpigmentation. When vitamin B3 is combined with acetyl glucosamine, the results are even better.
• Diminishes wrinkles: Studies show that niacinamide can stimulate collagen production for firmer skin with fewer wrinkles. Anti-aging studies typically use 4-5% niacinamide for 8-12 weeks
• Regulates sebum production and has an anti-inflammatory effect: in one study, 82% of people who used 4% niacinamide for 8 weeks had an improvement in their acne.

Sources:

• Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier, Journal of Dermatology, 2000
• Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004
• Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin, International Journal of cosmetic science, 2004
• A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial of Niacinamide 4% versus Hydroquinone 4% in the Treatment of Melasma, Dermatology Research and Practice, 2011
• The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment, Dermatologic Therapy, 2017