Niacinamide (Nicotinamide) is a derivative of Vitamin B3 - a multi-talented ingredient. What can reduce the visibility of melanin, or in other words, the formation of freckles and age spots on the skin?
It's an ingredient with proven anti-aging, pigmentation-reducing, and moisturizing properties—an active and soluble form of Vitamin B3, or niacin. Niacinamide works to prevent melanin from reaching the skin's surface, inhibiting the transfer of melanin-containing melanosomes to keratinocytes of the epidermis.
An integral derivative of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide, diminishes pigmentation issues, brightens and even skin tone, and reveals a radiant complexion. In addition, nicotinamide visibly tightens lax pores, supports a healthy moisture balance, and softens fine lines and wrinkles.
Active ingredients (or INCI)
Ingredient products
What are the benefits of Niacinamide?
Niacinamide influences cutaneous pigmentation by downregulating the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes. It can affect the viability of melanocytes and keratinocytes and reduce hyperpigmented lesions.
Studies on the inhibition of melanosome transfer suggest that treating human skin in vivo with topical nicotinamide reduces pigmentation. This is based on reducing the total amount of melanin dispersed throughout the epidermis. In the end, one can observe reduced skin hyperpigmentation.
Nicotinamide is also a proven anti-aging agent. It improves the skin barrier function and positively impacts skin conditions by offering anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it reduces wrinkles and enhances skin appearance and texture by stimulating collagen synthesis.
Does niacinamide induce skin flushing or redness?
In contrast to many nicotinate compounds (including nicotinic acid), topical niacinamide does not induce a skin-flushing response. Niacinamide-containing formulations decrease facial skin red blotchiness, likely due to barrier-enhancing effects.
For niacinamide formulations, it is important to use only high-purity material (no contaminating nicotinic acid) and to maintain pH at approximately 5-7 to avoid hydrolysis of niacinamide to nicotinic acid.
Related ingredients
