Vitamin B3 has multiple benefits in skin care formulations from lightening and evening out the skin tone to boosting collagen production and keeping the skin smooth and more elastic.
It is a white, crystalline, odorless powder with a low content of niacin. Niacinamide is the water soluble form of niacin. Vitamin B3 belongs to the family of the B vitamins and is essential in the diet. Oral supplements are very useful but there has always been a side effect known as “Niacin flush” whereby the skin would appear flushed and prickly for a few minutes after taking the supplement. This is a special cosmetic grade of Vitamin B3 with minimal residual nicotinic acid so there is no flush or prickling. It is for external use only and the skin is left feeling very comfortable when it is used in creams, lotions, gels, toners and serums.
Benefits:
USP grade
Has soothing activity useful for blemished skin
Can improve the appearance of aged, hyperpigmented and photodamaged skin
Can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
When combined with vitamin A palmitate, niacinamide showed enhanced skin lightening properties
Use:
Add to water phase of formula or directly into a finished cream or cream base. Typical concentration is 1-6 %, with 5% being a typical and effective concentration. For external use only. Avoid adding to an acidic product, ideal final pH of product should be 6. Should not be combined with l-asorbic acid. It can hydrolyze and form nicotinic acid at higher or lower pH, which can result in skin irritation. For external use only.
Serving Size & Timing
Niacinamide is recommended to be taken at 100mg (about 1/32 tsp) to 500mg (about 3/16 tsp) daily, preferably with a meal (since it increases the production of HCL, which aids digestion further). Niacinamide can be dangerous in larger servings, so it is best to avoid servings larger than a single gram until consultation with a physician is possible.