Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide or vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin and belongs to the B group of vitamins. It has multiple important functions in the human body. Plays a critical role in energy metabolism, cell repair, and overall health. As a derivative of niacin, nicotinamide is widely recognized for its superior tolerance compared to niacin, as it does not cause flushing.
Nowadays, nicotinamide has been widely used in various industries. It can be used as a nutritional enhancer in food and beverages, an active ingredient in drugs, and a major ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products. In this article, we will explore what nicotinamide is and the reasons why it is increasingly important in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.
What Is Nicotinamide?
Niacinamide is the amide form of niacin and one of the precursors of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). It can be used as a dietary supplement or clinical therapeutic drug to supplement NAD+ levels in the body and participate in key functions such as cellular metabolism and DNA repair.
Chemical Identity and Structure
Chemical name: Nicotinamide
Molecular formula: C₆H₆N₂O
Molecular weight: 122.13 g/mol
CAS number: 98-92-0
Structure: Pyridine ring with a primary amide group in the meta position
Physical Properties
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Solubility: Water-soluble, soluble in alcohol and glycerol, insoluble in oil
Density: 1.4 g/cm³
Stability: Stable under normal conditions, sensitive to light and heat
pH behavior: Functions optimally around pH 6
What does nicotinamide do
Whitening and spot fading
Niacinamide improves uneven skin tone and pigmentation by inhibiting the transport of melanin in cells, reducing epidermal pigment deposition. At the same time, it can accelerate the renewal of the stratum corneum, help deposited melanin fall off faster, and make the skin more translucent.
Repair the skin barrier
Niacinamide can promote the synthesis of skin barrier lipids (such as ceramides), enhance skin moisturizing ability, reduce transdermal water loss, improve skin tolerance and resistance, especially suitable for sensitive skin or skin with damaged barriers.
Oil control and pore improvement
It can inhibit sebaceous gland activity, reduce oil production, and thus help prevent the formation of acne and pimples. At the same time, by adjusting the arrangement of skin cells and physically shrinking pores, the skin becomes smoother and more delicate.
Anti-aging
By stimulating the synthesis of collagen, niacinamide can enhance the structure of the skin, making it firmer and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Simultaneously possessing anti-glycation properties, it helps to improve skin dullness and delay the process of photoaging.
Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory effect of nicotinamide is reflected in the inhibition of the release of skin inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and prostaglandins, which helps alleviate skin redness and inflammation problems, and enhances the resistance of the skin barrier.
Antioxidant properties
The antioxidant effect is mainly achieved by increasing NADPH levels, enhancing the skin’s own antioxidant system, neutralizing free radicals, thereby protecting skin cells from oxidative damage and delaying skin aging.
Nicotinamide in Food & Nutrition
nutrient fortifier
Niacinamide, as a form of vitamin B3, is often added to cereal products (such as flour, breakfast cereals), dairy products (such as milk powder, liquid milk), infant formula, sports nutrition products, and health foods to supplement the nutrients needed by the human body and prevent niacinamide deficiency.
food processing aids
In bread making, niacinamide can improve the elasticity and extensibility of the dough, making the bread softer and more fluffy. In addition, it can also serve as a booster for antioxidants, improve food color stability, and act as a microbial growth factor in certain fermentation processes.
Special dietary applications
In sports nutrition products, niacinamide helps with energy metabolism and improves athletic performance. In weight management products, it participates in the process of fat metabolism. In anti-aging foods, it supports cellular health through the NAD+pathway.
Nicotinamide in Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals
Prevention and treatment of pellagra
Nicotinamide is a component of coenzyme I and coenzyme II, which participate in the biological oxidation process in the body. When lacking, pellagra can occur, resulting in symptoms such as dermatitis, glossitis, loss of appetite, irritability, insomnia, and sensory abnormalities
Cardiovascular disease treatment
Niacinamide injection can be used for accompanying arrhythmias such as coronary heart disease, viral myocarditis, rheumatic myocarditis, and a few cases of digitalis poisoning. It has the effect of preventing and treating heart conduction block, improving myocardial energy metabolism, and inhibiting the expression of collagen in myocardial fibroblasts.
Hyperphosphatemia treatment
In the field of nephrology, nicotinamide reduces blood phosphorus concentration by inhibiting the transport of phosphate ions by intestinal epithelial cells. It can be used to treat hyperphosphatemia in patients with uremia and other conditions.
Neuroprotection
Nicotinamide can regulate the survival of nerve cells and improve neurological function. Its derivative, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), has shown potential application value in neuroprotection and is expected to become a treatment direction for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral infarction.
Nicotinamide in Cosmetics & Personal Care
Brightening and whitening
Niacinamide can inhibit the transport of melanin to keratinocytes, reducing melanin at the source and improving skin tone. The recommended concentration is 2% -5%. It is suitable for daily whitening essence, spot lightening face cream, and other products. It can be used for sensitive and oily muscles.
Repair barriers
Promote the generation of skin barrier lipids (such as ceramides), enhance moisturizing ability, improve skin dryness, redness, and other conditions, suitable for repairing sensitive skin.
Anti-aging light lines
It stimulates collagen synthesis, increases skin elasticity, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and is commonly used in anti-aging essence or face cream.
oil control and acne treatment
It can regulate sebum secretion, shrink pores, improve acne-prone skin, and is suitable for oily acne-prone skin.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Reduce inflammatory response, protect the skin from UV rays and environmental pollution, and minimize skin damage caused by external stimuli.
Niacinamide is not suitable for use with acids (such as fructose, salicylic acid), high-concentration vitamin C, and other ingredients to avoid increased irritation.
Why Choose Runtai Chemical as Your Nicotinamide Partner
At Runtai Chemical, we specialize in supplying high-quality nicotinamide for diverse industries worldwide. Our strengths include:
- Compliance with USP/EP standards for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.
- Bulk supply with reliable packaging and logistics solutions.
- Competitive pricing to support your procurement needs.
- A proven track record as a trusted nicotinamide supplier in the global chemical market.
Whether you need nicotinamide for fortifying food, formulating nutraceuticals, or developing advanced skin care products, Runtai Chemical can provide tailored solutions to meet your requirements.
Conclusion
Nicotinamide is more than just a vitamin—it is a multi-industry ingredient essential for food fortification, pharmaceutical applications, and cosmetic formulations. Its versatility, safety, and proven effectiveness make it an indispensable raw material in today’s global market.
