NIACINAMIDE


Niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide), the active and stable form of Vitamin B3 (Vitamin PP). It is one of the most researched dermatological and cosmetic ingredients because it acts on multiple skin pathways.

🔬 Main Mechanisms of Action

  • Precursor of NAD⁺/NADP⁺ → essential cofactors for cellular energy and metabolism.
  • Barrier regulation → stimulates the synthesis of ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol.
  • Anti-inflammatory → reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines.
  • Antioxidant → neutralizes free radicals and oxidative damage.
  • Melanogenesis modulation → inhibits the transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes (brightening effect).
  • Sebum regulation → reduces excessive sebum production.

🌟 Detailed Skin Benefits

1. Strengthens the Skin Barrier

  • Boosts ceramide production, improving barrier function.
  • Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), leading to better hydration.
  • Increases resistance to external aggressors (pollution, irritants, mechanical stress).

2. Hydration and Smoothness

  • Improves epidermal lipid synthesis, making the skin softer and more supple.
  • Works synergistically with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Action

  • Reduces redness, irritation, and sensations of heat.
  • Useful for inflammatory conditions such as rosacea, acne, eczema, and atopic dermatitis.

4. Anti-Aging

  • Stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, enhancing firmness and elasticity.
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Improves skin microcirculation.

5. Brightening and Anti-Hyperpigmentation

  • Inhibits the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes.
  • Fades dark spots, sun damage, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  • Promotes a more even and radiant complexion.

6. Sebum Regulation

  • Decreases sebum production.
  • Reduces shininess and helps control breakouts in oily/acne-prone skin.

7. Anti-Acne Effects

  • Soothes inflamed acne lesions.
  • Regulates sebum and reduces bacterial proliferation.
  • Supports post-acne healing.

8. Antioxidant Protection

  • Shields skin cells from oxidative stress (UV, pollution, smoking).
  • Helps prevent premature skin aging.

9. Immune Support

  • Maintains activity of Langerhans cells (skin’s immune defense), often weakened by UV exposure.

💊 Dermatological and Cosmetic Applications

  • Anti-aging → fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity.
  • Brightening → dark spots, dullness, melasma.
  • Acne & oily skin → sebum control, breakouts, enlarged pores.
  • Sensitive skin → redness, rosacea, eczema, irritation.
  • Hydration → dry, damaged, or compromised skin barrier.
  • Photoprotection (indirect) → works well with sunscreens to reduce UV-induced damage.

🔗 Best Synergies

  • With hyaluronic acid → deeper hydration.
  • With stabilized vitamin C (SAP, MAP) → enhanced brightening.
  • With peptides or retinol → stronger anti-aging effects.
  • With ceramides → barrier repair.
  • With salicylic acid or zinc → acne-targeted action.

👉 In summary: Niacinamide is a versatile, stable, and well-tolerated ingredient that supports hydration, barrier repair, anti-aging, acne treatment, pigmentation reduction, and antioxidant protection. It is one of the rare actives suitable for almost every skin type.