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INGREDIENT DICTIONARY
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Niacinamide

INCI: Niacinamide / CAS #: 98-92-0

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a water-soluble cosmetic active used in formulations to support barrier function, improve skin tone uniformity, and refine overall skin appearance. It is widely used across serums, creams, and toners due to its compatibility and stability in a broad range of systems.

It is supplied as a high-purity powder with consistent composition, supporting reliable formulation performance.

Key benefits

  • Supports barrier function and skin resilience
  • Supports barrier function and skin resilience
  • Improves skin tone uniformity
  • Broad compatibility across formulations

Behaviour in formulations

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 used in cosmetic formulations as a functional active. It is incorporated to support barrier function and improve overall skin appearance while maintaining good formulation compatibility.

It is commonly used alongside humectants and soothing ingredients to create balanced, well-tolerated formulations.

  • Add to the water phase with mixing until fully dissolved.
  • Suitable for cold-process and heated systems.
  • Ensure complete dissolution before emulsification or viscosity build.
  • Avoid excessive heat or prolonged exposure to low pH during processing.
  • Ensure final formulation pH is within an appropriate range

Use level considerations

Use Rate (Min): 1.0
Use Rate (Max): 5.0

  • Leave-on: 2–5%
  • Rinse-off: 1–2%
  • Commonly used as a core active in serum and emulsion systems

Starter Use Rate: 2–4% for most cosmetic formulations

Niacinamide is typically used at 2–5% in leave-on formulations, where it provides effective performance with good tolerance. Lower levels (1–2%) may be used in rinse-off systems.

It is important to maintain formulation pH within an appropriate range (~5–7), as strongly acidic conditions may increase the risk of conversion to nicotinic acid, which can lead to flushing.

Formulation summary

  • Water-soluble active
  • Typically added to the water phase
  • Works well in gels, emulsions, and aqueous systems
  • Often used alongside humectants and barrier-support ingredients

Quality notes

Our niacinamide is a high-purity cosmetic grade ingredient with a verified assay of 99.98% and low moisture content (0.13%), supporting stability and consistent formulation performance. COA-backed specifications confirm compliance with USP standards and clean microbial and heavy metal profiles.

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Related guides

Articles, formulation notes and practical reading related to Niacinamide.

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