Nicotinic acid

Nicotinic acid, also called vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid amide, was discovered more or less by accident during the oxidation of nicotine. That was in 1867, but it was not until many years later, in 1934, that scientists recognised the extraordinary physiological effectiveness of nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid amide). The vitamin is found in all cells of the organism, but is stored in the liver. The daily requirement depends on the individual’s energy consumption. As a rule of thumb, women need about 13 to 15 milligrams of nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) per day, men about 15 to 20 milligrams. The vitamin is found in many foods, but the proportion in animal products can generally be better utilised by the body. Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) is particularly rich in fish, poultry, game, eggs, liver, whole meal products, mushrooms, and wheat bran.

Important for metabolism and regeneration: Nicotinic acid

The vitamin has an antioxidant effect and is involved in the entire protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism in the human body. It is indispensable for the fast and gentle regeneration of skin, muscles, nerves, and DNA; deficiency symptoms can have unpleasant consequences. These include, for example, inflammatory skin changes (dermatitis), depression, diarrhoea and inflammation of the mouth and gastrointestinal mucous membranes. In addition, nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid amide) is one of the few nutrients for which an overdose could be dangerous in the worst case. A stronger or weaker drop in blood pressure, depending on the individual’s condition, dizziness, and an increase in the uric acid content of the blood are only three possible side effects. In individual cases, the skin may experience a vasodilatory effect called “flushing” with a feeling of warmth and redness. Important: The side effects usually only occur in the case of a very strong overdose. This would require a consumption of at least 500 milligrams with food or alternatively with food supplements, which is hardly realistic. So no one needs to be afraid of an accidental overdose; a slight excess of the recommended amount usually has no effect at all.

Nicotinic acid fact sheet

Alternative names: Pyridine-3-carboxylic acid, PP factor, vitamin B3, nicotinic acid amide.

CAS number: 59-67-6

Properties: colourless crystals

Melting point: 236.6 degrees Celsius

Solubility: soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol and oil

Physiological function: Component of the coenzymes NADH and NADPH

Molecular formula: C6H5NO2

Properties: Stable against heat and light

Vitamin B3 in cosmetics

Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) plays a very important role in cosmetics because the substance has several important functions. For example, it helps to strengthen the skin barrier, reduces unwanted hyperpigmentation, improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. The proportion of nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid amide) should be up to 5% percent in a good, high-quality cosmetic product. Then the vitamin is able to effectively and sustainably reduce the signs of dry skin. Interestingly, care products with nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid amide) also have an anti-wrinkle effect at the same time, because the application stimulates collagen production, from which especially mature skin benefits. Younger skin that is prone to pimples and blemishes can also benefit from the vitamin. Finally, it reduces excessive sebum production and prevents inflammation. Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid amide) is usually very well tolerated and is also suitable for sensitive skin. The vitamin is an effective preventative against skin ageing, and its success has been scientifically proven in several studies. It is mainly used in products with a high water content, examples include fluids, serums and facial toners. It is not only contained in care products for acne and against oily skin or in anti-aging products, but also in numerous sun protection products such as after-sun spray.

Vitamin B3 in hair care

But nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid amide) is also enormously important for the hair. The vitamin can improve blood circulation in the scalp, so that significantly more oxygen and nutrients are delivered. In the meantime, there are even theories that the vitamin can even counteract hair loss in this way.

Furthermore, the legislator has determined that nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid amide) may officially be contained in food supplements.

Here is some evidence of the effects of nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or nicotinamide):

1. In an in vivo study, a facial cream containing 5% nicotinamide reduced fine lines and wrinkles, as well as red spots and hyperpigmentation

(D.L. Bisset et al, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 26, pp. 231-238; 2004).

2.Vitamin B3 increases the synthesis of ceramides in the uppermost skin layer in vitro (tested on cell cultures with keratinocytes).

(O. Tanno et al., British Journal of Dermatology 143, pp. 524-531; 2000)

3. A cream with 2% nicotinic acid reduces sebum production compared to a placebo.

(In vivo test; published by Z. D. Draelos et al., Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy 8, p 96 -101; 2006).

 We are happy to work with these raw materials containing vitaminB3:

Conclusion: Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid amide) as a power donor

Without a sufficient supply of nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid amide), the human body would have to struggle with numerous deficiency symptoms. And the vitamin has long since become indispensable in cosmetics, too, because it improves the skin’s appearance, softens lines and wrinkles and can be used against acne. Hair care products with nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid amide) make hair look healthier and stronger. Side effects are only to be feared in the case of an extremely strong overdose, but these could become unpleasant under certain circumstances. However, an overdose is not possible through diet or the use of cosmetic products alone; a misuse of food supplements would be conceivable at best. All in all, nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid amide) is therefore a very valuable ingredient that in principle cannot prove any disadvantages. If you would like to contact us for a cosmetic development, just click here.

Literatur:

Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation.

Boo YC.Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Aug 21;10(8):1315

Pigmentation effects of blue light irradiation on skin and how to protect against them.

Campiche R, Curpen SJ, Lutchmanen-Kolanthan V, Gougeon S, Cherel M, Laurent G, Gempeler M, Schuetz R.Int J Cosmet Sci. 2020 Aug;42(4):399-406.

The Combination of Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and PDRN Mitigates Melanogenesis by Modulating Nicotinamide Nucleotide Transhydrogenase.

Park HJ, Byun KA, Oh S, Kim HM, Chung MS, Son KH, Byun K.Molecules. 2022 Aug 2;27(15):4923

Nicotinamide potentiates amphotericin B activity against Candida albicans.

Yan Y, Liao Z, Shen J, Zhu Z, Cao Y.Virulence. 2022 Dec;13(1):1533-1542