Cosmetics ingredients Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) has become a gold-standard ingredient in the cosmetic and personal care industry. As brands worldwide look to enhance their skin care portfolios with multifunctional and scientifically backed actives, cosmetic grade niacinamide powder stands out for its excellent skin compatibility, proven efficacy, and broad formulation versatility. This article explores the source, manufacturing process, commercial applications, and customer cases of niacinamide in skin care, along with an overview of its bulk pricing considerations for B2B buyers.
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Source of Niacinamide Powder (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3, a vital nutrient found naturally in various foods such as yeast, fish, and green vegetables. However, for cosmetic and industrial use, it is synthetically produced to meet purity standards and ensure stable, consistent quality.
Cosmetic grade niacinamide powder manufacturers typically achieves a purity level of ≥99%, meeting specifications required by the USP, EP, and JP pharmacopoeias, making it suitable for sensitive and performance-driven formulations in personal care.
Manufacturing Process of Cosmetic Grade Niacinamide
The most common industrial method for niacinamide synthesis involves the hydrolysis of nicotinonitrile or amidation of nicotinic acid using ammonia under controlled temperature and pressure conditions. The resulting niacinamide is then recrystallized and refined to remove impurities and ensure cosmetic-grade quality.
Manufacturing features include:
- High-purity synthesis: ≥99% purity to avoid skin irritation
- Microbiological safety testing
- Compliance with REACH, GMP, and ISO standards
- Water-soluble crystalline powder form suitable for both emulsions and serums
Leading manufacturers in China typically offer niacinamide in 25 kg fiber drums for industrial customers, with options for smaller or customized packaging.
Niacinamide Powder Serum Formula for Skincare Applications
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is widely used in water-based serum formulations due to its stability, multifunctional skin benefits, and compatibility with a wide range of ingredients. Below is a technical overview of a typical niacinamide serum formula, including optimal dosage, pH range, and safety guidelines suitable for formulators, private label manufacturers, and R&D professionals in the cosmetics industry.
Sample Niacinamide Powder Serum Formula:
Ingredient | INCI Name | Function | % w/w |
Water | Aqua | Solvent | q.s. to 100 |
Niacinamide | Niacinamide | Active ingredient (brightening, anti-inflammatory) | 5 |
Propanediol | Propanediol | Solvent, humectant | 4 |
Glycerin | Glycerin | Humectant | 3 |
Betaine | Betaine | Skin conditioning agent | 2 |
Panthenol | Panthenol | Soothing, moisturizing | 1 |
Hydroxyethylcellulose | Hydroxyethylcellulose | Thickener | 0.3 |
Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin | Preservative | Preservative system | 1 |
Niacinamide Dosage
- Typical Range: 2% to 5%
- Recommended for Serums: 5% is optimal for visible benefits such as brightening, improving skin barrier function, and reducing inflammation without compromising tolerability.
- Higher Concentrations (up to 10%) may be used in targeted treatments but should be stability- and irritation-tested.
pH Range for Stability and Skin Compatibility
- Target pH: 5.0 – 6.0
- This range ensures niacinamide remains stable and effective without hydrolyzing into niacin (which can cause flushing).
- Avoid formulating below pH 4.5, particularly in combination with acidic actives like AHAs or L-ascorbic acid.
Safety and Compatibility Notes
Skin Tolerance: Niacinamide is well-tolerated at 2–5% in leave-on formulations. Rare irritation may occur at higher levels or in very sensitive skin types.
Avoid Mixing in Low-pH Formulas: Niacinamide may convert to nicotinic acid in acidic environments, increasing risk of irritation.
Compatible With:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Panthenol
- Peptides
- Non-acidic botanical extracts
Not Recommended With (Same Formula):
- L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) at low pH
- Strong AHAs (e.g., glycolic acid) unless formulation is specially engineered
A 5% niacinamide serum formulated at pH 5.5 delivers broad benefits for brightening, barrier repair, oil regulation, and inflammation reduction. With proper formulation and stability management, niacinamide remains one of the safest and most effective actives for modern cosmetic product lines.
Skin Care Customer Case
1. Korean OEM Skincare Brand
A South Korean contract manufacturer incorporated 5% niacinamide powder into a lightweight essence designed for global export. Results from in-house testing showed significant improvements in skin brightness and reduced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in 4 weeks.
2. European Clean Beauty Start-Up
A clean beauty brand in Germany sourced cosmetic grade niacinamide powder to formulate a vegan, fragrance-free moisturizer. The brand highlighted its 99.5% pure Vitamin B3 content on the label, targeting sensitive skin consumers and receiving strong feedback in clinical trials and dermatological tests.
3. U.S.-based Men’s Grooming Company
An American mens grooming line utilized niacinamide in its aftershave lotion to reduce redness and soothe the skin barrier. The product line emphasized non-comedogenic and anti-inflammatory claims, supported by consumer trials.
Conclusion
Cosmetic grade niacinamide powder continues to be a cornerstone ingredient for forward-thinking skincare brands and manufacturers. Its proven benefits, cost-efficiency, and ease of formulation position it as a high-value input for private label brands, OEM/ODM manufacturers, and ingredient distributors alike. Sourcing high-purity niacinamide from reliable partners is essential to maintaining brand integrity and meeting the performance expectations of todays informed skincare consumers. Contact us sales team to receive the latest wholesale niacinamide powder price and COA.
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