Vitamin B3 Powder (Niacinamide)

Vitamin B3 Powder at a glance

Vitamin B3 Powder is niacinamide, a white crystalline powder with CAS 98-92-0 that dissolves readily in water. The supplier specification gives a typical level of 2 to 5%, and one supplier data sheet lists 1 to 6% with 5% as typical. The pH in the supplier specification is 5 to 5.5. Niacinamide is among the best-studied and most widely used skincare actives. Confirm purity on the supplier CoA.

Why niacinamide is so popular

Niacinamide is a versatile, well-tolerated ingredient. In cosmetics it is used for a more even-looking skin tone, a smoother texture, less visible pores, less shine and a stronger-feeling skin barrier. It fits almost any product type and works well with many other actives, which makes it a staple in modern skincare lines.

Product formats

Serums

Classic water-based niacinamide serums.

Toners

Light toners for daily use.

Gels

Gel moisturizers for oily skin.

Creams

Day and night creams with niacinamide in the water phase.

Processing

Dissolve niacinamide in the water phase. It is heat-stable enough to add before heating, but many formulators add it at cool-down for simplicity. Keep the final pH around 5 to 6, as very low pH can convert part of it to nicotinic acid, which may cause flushing.

Good partners

NMN powder extends the vitamin B3 story. Zinc PCA suits oily-skin serums, and Ceramide NP supports barrier creams. Browse more in the actives catalog.

Testing

Check clarity, pH and color over time. Measure skin tone evenness, shine and hydration for claims.

Claims

Skin tone looks more even; pores look smaller; skin feels smoother and balanced.

Characteristics

Form: white crystalline powder. INCI: niacinamide. CAS: 98-92-0. Solubility: water. Typical level: 2 to 5% (one data sheet: 1 to 6%, 5% typical). pH: 5 to 5.5. Listed uses: serums, toners, gels and creams in the water phase. Grade: supplier CoA.

Original recipe: niacinamide serum, 100 g

Distilled water 87.70 g, niacinamide 5.00 g, glycerin 3.00 g, panthenol 1.00 g, sodium hyaluronate 0.30 g, xanthan gum 0.20 g, phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin 1.00 g, allantoin 0.20 g, sodium citrate 0.80 g, citric acid 0.80 g. Pre-wet the hyaluronate and xanthan in glycerin, add to the water, dissolve niacinamide, panthenol and allantoin, add the preservative and adjust the pH to about 5.5.

Choosing the level

Lower levels around 2% suit sensitive skin and daily moisturizers. Around 5% is common in serums focused on tone and texture. Higher levels exist but can tingle for some users, so test carefully.

Combining with vitamin C

An old myth said niacinamide and vitamin C should not be combined. In practice, many stable products contain both. If combining them, test pH and color stability carefully.

Oily skin products

Niacinamide pairs well with zinc, light gels and mattifying powders for oily skin. Keep textures light and non-greasy.

Directions for users

Suggest using the serum morning and evening after cleansing, followed by a moisturizer and daytime.

Lab tip

Dissolve niacinamide fully before adding thickeners, which speeds up mixing.

Lot records

Keep each CoA with the batch file and note the lot used.

Flushing and pH

At low pH and high temperature, a small amount of niacinamide can turn into nicotinic acid, which causes a temporary warm flush on some skin. Keeping the pH in the mid range and avoiding long heating prevents this. It is one of the reasons the supplier specification pH of 5 to 5.5 is a sensible target.

Record keeping

Note the pH of every batch before filling, so any drift between lots is caught early.

Storage

Store closed in a dry place. Close the container after use.