Niacinamide

Safety Information

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes niacinamide and niacin on its list of direct food substances affirmed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). Both ingredients are also GRAS as nutrients and/or dietary supplements. The safety of niacinamide and niacin has been assessed by the Expert Panel on Ingredient Safety. The Expert Panel evaluated the available scientific data and concluded that niacinamide and niacin were safe in the current practices of use and concentration in cosmetics and personal care products.

The Expert Panel considered niacinamide and niacin sufficiently similar to combine the available data and reach a conclusion on the safety of both cosmetic ingredients. Overall, the available information suggested that niacinamide and niacin were both non-toxic. These ingredients were not significant skin irritants, and were not skin sensitizers or photosensitizers. These ingredients were also not associated with the development of clogged pores. The Expert Panel recognized that certain formulations were marginal to slight ocular irritants and recommended that the industry be aware of this and formulate products to prevent ocular irritation. Niacinamide was not a reproductive or developmental toxin, and has been shown to reduce the toxicity of some known reproductive or developmental toxins. Niacinamide and niacin were not mutagenic. A study of niacinamide alone indicated that it was not carcinogenic. Based on the available data, the Expert Panel concluded that niacinamide and niacin were safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products at the reported practices of use and concentration.

FDA: Link to the Code of Federal Regulations for niacinamide

Link to the Code of Federal Regulations for Niacin

Niacinamide and niacin may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation:
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_p…

Resources

Medline Plus
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Food Ingredients and Packaging
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Food Contact Substances
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Substances Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)
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Search the Code of Federal Regulations
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EU Cosmetics Inventory
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Niacinamide


Chemical image provided by National Cancer Institute
What Is It?

Niacinamide and niacin are a forms of vitamin B3. In cosmetics and personal care products, niacinamide and niacin are used in bath products, shampoos, hair tonics, skin moisturizers and other skin care preparations, and cleansing products.

Why Is It Used?

Niacinamide and niacin enhance the appearance and feel of hair, by increasing body, suppleness, or sheen, or by improving the texture of hair that has been damaged physically or by chemical treatment. When used in the formulation of skin care products, niacinamide and niacin enhance the appearance of dry or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.

Scientific Facts

Niacinamide is also called nicotinamide. Nicotinc acid is another name for niacin. These ingredients are different forms of vitamin B3. Niacin is an essential nutrient required for normal metabolism. The U.S. Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for Niacin is 20 mg. Niacinamide may also be used for the treatment of high cholesterol. Niacinamide is found in many foods, including yeast, meat, eggs, milk, green vegetables and cereal grains.

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