Niacinamide molecule

Niacinamide (nicotinamide; 3-pyridinecarboxamide) is the amide form of vitamin B3 and is one of the agents used to regulate melanogenesis via inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes.

Studies found that niacinamide down-regulated the number of melanosomes transferred from melanocytes to keratinocytes by 35 to 68% in a co-culture model system.

Physiologically, niacinamide functions as a precursor to the co-factors nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP).

Along with their reduced forms NADH and NADPH, these enzymes participate in numerous enzymatic reactions and also act as antioxidants.

Topical niacinamide has several proposed medicinal applications in the skin including anti-inflammation, prevention of photoimmunosuppression, increased intercellular lipid synthesis, improved barrier function, improved appearance of photoaged facial skin (including texture, hyperpigmentation, redness, fine lines and wrinkles) and reduced sebum production.

Niacinamide’s role as a co-enzyme precursor may explain the multiple roles it has in skin, but this is not clearly defined.

The actual process by which niacinamide down-regulates melanosome transfer remains to be properly established.