Is Niacinamide Vegan? What Is Niacinamide Made Of?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: April 2023.
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Niacinamide in skincare is always vegan. It is mostly sourced from many cereals and brewer’s yeast. Niacinamide is an important nutrient for the skin to stay healthy and to look younger. It is found naturally in many foods, including animal-based products.

Niacinamide is a multifunctional ingredient. From boosting hydration to protecting the skin from environmental aggressors, it offers a wide range of benefits. Now, let’s learn even more.

See also: Best Vegan Niacinamide Skincare

What Is Niacinamide? What Is Niacinamide Made Of?

Niacinamide is a highly effective skincare ingredient. It is the active form of vitamin B3 and is indispensable for many enzymatic reactions in the body.

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide or vitamin B3, belongs to the group of B vitamins. It is a water-soluble vitamin, so it doesn’t dissolve in oil. Therefore, niacinamide is mainly found in water-based cosmetic products such as serums, toners, moisturizers, and face masks.

While vitamin B3 refers to the occurrence in food, niacinamide refers to the active ingredient in skincare products. Overall, vitamin B3 and niacinamide are one and the same.

The human body can produce small amounts of vitamin B3 itself but has to get most of it from food. For example, it occurs in vitamin-rich plant-based foods like kale, mushrooms, and almonds.

However, niacinamide aka B3 is also found in animal-based foods. But the active ingredient in skincare is always vegan. It is mostly obtained from cereals, brewer’s yeast, or other animal-friendly starters.

Why Is Niacinamide Used In Skincare?

Niacinamide is used in skincare because it is a powerful antioxidant. It boosts hydration, protects the skin from environmental damage, and regenerates complexion.

Firstly, niacinamide boosts the skin’s ability to retain moisture. It strengthens the moisture barrier and improves its ability to retain it. The skin dries out less easily and stays hydrated longer.

By locking in moisture, niacinamide also provides the skin with everything it needs for skin cell turnover. So, niacinamide stimulates collagen and elastin production. Thus, reduces wrinkles and regenerates the skin’s surface for younger-looking skin.

Niacinamide also improves the skin’s texture and works against impure skin and acne. It regulates sebum production, improves the appearance of pores, blackheads and reduces inflammation. So, it is a good option for oily skin types and is often used to treat acne.

Further, niacinamide helps with dark spots and hyperpigmentation. By limiting the production and dissemination of melanin, it lightens dark areas. As well as acne scars. Overall, niacinamide ensures a more even skin tone.

Niacinamide also soothes redness and irritation. It has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect. That is why niacinamide is sometimes used to treat rosacea. So, niacinamide also suits sensitive skin that is prone to redness.

Last but not least, niacinamide strengthens the skin’s protective barrier. It protects the skin from environmental stressors. Such as sun damage, blue light, and pollution.

Niacinamide is a skin-friendly substance and suits every skin type. But it is advisable to pay attention to the dosage. Niacinamide is considered harmless in a concentration of 10%. The ideal concentration is between 2% and 5%.

FAQ About Niacinamide

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide or vitamin B3, belongs to the group of B vitamins. It is a water-soluble vitamin, so it doesn’t dissolve in oil. Niacinamide is a highly effective skincare ingredient and is indispensable for many enzymatic reactions in the body.

What is niacinamide made of?

Niacinamide is mostly obtained from cereals, brewer’s yeast, or other animal-friendly starters. While vitamin B3 refers to the occurrence in food, niacinamide refers to the active ingredient in skincare products. Vitamin B3 can be found in many foods, both vegan and non-vegan. But the active ingredient in skincare is always vegan.

Is niacinamide vegan?

Yes. Niacinamide in skincare is vegan.

Summary

Niacinamide or nicotinamide is a special form of vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 is a very necessary bioactive substance for the body that we get from our daily food. But it is also used as a very effective active ingredient in skin care.

As an antioxidant, niacinamide has several functions. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It keeps the skin hydrated and the skin tone even. Niacinamide also has an anti-aging feature as it stimulates collagen synthesis.

Niacinamide in skin care is always vegan-friendly. However, animal-based components can sometimes find their way into products alongside vegan niacinamide.

See also: Best Vegan Niacinamide Skincare

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.