Common Name(s): Nicotinic acid,vitamin b3 acid form,3-pyridinecarboxylic acid

CAS Number: 59-67-6

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides direct niacin-flush vasodilation for scalp circulation enhancement and nad+ precursor activity.

Why It's Used: Scalp circulation stimulant — niacin's prostaglandin-mediated flushing vasodilation provides stronger scalp microcirculation enhancement than niacinamide for hair growth support formulations.

How It Works: Niacin activates gpr109a receptor on langerhans cells triggering prostaglandin d2 and e2 release causing vasodilation (niacin flush). nad+ precursor via nicotinic acid→nmn→nad+ pathway (alternative to niacinamide's preiss-handler pathway). scalp flush increases local blood flow for follicle nutrient delivery.

Typically Found In: Scalp circulation products,hair growth,anti-aging nad+ products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – vitamin b complex

Secondary Functions: Antioxidant cofactor,metabolic support

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic or fermentation

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetically produced for cosmetic use.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; excellent tolerability.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Causes niacin flush (prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation, flushing, tingling) at higher concentrations — use at low concentrations for controlled scalp vasodilation without excessive flushing.

Works Well With: Other b vitamins,niacinamide,antioxidant complexes

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Niacin's gpr109a-mediated prostaglandin flush is the basis of prescription niacin's hyperlipidaemia treatment mechanism — the same vasodilation that causes uncomfortable flushing at pharmaceutical doses provides controllable scalp microcirculation stimulation at cosmetic doses. the prostaglandin e2 component of niacin flush also has hair follicle ep4 receptor-mediated anagen prolongation effects — a dual circulation + direct follicle stimulation mechanism.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,tsubura et al. niacin scalp study,cir safety assessment