Back to Ingredient Dictionary

Common Name(s): Pyridoxine hydroxycitrate

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Neutralizes free radicals, supports collagen biosynthesis, and inhibits melanin overproduction for brightened, protected, and younger-looking skin.

Why It's Used: Vitamins support fundamental enzymatic and antioxidant processes in skin cells; topical delivery addresses localized deficiencies and enhances concentrations beyond systemic levels.

How It Works: The vitamin pharmacophore donates electrons to free radicals, chelates metal ion pro-oxidants, and serves as a cofactor for skin enzymes (e.g., prolyl hydroxylase for collagen synthesis), providing multi-mechanism skin protection.

Typically Found In: Serums,moisturizers,eye creams,sunscreens

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Vitamin derivatives

Secondary Functions: Antioxidant,brightening

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1โ€“20%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic vitamin derivative; no animal components.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1

Comedogenicity Rating: 0

Sensitivity Concerns: Low sensitization potential at recommended use concentrations.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Well-characterized cosmetic ingredient with established safety profile. generally non-irritating at typical use concentrations. suitable for leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics.

Works Well With: Other antioxidants,ferulic acid,hyaluronic acid

Avoid Combining With: Incompatible oxidizing agents; check ph stability

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Vitamin derivatives in cosmetics function as prodrugs: esterase enzymes in skin cleave the ester bond to release the free vitamin acid or alcohol. the rate of release depends on the ester chain length and branching (log p), with shorter chain esters hydrolyzing faster. free vitamin concentration in skin determines efficacy, making ester hydrolysis rate a critical formulation parameter.

Last Verified: Cosing eu database; pcpc cosmetic ingredient safety reviews; ingredient-specific safety and efficacy literature

Primary Sources: 2025-01-15