Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

CAS 98-92-0 · C₆H₆N₂O · MW 122.12

The water-soluble vitamin B3 active used across pharmaceutical supplements, cosmetic skincare, food fortification and animal nutrition. Chelora supplies pharmacopoeia-grade niacinamide — IP, BP and USP — with certificate of analysis and complete documentation on every batch.

  • IP / BP / USP grades
  • Non-hazardous transport
  • Samples to bulk
Niacinamide sample quality testing

≥ 98.5 %

Assay purity

Laboratory analysis equipment for niacinamide

CAS number

98-92-0

Melting point

128 – 131 °C

Pharmacopoeia

IP · BP · USP

Transport

Non-DG

Product overview

The essential vitamin B3 for pharma, skin and nutrition

Niacinamide (nicotinamide, pyridine-3-carboxamide) is the amide form of vitamin B3, one of the eight B-complex vitamins essential for human health. It is a water-soluble, white crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water and ethanol, making it easy to formulate across oral, topical and food-grade applications.

In the body, niacinamide is converted into the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) and its phosphorylated form NADP⁺, which participate in over 400 enzymatic reactions governing cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, cell signalling and antioxidant defence. A deficiency of niacin leads to pellagra — a potentially fatal condition characterised by dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia.

Unlike nicotinic acid, niacinamide does not cause the vasodilatory flushing that limits patient compliance at therapeutic doses. This makes it the preferred form of vitamin B3 for oral supplements, multivitamin tablets, food fortification and cosmetic skincare formulations — where it is clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation, strengthen the skin barrier, regulate sebum production and improve signs of ageing.

Chelora Pharmachem supplies niacinamide in pharmacopoeia grades (IP, BP, USP) as well as dedicated feed-grade and cosmetic-grade variants, with full documentation and batch-specific COA for every shipment.

Technical specifications

IUPAC namePyridine-3-carboxamide
SynonymsNiacinamide, Nicotinamide, Vitamin B3, 3-Pyridinecarboxamide
CAS number98-92-0
Molecular formulaC₆H₆N₂O
Molecular weight122.12 g/mol
AppearanceWhite crystalline powder
Melting point128 – 131 °C
Solubility in waterFreely soluble (≈ 1 g/mL at 20 °C)
Solubility in ethanolFreely soluble
Purity (assay)≥ 98.5 % (dried basis, IP / BP / USP)
pH (10 % aq. solution)6.0 – 7.5
Loss on drying≤ 0.5 %
Heavy metals (as Pb)≤ 20 ppm
Residue on ignition≤ 0.1 %
Related substancesComplies (IP / BP / USP limits)
Nicotinic acid content≤ 0.1 %
StorageCool, dry place; protect from moisture and light
TransportNot classified as dangerous goods (Non-DG)

Applications & end uses

Industries that depend on Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 dietary supplements

Niacinamide is the preferred form of vitamin B3 in oral supplements — tablets, capsules, effervescent formulations and multivitamin blends. Unlike nicotinic acid, it does not cause flushing at therapeutic doses, making it the standard active for daily B-complex products.

Dermatology & cosmetic skincare

At 2 – 5 % concentration, niacinamide is a proven cosmeceutical active for skin brightening, reduction of hyperpigmentation, barrier repair, sebum regulation and anti-ageing. It is incorporated in serums, moisturisers, sheet masks and sunscreen formulations worldwide.

Pellagra treatment

Niacinamide is the pharmacological treatment of choice for pellagra — the niacin-deficiency disease characterised by dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia. It restores NAD⁺ levels rapidly without the vasodilatory side effects of nicotinic acid.

Food fortification

Niacinamide is widely used to fortify wheat flour, rice, breakfast cereals, beverages and infant formula as mandated by national fortification programmes. Its neutral taste, high water solubility and thermal stability make it ideal for processed-food enrichment.

Animal feed additive

Feed-grade niacinamide is an essential micronutrient supplement in poultry, swine and aquaculture feed premixes. It supports metabolic energy production, growth performance and disease resistance across livestock species.

Biochemistry & research (NAD⁺/NADP⁺ precursor)

As a precursor to the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) and NADP⁺, niacinamide is a key reagent in cell biology, enzymology and metabolic research. It is used in cell culture media and enzymatic assays.

Available grades

Pharmacopoeia, feed and cosmetic grades

≥ 99.0 %

Pharma grade (IP / BP / USP)

Oral dosage forms, injectable formulations, dermatology

≥ 98.5 %

Feed grade

Animal feed premixes, aquaculture nutrition

≥ 99.0 %

Cosmetic grade

Skincare serums, brightening creams, low-endotoxin formulations

Packaging options

Sealed and labelled to pharmacopoeia standard

25 kg — HDPE-lined fibre drum

Standard pharmaceutical and feed unit

20 kg — Multiwall paper bag with PE liner

Food-fortification and feed applications

Sample — Sealed HDPE container

QC evaluation before commitment

Documentation supplied

Complete paperwork for QC and regulatory

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Batch-specific results for assay, melting point, pH, LOD, heavy metals, ROI and related substances.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

GHS-format, 16-section SDS covering handling, first aid, fire-fighting and disposal.

Specification sheet

Limit values for each test parameter aligned to IP, BP or USP monograph.

Pharmacopoeia compliance statement

Confirmation of monograph compliance where applicable (IP / BP / USP).

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Niacinamide

What is the difference between niacinamide and nicotinic acid?+
Both are forms of vitamin B3, but they differ pharmacologically. Niacinamide (nicotinamide) does not cause the vasodilatory flushing associated with nicotinic acid (niacin) and does not have lipid-lowering properties. For most supplement and cosmetic applications, niacinamide is preferred because of its better tolerability.
Which pharmacopoeia grades does Chelora supply?+
We supply niacinamide meeting IP, BP and USP monograph specifications at pharma grade (assay >= 99.0 %). Feed grade (>= 98.5 %) and cosmetic grade (>= 99.0 %, low endotoxin) are also available. Each batch includes a COA confirming compliance with the relevant standard.
Is niacinamide safe for cosmetic use?+
Yes. Niacinamide is one of the most extensively studied cosmeceutical actives and is generally recognised as safe by the US FDA (GRAS). It is well tolerated at concentrations of 2 – 5 % in leave-on skincare products and is approved in cosmetic formulations by regulators in the EU, USA, Japan, Korea and India.
What is the typical lead time for bulk orders?+
Standard lead time is 5 – 10 working days for domestic orders and 10 – 14 days for export, depending on grade and volume. We can often expedite for urgent requirements.
Is niacinamide classified as a hazardous material for transport?+
No. Niacinamide is not classified as dangerous goods for transport. Standard packaging and labelling apply. An SDS is supplied with every order for your EHS team.
Do you offer samples before bulk purchase?+
Yes. Sample quantities are available so your QC team can verify the material against your specification before you commit to a production order.

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