Brightening

Ingredient Identity

INCI / Name: Niacinamide

CAS No: 98-92-0

Appearance: White crystalline powder; water-soluble

Usage / Properties / Application

Its key whitening mechanism is reduction of melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes; one study reported 35–68% inhibition of melanosome transfer in a coculture model and significant reduction of hyperpigmentation with increased skin lightness after 4 weeks of topical use.

Clinical data also support its pigmentation-care application: an 8-week double-blind randomized trial compared 4% niacinamide with 4% hydroquinone in melasma patients, supporting niacinamide as a better-tolerated brightening option for long-term cosmetic use.