Comparison of Skin Penetration of Niacinamide between Local and International Brands

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to compare skin penetration of niacinamide in two different day cream formulations. One of the formulations was from an international brand and the other was a local brand. Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3 and is a common ingredient in cosmetic formulations. To conduct the study, tape stripping protocol was developed. Sequential tape stripping was performed on human volunteers applying the formulations on their volar forearms. The tape strips were then extracted with solvent (methanol:water 20:80) and analyzed in UV Spectrophotometer at 262nm. There was no significant difference in cumulative SC (stratum corneum) removed from the two formulation applying sites. Statistically significant difference was observed in the amounts of niacinamide penetrated in the SC between the international brand and local brand, (p<0.05). However, when male and female group was compared in niacinamide penetration from the two brands of cream formulation, no difference was found (p>0.05). Therefore, niacinamide penetrated the SC in significantly higher quantities in case of international brand which is also a market leader worldwide. Modification in formulation of the local face cream is needed to improve the penetration of niacinamide in to the skin.