Niacinamide Antimicrobial Efficacy and Its Mode of Action via Microbial Cell Cycle Arrest
Niacinamide (NAM), a water-soluble carboxylic acid amide, is present in various foods—both animal-sourced (think fish, poultry, meat, milk, and eggs) and plant-based (seeds and green veggies). In the world of cosmetics, niacinamide offers a host of skin benefits: enhancing the skin barrier, boosting elasticity, promoting collagen synthesis, and even tackling skin issues like hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and acne.
Niacinamide, a compound with multiple bioactive roles, has been studied since the 1970s. While its various effects were known, its specific antimicrobial properties were explored more thoroughly later. A seemingly unassuming compound—it has quietly captivated researchers. Its multifaceted properties have led us down intriguing paths that showed us its antimicrobial prowess.
At first glance, niacinamide appeared unremarkable in its direct impact on bacteria. Doubts lingered, but we pressed on and saw the potential. Under the lens, it all unfolded. E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa ballooned—like overinflated dirigibles. They were poised for division, yet fate intervened. Niacinamide disrupted their DNA.
This study confirms niacinamide’s latent potential—an antimicrobial sentinel. Whether you’re developing skincare elixirs or reveling in scientific intrigue, keep this unassuming molecule on your radar.
“The AquaVITA® strategic goal was the opportunity for Sharon Personal Care not only to introduce a new and novel preservative solution aligned with the most recent market and consumers expectations, but also to change the cosmetic preservation rules. This game shift propelled this preservative into the group of active ingredients via multi-functionality”, as mentioned by Dr. Paul Salama, CTO and Head of Innovation.
Sharon Personal Care’s quest for synergistic interactions was one of the key elements to turn a practically inert substance into a mild, safe, and sustainable antimicrobial preservative solution.
As noted by Dr. Noa Ziklo, R&D Global Program Manager, up until now, niacinamide was not considered to have a direct antimicrobial activity and was believed to be ineffective to inhibit and kill bacteria. Its antimicrobial activity was mainly mentioned in the context of host infection, coordinated by the host immune response, and the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, this study explores and elucidates the intrinsic antimicrobial efficacy of niacinamide and its mode of action via cell cycle arrest. Indeed, while working on the Sharon AquaVita® project, it was quite a challenge to find the right blend to be associated with niacinamide to receive a sufficient, broad-spectrum activity.
Sharon AquaVita®, is the first and only multifunctional vitamin-based preservation platform with skin health benefits. This is the future of preservation because it features an enhanced hydro-solubility with a unique mode of action. It is globally compliant and ideal for skin and hair applications. If you are intrigued and want to learn more about how niacinamide can benefit your formulation, reach out and let’s discuss how Sharon AquaVita® protects the formula and benefits your skin.
Niacinamide Antimicrobial Efficacy and Its Mode of Action via Microbial Cell Cycle Arrest. Written by: Ziklo, N.; Bibi, M.; Sinai, L.; Salama, P. Microorganisms 2024, 12, 1581.
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