Crystallization when combining Niacinamide and Witch Hazel

Asked by: nisaphomsudon11012003 On: June 19, 2025 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

When combining Niacinamide and Witch Hazel, is there a possibility of crystallization occurring, appearing as "flower-like" crystals?

Answer

Combining Niacinamide and Witch Hazel

When combining Niacinamide and Witch Hazel, there is a possibility of crystallization, particularly if the pH of the final formulation is too low.

  • Niacinamide is a water-soluble powder. Its stability and solubility are affected by pH. At a low pH (below 4.0), Niacinamide can hydrolyze into Niacin (Nicotinic Acid), which is less soluble and can crystallize, appearing as "flower-like" crystals.
  • Witch Hazel Distillate typically has a slightly acidic pH (around 3-5).

Combining Niacinamide with Witch Hazel can result in a final pH that is low enough to cause the conversion of Niacinamide to Niacin, leading to crystallization, especially if using a high concentration of Niacinamide.

To minimize the risk of crystallization, it is recommended to:

  1. Ensure the final pH of your formulation is above 4.0, ideally in the range of 4.0-7.0, which is the optimal pH range for Niacinamide stability.
  2. Consider the concentration of Niacinamide used. Higher concentrations may be more prone to crystallization at lower pH levels.

By controlling the pH, you can help maintain the stability and solubility of Niacinamide in the presence of Witch Hazel.