Understanding Vitamin B for Different Uses

There are typically eight recognized types of B vitamins, often referred to as the Vitamin B complex. These include:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin/Niacinamide)
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
• Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

While the core chemical compounds are the same, the specific form and formulation used for oral consumption, topical application, or injection can differ significantly. This is because each method of delivery requires the vitamin to be processed and absorbed differently by the body or skin. Therefore, while it's the same type of vitamin, the product designed for eating, applying, or injecting is not interchangeable.

Topical Vitamin B Types

Several B vitamins are commonly used in topical skincare formulations due to their benefits for the skin. The most notable ones include:

• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): Known for reducing wrinkles, improving skin barrier function, reducing redness and hyperpigmentation, controlling oiliness, and fighting acne. Products like Safe-B3™, Extreme-B3™, and Safe-B3™ (Switzerland) contain Niacinamide.
• Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Acts as a humectant and moisturizer, helps heal wounds, reduces inflammation, and improves skin elasticity. It is found in products such as Panthenol and D-Panthenol Care.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Can help balance skin oiliness, tighten pores (especially on oily skin), and reduce inflammation. Topical forms include Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) and Pyridoxine Tripalmitate.
• Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Often used in products aimed at improving hair and nail health, it also nourishes the skin. Examples include Pure-Biotin™ and ActiveRelease™ Biotin. Biotinyl-GHK, a peptide derivative containing Biotin, is also used topically.
• Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin): Effective in reducing inflammation and irritation, moisturizing the skin, and stimulating skin cell production. Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin 1%) is a topical option.

A topical Vitamin B complex product typically contains a combination of several of these B vitamins to provide a range of benefits for the skin.