Vitamin B Types and Topical Use

There are typically 8 recognized types of B vitamins:

• 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 vitamin is the same, the specific chemical form or formulation can differ depending on whether it is intended for oral consumption, topical application, or injection. This is because each route of administration requires different properties for optimal absorption, stability, and effectiveness. Therefore, the exact form used might not be identical across all three methods.

Topical Vitamin B Types

Several B vitamins are commonly used in topical skincare products. The forms used are often selected for their ability to penetrate the skin and provide specific benefits. The commonly used topical forms include:

• Vitamin B3: Niacinamide is a widely used topical form. An oil-soluble derivative, Myristyl Nicotinate, is also available.
• Vitamin B5: Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) is a popular topical form known for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
• Vitamin B6: Pyridoxine Hydrochloride is used, and an oil-soluble form called Pyridoxine Tripalmitate is also available.
• Vitamin B7: Biotin is used topically, often in formulations for hair and nail health, and also for skin. Encapsulated forms are available for better stability and absorption.
• Vitamin B8: Inositol is used topically for its moisturizing and balancing effects on the skin.
• Vitamin B12: Cyanocobalamin is used topically for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) are less commonly found as primary active ingredients in topical cosmetic formulations compared to the others, although they may be present in some complex formulations or in specific derivative forms.

Topical Vitamin B Complex

A topical Vitamin B complex product typically contains a combination of several of the B vitamins suitable for topical application, such as Niacinamide (B3), Panthenol (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7), Inositol (B8), and Cyanocobalamin (B12), formulated together to provide a range of skin benefits.