The key difference between hyaluronic acid and niacinamide is that hyaluronic acid is helpful in moisturizing the skin, whereas niacinamide is helpful in treating acne in the skin.
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are very important ingredients in many skin care products because these compounds can keep the brightness and the healthy look in our skin.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Hyaluronic Acid
3. What is Niacinamide
4. Hyaluronic Acid vs Niacinamide in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Hyaluronic Acid vs Niacinamide
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a polymeric organic molecule with the chemical formula (C14H21NO11)n. This compound is categorized under the glycosaminoglycan compounds. However, hyaluronic acid is unique because it is the only non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan among them. This compound naturally occurs in the human body. It can undergo distribution throughout connective, epithelial, and neural tissues.
Figure 01: The Chemical Structure of Hyaluronic Acid
Unlike other glycosaminoglycan compounds, which form in the Golgi apparatus, this compound is formed in the plasma membrane. When considering hyaluronic acid’s application in the cosmetic industry, it is a common ingredient in many skin care products. Moreover, it is useful as a dermal filler in cosmetic surgeries. Manufacturers produce hyaluronic acid mainly via microbial fermentation processes. This is because of the lower production cost and less environmental pollution. The major microorganism used for this is Streptococcus sp. However, there is a great concern about this process since these microbial species are pathogenic.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide or nicotinamide is an organic compound having the chemical formula C6H6N2O. It is a form of vitamin B3. This vitamin can be found in some foods (such as meat, fish, nuts, mushrooms, etc.), and it is also available commercially as a dietary supplement. This dietary supplement is important in treating and preventing pellagra. Moreover, this substance has the ability of skin flushing, and it is used to treat acne on the skin.
Figure 02: The Chemical Structure of Niacinamide
As a medication, niacinamide has minimum side effects, which include liver problems at high doses. Moreover, the normal doses are safe to be taken during pregnancy.
Niacinamide can be produced industrially through the hydrolysis of nicotinonitriles. This reaction needs a catalyst: the enzyme nitrile hydratease. This enzyme allows the selective synthesis of niacinamide. Moreover, we can make this compound from nicotinic acid.
The medical uses of niacinamide include the treatment of niacin deficiency, treating acne on the skin, decreasing the risk of skin cancers, etc.
What is the Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide?
Hyaluronic acid is a polymeric organic molecule having the chemical formula (C14H21NO11)n, whereas niacinamide or nicotinamide is an organic compound having the chemical formula C6H6N2O. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are very important ingredients in many skincare products because these compounds can keep the brightness and healthy look in our skin. The key difference between hyaluronic acid and niacinamide is that hyaluronic acid is helpful in moisturizing the skin, whereas niacinamide is helpful in treating acne in the skin. Moreover, hyaluronic acid is a sugar compound, whereas niacinamide is a vitamin.
Below is a summary of the difference between hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in tabular form.
Summary – Hyaluronic Acid vs Niacinamide
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are very important ingredients in many skincare products because these compounds can keep the brightness and healthy look in our skin. The key difference between hyaluronic acid and niacinamide is that hyaluronic acid is helpful in moisturizing the skin, whereas niacinamide is helpful in treating acne in the skin.
Reference:
1. Levy, Jillian. “Hyaluronic Acid: Your Very Own Anti-Aging Acid.” Dr. Axe, 28 June 2021.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Hyaluronan” By Vaccinationist – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Nicotinamid” By NEUROtiker – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia