BUTTER-C
Signature ingredients
Niacinamide body lotion OEM/ODM manufacturing
Niacinamide Body Lotion · Signature Ingredients · OEM/ODM
Niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) is the amide form of vitamin B3, a small molecule that dissolves very well in water and occurs naturally in the body. In people, 2–5% niacinamide has been tested: it reduced sebum and helped skin look more even-toned and brighter after about 4 weeks; topical application also raised stratum corneum ceramides and lowered transepidermal water loss in dry skin. One thing brand owners should know up front: the even-tone studies we checked were all measured on facial skin; we found no study of a body lotion, so those results are not carried over unchanged to arms and legs. On safety, the US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel concluded in 2005 that niacinamide is safe in cosmetics: no stinging up to 10%, no irritation in use tests up to 5%, not a sensitizer or photosensitizer; the highest use level reported then was 3% in body and hand creams and lotions. Butter-C’s niacinamide body lotion therefore centers on moisturizing and supporting the skin barrier; “helps skin look more even-toned” is stated only when measured on the finished product and always comes with a sunscreen recommendation. Butter-C offers turnkey OEM/ODM manufacturing, from formula development and testing to a labeled finished product and notification dossier.
Formula base
Niacinamide in the water phase of a light emulsion
Niacinamide dissolves very well in water, so it sits in the water phase of an oil-in-water emulsion. The first things to settle are the level and raw material quality, then pH and the preservative system.
Niacinamide 2–5%
The range with human data per the niacinamide article: 2% (sebum; even tone with sunscreen), 5% (even tone, appearance of aging skin) — all on facial skin. CIR 2005 reports use levels at the time of 0.0001–3%, the highest being 3% in body and hand creams and lotions — reported levels, not recommendations. The body lotion level is set after tolerance testing on arms and legs. Powdered INCI Niacinamide (CAS 98-92-0, C6H6N2O, 122.12 g/mol — PubChem) is in stock at Butter-C.
Niacinamide, niacin and nicotine
Niacinamide (nicotinamide) differs from niacin (nicotinic acid), although both belong to the vitamin B3 group, and is entirely different from nicotine — “Nicotine and its salts”, ASEAN Annex II, Ref 246. Niacinamide is not named in ASEAN Annexes II, III or VI (June 2026 version). Each lot’s certificate of analysis states purity and free nicotinic acid content; Butter-C chooses raw material specified for this parameter for leave-on products.
Light oil-in-water emulsion
Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate as emulsifiers; Cetearyl Alcohol and Xanthan Gum for body and stability; Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Myristate and Dimethicone for a dry, fast-absorbing feel — oil level set by sensory testing for a hot, humid climate (formulation experience).
Moisturizers, pH, preservation
Glycerin, Panthenol and Sodium Hyaluronate for moisture; PubChem lists niacinamide as incompatible with strong alkalis and acids — the sources checked give no numeric optimum pH, so pH is set by stability testing with niacinamide assay. Phenoxyethanol (maximum 1.0% — ASEAN Annex VI, Ref 29) with Ethylhexylglycerin.
Key technical points
Data from facial skin, a product for the whole body
Niacinamide is an easy active to formulate; the hard part in a body lotion is reading the evidence correctly and allowing for the large application area. The four points below decide whether the dossier holds up.
Even-tone evidence comes from facial skin
Hakozaki 2002 (Japanese women; first author from a company): a 5% cream (18 people, paired design) and 2% with sunscreen (120 people) reduced hyperpigmented areas and increased facial skin lightness after 4 weeks versus the vehicle. Bissett 2004 (50 Caucasian women, split-face, 12 weeks, 5%) and Lee 2014 (42 women, 2% niacinamide + 2% tranexamic acid, 8 weeks) were also measured on the face. The sources checked contain no body lotion study — an even-tone claim for the body must rest on measurements on the arms or legs with the finished product itself.
Barrier and moisture
In cultured keratinocytes, nicotinamide raised ceramide synthesis 4.1–5.5-fold, along with free fatty acids and cholesterol; topical application raised stratum corneum ceramides and free fatty acids and lowered transepidermal water loss in dry skin (Tanno 2000 — the abstract does not give sample size or application site). This underpins “supports the skin barrier”, which still needs testing on the finished product.
Mechanism: no tyrosinase inhibition
Niacinamide does not inhibit tyrosinase or reduce melanin production in cultured melanocytes; it inhibited melanosome transfer to keratinocytes by 35–68% in a coculture model (Hakozaki 2002). It is therefore not called a “whitening” agent; effects on appearance need regular use and sun protection.
Large area, tolerance
CIR 2005: no stinging up to 10%, no irritation up to 5% in use tests and a 21-day cumulative irritation test, not a sensitizer or photosensitizer; niacinamide is readily absorbed through the skin. In one facial study, 18% of people using a 4% cream reported side effects (Navarrete-Solis 2011). A body lotion is spread over a large area, so it is tolerance-tested on arms and legs; people with sensitive skin should patch-test first.
Three formulation directions
The same niacinamide, three ways into a body product
Niacinamide – glycerin lotion
Niacinamide in a light quick-drying lotion with a glycerin, panthenol and sodium hyaluronate moisturizing base, fragrance-free. A short ingredient list and a story focused on moisturizing and the skin barrier.
Niacinamide with alpha-arbutin
The two act at different steps of pigmentation; each follows its own limit — alpha-arbutin no more than 0.5% (the SCCS level for body lotions), added in the cool-down phase, hydroquinone assayed by HPLC (see the alpha-arbutin body lotion page). The sources checked contain no study of this pair or of body skin; even-tone claims only when measured on the finished product.
Richer body cream for dry skin
Adds shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter) and Ceramide NP for softness and moisture retention in the dry season; watch for butter graininess in cold storage (formulation experience).
Packaging must be designed with the formula
The sources checked do not report niacinamide as light-sensitive or prone to oxidation; pump bottles, flip-top bottles or tubes are still compatibility- and stability-tested in the actual commercial pack. The alpha-arbutin version uses opaque, light-blocking packaging.
Parameters we monitor
What our R&D team measures on every sample
Below is the set of parameters Butter-C monitors during formula development and scale-up. Specific limits are agreed with you on the approved sample and then written into the product’s in-house specification.
- Ingredient certificate of analysis
- Niacinamide: INCI, CAS 98-92-0, purity, free nicotinic acid. Alpha-arbutin (if used): free hydroquinone.
- Niacinamide content
- HPLC assay at the start and after stability time points when the label states the content; clarity and precipitation monitored under cold conditions.
- pH
- Measured at 25°C on every batch; pH drift tracked through the stability time points — avoiding strongly acidic or alkaline ranges.
- Viscosity & emulsion stability
- Rotational viscometer at 25°C; centrifuge, freeze–thaw cycling, storage at 40°C; watch for separation, color and odor change.
- Microbiology & preservative efficacy
- Tested at a GLP / ISO 17025-accredited laboratory; preservative efficacy (challenge) test per ISO 11930 on the final formula.
- Skin tolerance
- Irritation testing on volunteers on the arms and legs before the formula is signed off.
- Measurements on body skin (when claimed)
- To state “helps skin look more even-toned” or moisture figures: measured with the finished product on body skin (colorimeter, standardized photography, skin moisture meter) under a protocol agreed in advance.
- Banned substances in the finished product
- Brightening-positioned versions: hydroquinone, mercury and corticosteroids tested in the finished product, as for every brightening body cream.
Claims
Claims matched to where the data were measured
Human evidence for niacinamide lies at 2–5% and was almost all measured on facial skin: even tone (Hakozaki 2002, 4 weeks), appearance of aging skin (Bissett 2004, 12 weeks), sebum (Draelos 2006); barrier data combine cell culture and application to dry skin (Tanno 2000). The melasma comparison with hydroquinone (Navarrete-Solis 2011) is a drug setting and not a basis for claims. Annex 03-MP does not accept whitening claims or claims about skin disease, so body lotion claims stop at moisturizing and appearance.
Moisturizes, helps skin feel soft and smooth (to be tested on the finished product)
Based on the formula’s moisturizing base; moisture figures only when measured on the finished product. Instead of: restores skin, renews skin.
Supports the skin barrier (to be tested on the finished product)
Basis: ceramide and transepidermal water loss data (Tanno 2000). Instead of: claims about atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis or keratosis pilaris — conditions for a dermatologist.
Helps skin look more even-toned and brighter (only when measured on body skin with the finished product; with a sunscreen recommendation)
The available data are from facial skin; weeks or percentages only with testing on the body lotion itself. Instead of: whitening, body whitening, fading dark underarms, elbows or knees.
Contains niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Correct INCI; % stated when assayed. Instead of: “10% niacinamide for the body” as an efficacy number, “the more the better”.
Recommend daily sunscreen on exposed skin
Included in the directions as for every even-tone product. Instead of: sun protection, protects skin from UV.
Label reminders
Patch-test a small area first; do not apply to broken, freshly shaved or sunburned skin; stop use if redness or itching persists; pregnant or breastfeeding women should ask a doctor. Instead of: non-irritating, gentle for every skin type, safe during pregnancy.
Manufacturing specifications
Available capabilities
- Texture
- Fast-absorbing lotion or light body cream, a white oil-in-water emulsion.
- Pack format
- Pump bottles, flip-top bottles, tubes. Volume agreed when the packaging is chosen.
- Raw materials
- Niacinamide and alpha-arbutin in stock; certificate of analysis for every lot with free nicotinic acid (niacinamide) and free hydroquinone (alpha-arbutin).
- Minimum order
- Agreed per order — depends on the formula direction and pack format chosen.
- Testing
- Performed at a GLP / ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, with niacinamide assay when the label states the content; a results report delivered with every batch.
- Documentation
- Product information file (PIF) and notification dossier prepared by Butter-C, including a niacinamide safety assessment based on the CIR 2005 conclusion.
- Packaging
- Label design, printing and packing run in parallel with formula development; the label carries the sunscreen and patch-test recommendations.
Suggested product concept
Niacinamide – glycerin body lotion, 250 ml pump bottle
One product concept to help you picture the possibilities — not a ready-made product for sale. The actual formula is developed around your brand’s positioning and price range.
Niacinamide within 2–5%
Level set after tolerance testing on arms and legs; raw material specified for free nicotinic acid; assayed per batch when the label states the content.
Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
The moisturizing base behind “moisturizes, helps skin feel soft and smooth”, tested on the finished product.
Light emulsion, fragrance-free
Quick-drying, non-greasy in a hot, humid climate; no exfoliating acids in the same bottle.
250 ml pump bottle
Label with the correct INCI, a sunscreen recommendation for exposed skin and a patch-test reminder.
Customization options
Options you can request
The same product type can serve very different customers. Tell us your requirements in the areas below and our pharmacists will develop a matching formula.
Level
Within the 2–5% range with human data; higher levels do not necessarily work better (niacinamide article) and need their own tolerance testing over a large area.
Combined actives
Alpha-arbutin at no more than 0.5%; lactic acid (AHA) belongs in a separate product — niacinamide is incompatible with strong acids (PubChem), and AHAs carry their own concentration, pH and warning requirements under ASEAN Annex III (see the AHA body lotion page).
Texture
A fast-absorbing lotion for hot weather or a richer body cream for the dry season.
Fragrance
Fragrance-free or lightly scented; because the product covers a large area, we suggest a fragrance-free version alongside.
Target users
Adults with normal to dry skin; positioning for children needs a separate assessment and is outside this page.
Companion products
A full-body sunscreen and a matching body wash sold as a set, helping users follow the directions.
Further reading
Related knowledge
Niacinamide in cosmetics
Mechanisms, levels tested in people, combinations and safety notes.
The skin barrier
Ceramides, the stratum corneum and transepidermal water loss.
Body moisturizer manufacturing
The general page: moisturizing, brightening, dry skin; this page focuses on niacinamide.
Alpha-arbutin body lotion manufacturing
An active often paired with niacinamide, at 0.5% for body lotions.
Niacinamide & zinc serum manufacturing
The facial version, where most of the human data come from.
Lactic acid AHA body lotion manufacturing
A separate AHA product if the brand wants an exfoliating body line.
Using sunscreen correctly
The companion step for every even-tone product.
How we work
From idea to finished batch
Eight steps and three milestones signed off by both sides: approved sample, notification number, finished batch. Step-by-step details →
Get started
Tell us about the product you plan to launch
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