What is Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride?
Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride (NR Chloride or NRC) is a stable, crystalline salt form of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a naturally occurring pyridine-nucleoside and a member of the vitamin B3 family. Trace amounts of nicotinamide riboside are found in milk, yeast, and beer.
NR functions as a highly efficient precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), an essential coenzyme present in all living cells that plays a critical role in cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and the regulation of cellular aging processes. NAD⁺ levels decline naturally with age, a phenomenon linked to skin aging phenotypes and various age-related conditions.
In cosmetic applications, NR Chloride is valued for its ability to boost NAD⁺ levels in skin cells, thereby supporting cellular vitality, antioxidant defense, and skin barrier integrity. According to the COSMILE Europe database, NR Chloride serves two primary functions in cosmetic products: ANTIOXIDANT (inhibiting oxidation and deterioration of ingredients) and SKIN PROTECTING (protecting the skin from external influences).
Regulatory & Safety Overview
- FDA GRAS: NR-Chloride has received GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status in the United States for specific uses in food and dietary supplements, indicating a high level of safety based on scientific evidence.
- NDI Status: The FDA has acknowledged NR-Chloride as a New Dietary Ingredient (NDI), permitting its use in dietary supplements.
- Global Approvals: Similar regulatory recognitions and approvals have been granted in other regions, including the European Union and Australia, further validating its safety profile.
- Topical Safety (Human Clinical Trial): A 2026 human clinical trial of topically applied NR-Chloride (Niagen®) in healthy participants demonstrated that NR was nonirritating and non-sensitizing when applied topically as a single ingredient or in formulation. At concentrations ≥1.5%, NR significantly improved skin moisture content; at ≥2.5%, it enhanced skin barrier integrity. Participant-reported outcomes included improvements in skin redness, moisture, and smoothness [4].
Biochemical & Physical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | NIACINAMIDE RIBOSIDE CHLORIDE |
| CAS Number | 23111-00-4 |
| EC Number | 200-184-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₁H₁₅ClN₂O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 290.7 g/mol |
| Purity | ≥98.0% (≥99.0% cosmetic grade) |
| Appearance | Almost white to white crystalline powder |
| Odor & Taste | Characteristic |
| Solubility in Water | 10 mg/mL, clear colorless solution |
| Solubility | Soluble in DMSO (100 mM) |
| Storage Temperature | Under inert gas at 2–8°C |
| Stability | Hygroscopic |
| Moisture | ≤0.5% |
| Residual Solvents | Methanol ≤1000 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1 ppm |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤1 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤1 ppm |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.5 ppm |
| Total Plate Count | ≤1000 CFU/g |
| Mold & Yeast | ≤100 CFU/g |
| Cosmetic Functions | ANTIOXIDANT, SKIN PROTECTING |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (unopened, proper storage) |
Mechanism of Action
Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride exerts its skin benefits primarily through the NAD⁺ biosynthesis pathway and subsequent activation of sirtuin enzymes.
1. NAD⁺ Biosynthesis
NR functions as a highly efficient precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), a critical coenzyme found in every living cell. NAD⁺ is essential for converting food into energy, repairing damaged DNA, and regulating cellular stress responses. NR requires less cellular energy to convert into NAD⁺ compared to other forms of vitamin B3, allowing the body to allocate energy resources elsewhere [3].
Human skin NAD⁺ levels decrease with age, likely contributing to the aging skin phenotype [3]. By providing an exogenous source of NR, topical application can replenish declining NAD⁺ levels in skin cells, supporting cellular vitality and resilience.
2. Sirtuin Activation
Once converted to NAD⁺, NR activates the NAD⁺-dependent sirtuin enzyme family, particularly SIRT1 and SIRT3. Sirtuins are deacetylase enzymes that regulate oxidative metabolism, DNA repair, mitochondrial function, and cellular stress responses. In vitro experiments of NR supplementation have shown successful NAD⁺-restoring capability and subsequent increased oxidative gene expression [3]. The activation of sirtuins culminates in enhanced oxidative metabolism and protection against metabolic abnormalities [3].
3. UVB Protection
NR has been shown to protect against UVB radiation-induced damage. A 2024 study in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine demonstrated that nicotinamide riboside, particularly in combination with pterostilbene, inhibits UVB radiation-induced tissue swelling and immune suppression in animal models [1]. These protective effects are relevant to preventing sunburn and immune perturbations involved in skin carcinogenesis [1].
4. Wound Healing Promotion
NR promotes wound healing through the Sirt1/AMPK pathway. A 2021 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology showed that NR supplementation enhanced endothelial precursor cell (EPC) function, leading to improved angiogenesis and wound healing rates in diabetic mouse models [2]. NR increased the number of blood EPCs, enhanced tube formation and adhesion functions, and upregulated Sirt1 and p-AMPK expression [2]. These findings suggest that NR may be a promising strategy for treating refractory wounds, including diabetic ulcers [2].
Benefits & Functional Advantages
1. Anti-Aging & Photoprotection
NR supports healthy skin aging by replenishing NAD⁺ levels, which decline naturally with age [3]. A 2022 commentary in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery emphasized that nicotinamide riboside will play an important role in anti-aging therapy in humans, particularly in facial skin anti-aging treatment [3].
UVB radiation protection has been demonstrated in a 2024 study showing that NR, in combination with pterostilbene, inhibits UVB-induced tissue swelling and immune suppression, effects that are directly relevant to preventing photoaging and skin carcinogenesis [1].
2. Skin Barrier & Hydration Enhancement
A 2026 human clinical trial of topically applied NR-Chloride demonstrated significant improvements in skin moisture content at concentrations ≥1.5% and enhanced skin barrier integrity at concentrations ≥2.5% [4]. Participant-reported outcomes included improvements in skin redness, moisture, and smoothness [4]. The study concluded that NR is nonirritating and non-sensitizing when applied topically [4].
3. Cellular Energy & Vitality
By boosting NAD⁺ levels, NR supports mitochondrial function and cellular energy production. NR supplementation has been shown to improve oxidative energy metabolism, enhance metabolic flexibility, and increase aerobic exercise capacity in animal models [3]. In skin cells, this translates to improved cellular vitality, especially in aging cells.
4. Wound Healing
A 2021 study demonstrated that NR supplementation significantly enhanced wound healing rates and angiogenesis in diabetic mice [2]. NR increased the number of endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) and improved their tube formation and adhesion functions through the Sirt1-AMPK pathway [2]. These findings support NR's potential application in wound healing formulations [2].
5. Antioxidant Defense
NR acts as an antioxidant ingredient, inhibiting reactions promoted by oxygen and thus avoiding oxidation and deterioration of cosmetic ingredients. Additionally, NR supports the skin's endogenous antioxidant defenses by maintaining NAD⁺ levels, which are critical for cellular redox balance.
Applications
1. Skincare Formulations
| Product Type | Function | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-aging creams & serums | NAD⁺ replenishment, antioxidant protection [1][3] | 0.5–3.0% |
| Moisturizing creams & lotions | Hydration, barrier integrity [4] | 1.0–5.0% |
| Sun care & after-sun products | UVB protection, oxidative stress reduction [1] | 0.5–2.0% |
| Eye contour creams | Anti-aging, skin firming [3] | 0.5–1.5% |
| Night repair serums | Cellular energy, DNA repair [3] | 1.0–3.0% |
| Face masks & essences | Intensive treatment | 1.0–5.0% |
2. Therapeutic Skincare
| Product Type | Function | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Wound healing formulations | Accelerates healing, angiogenesis [2] | 1.0–5.0% |
| Redness-reducing creams | Anti-inflammatory, barrier support [4] | 1.0–3.0% |
| Post-procedure recovery | Soothing, barrier restoration [4] | 0.5–2.0% |
3. Formulation Guidelines
- Recommended usage: 0.5%–5.0% in finished cosmetic formulations. Clinical efficacy for barrier improvement observed at ≥1.5%; barrier integrity enhancement at ≥2.5% [4].
- Solubility: Soluble in water (up to 10 mg/mL) and DMSO (up to 100 mM). Pre-dissolve in water phase before incorporating into formulations.
- pH Stability: Optimal stability at pH 3.5–5.5. Avoid highly alkaline conditions (pH > 7.0).
- Processing: Add at temperatures below 50°C to preserve bioactivity. Avoid prolonged heating.
- Storage Sensitivity: NR Chloride is hygroscopic. Protect from light, air, and moisture. Store under inert gas when possible.
- Compatibility: Compatible with most cosmetic ingredients. Avoid strong oxidizing agents.
- Stability: NR-Chloride is known to be sensitive to degradation by light, air, and humidity. For long-term stability, consider using opaque/amber packaging and adding antioxidants to formulations.
Comparative Analysis: Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride vs Other NAD⁺ Precursors and Forms
1. Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride vs Nicotinamide Riboside
Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride (NR Chloride or NRC) is the chloride salt form of nicotinamide riboside (NR). The terms are often used interchangeably in commercial contexts, as NR Chloride is the most common and stable form of NR used in supplements and cosmetic formulations. NR Chloride offers better stability and easier absorption compared to other forms of NR.
2. Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride vs NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
Both NR and NMN are NAD⁺ precursors, but NR has certain advantages for cosmetic applications:
- Human studies: NR has been studied more extensively in humans compared to NMN.
- Molecular size and absorption: NR is a smaller molecule with higher absorption efficiency, allowing it to be utilized by cells more quickly for NAD⁺ conversion.
- Safety profile: NR has demonstrated a superior safety profile.
- Formulation stability: NR may be more stable in cosmetic formulations.
3. Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride vs Nicotinamide Riboside Hydrogen Malate (NRHM)
The key difference lies in the counterion used:
- NR Chloride (NRCl): Utilizes chloride as the counterion. It is the most common and widely studied form of NR, offering better stability than other NR forms. NRCl is particularly popular in markets such as Spain and Germany.
- NR Hydrogen Malate (NRHM): Uses malate as the counterion and was developed to improve stability under certain conditions.
Both forms are considered bioequivalent in terms of NAD⁺ boosting capability, and regulatory bodies have approved NR⁺ chloride for nutritional applications. For most cosmetic applications, NRCl remains the preferred choice due to its proven track record and stability profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride vs NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide): Which is better for skin?
A: Both are NAD⁺ precursors, but NR has advantages for cosmetic applications. NR is a smaller molecule with higher absorption efficiency and has been studied more extensively in humans. NR is one of the safer and more efficient ingredients for increasing NAD⁺ levels. For topical application, NR has been directly tested in human clinical trials, showing significant skin benefits, while NMN studies in skin are largely preclinical.
Q: What is the typical purity and specification of your NR Chloride?
A: Our Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride Powder has a purity of ≥98.0% (cosmetic-grade≥99.0%) and complies with stringent quality standards. Key parameters include moisture ≤0.5%, heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Hg) ≤1 ppm, and microbial limits meeting cosmetic-grade requirements. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available upon request.
Q: Is Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride stable in cosmetic formulations?
A: NR Chloride is hygroscopic and sensitive to degradation by light, air, and humidity. For optimal stability, we recommend formulating with antioxidants, using opaque/amber packaging, storing at 2–8°C, and maintaining pH 3.5–5.5. We can provide stability data and formulation guidance.
Q: What are the EU regulatory requirements for NR Chloride in cosmetics?
A: NR Chloride is listed in the COSMILE Europe database with approved functions as ANTIOXIDANT and SKIN PROTECTING. It is approved for use in supplements in the European Union under Regulation (EU) 2017/2470. For cosmetic applications, standard EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 applies.
Q: What is the MOQ and lead time?
A: Standard MOQ is 1 kg. Samples (100–500 g) are available for testing. Lead time for commercial orders is typically 2–3 weeks after confirmation. Express shipping options are available for samples.
Q: Do you provide custom packaging and labeling?
A: Yes. We offer OEM packaging (e.g., 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg) with private labeling in multiple languages. We can also design custom blends combining NR Chloride with other active ingredients.
Q: What is the shelf life and recommended storage for bulk powder?
A: 24 months when stored in the original unopened container under inert gas at 2–8°C in a cool, dry, well-ventilated environment, protected from heat, light, moisture, and oxygen. Once opened, use promptly and keep tightly sealed. The powder is hygroscopic.
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Please contact us at ella.zhang@huilinbio-tech.com.
References
[1] Isak V, Azizi S, Zhou XK, et al. Inhibition of UVB radiation-induced tissue swelling and immune suppression by nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. 2024 May;40(3):e12961.
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