-
Niacinamide Crystals?
I am working with a simple emulsion base (Water, Sepigel 305 (~3%), caprylic/capric triglyceride (~2.5%), optiphen) and I am incorporating Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid. Over time, sometimes within 1 mo at room temperature, I am seeing crystallization occur and I think it is Niacinamide coming out of solution somehow. My pH is 4.5, which I know isn’t ideal for Niacinamide, but I wouldn’t expect it to crystallize like this (very hard crystals, feels like salt). Anyone know what could be happening? My thought is some sort of complex with the micronized Azelaic Acid since I don’t see it with Niacinamide alone. First time posting, thanks!
-
10 Replies
-
Sorry, forgot to add that I am using 2% Azelaic Acid and 4% Niacinamide
-
Azelaic acid can have solubility issues.Have you done a knockout test and left out azelaic acid yet?
-
i haven’t worked with azelaic acid, but I highly doubt it’s niacinamide. Are you using solvents?
-
Hello!
I, too, have this issue with Niacinamide. In my case, the only powder and element that can crystalize in my formula (micellar water) is the niacinamide. Similarly to your situation, I found crystals in the bottles that are sitting on the shelf. The ones in use after production do not have this issue. The niacinamide I have has a recommended pH of 6, which is what my micellar waters are adjusted to. I know I am not answering your question, but I am least offering a second person who also has this issue, and I do not have azelaic acid in my product.
-
Here’s an explanation of the knockout experiment.
-
I am also facing similar problem in my formulation as I am adding 5% niacinamide along with 1% zinc oxide which is crystallizing at RT within 3 days. not able to find out the possible reasons
-
Zinc Oxide is not soluble in water
-
-
It’s not your Niacinamide but there is no need to use it at 5%. The issue is the Azaleic Acid. Search in this forum as it has been discussed at length previously.
-
Azelaic acid is poorly soluble in water and with the formula above I’m suspecting it is the one you see crystallizing. As recommended above, make a knock out test, one formula with azelaic acid, without niacinamide, and the other with niacinamide, without azelaic acid. Then, you will be able to tell which one causes the problem. With azelaic acid you probably have to use potent solvents to dissolve it in the water phase or incorporate it in a higher oil-phase containing, more robust emulsion.
Log in to reply.