Recently, numerous cosmeceutical products have been developed with various clinical effects. Many ingredients have been added to cosmeceuticals based on theoretical benefits discovered from in vitro studies on wound healing and other metabolic processes.1 Various signs in photoaging skin, for example, dyspigmentation, fine wrinkles and roughness,
are mostly targeted in some cosmeceuticals. Nicotinic acid and niacinamide are water-soluble vitamins called vitamin B3. Niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide) is an integral part of the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and NAD phosphate.2 A deficiency of niacinamide causes pellagra, whereas oral niacinamide is effective for bullous pemphigoid. Topical application of niacinamide reduces transepidermal water loss and improves the moisture content of the horny layer.3 Moreover, niacinamide increases keratin synthesis and stimulates ceramide production.3 Topical niacinamide is reported to reduce sallowness, wrinkling, red blotchiness and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin.3,4 In this study, we investigated anti-wrinkle effects of a novel cosmetic containing niacinamide in healthy Japanese women according to the guideline of the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA)