What Is Thiamine Nitrate?
Thiamine nitrate is a salt form of vitamin B1 created when thiamine is combined with nitric acid. The molecule is water-soluble and carries a positive charge, which allows it to dissolve quickly in cosmetic formulas. Originally identified as a dietary nutrient in the early 1900s, thiamine was later converted into stable salts like thiamine nitrate to improve shelf life and ease of use. By the late twentieth century formulators recognized that the vitamin’s moisture-binding ability could help condition the skin, so the nitrate form began appearing in topical products.
Manufacturing starts with fermenting plant-based carbohydrates to produce thiamine hydrochloride. This crude thiamine is purified, reacted with nitric acid, then carefully dried to yield fine white crystals of thiamine nitrate. The finished ingredient is non-volatile, odorless, and compatible with a wide pH range, which makes it straightforward to work into many types of cosmetics.
You will most often spot thiamine nitrate in hydrating facial creams, anti-aging serums, sheet masks, hand lotions, soothing after-sun gels, and specialty treatments that focus on improving skin texture or providing a vitamin boost.
Thiamine Nitrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators include thiamine nitrate mainly for one key role.
Skin conditioning: Thiamine helps attract and hold moisture on the skin’s surface so products feel more hydrating and leave the complexion softer and smoother. By reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier it can also support a healthier look and enhance the performance of other moisturizing ingredients.
Who Can Use Thiamine Nitrate?
Because it is a lightweight water-soluble vitamin, thiamine nitrate suits nearly every skin type. Dry and mature complexions appreciate the added moisture, while normal, combination and even oily skin benefit from the non-greasy feel. It does not contain heavy emollients that might clog pores, so acne-prone users generally tolerate it well. People with very reactive or allergy-prone skin should still check the full ingredient list of any product, but thiamine nitrate itself has a low irritation profile.
The material is produced by fermenting plant-based sugars then converting the resulting thiamine into its nitrate salt, so no animal derivatives are involved. This makes it appropriate for both vegetarians and vegans.
There is no evidence that topical thiamine nitrate poses a problem for pregnancy or breastfeeding when used in typical cosmetic concentrations. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any new skincare product with their healthcare provider to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Still, daily sunscreen is always a smart idea for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical thiamine nitrate differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels.
- Mild redness or warmth at the application site
- Transient itching or tingling that fades after a few minutes
- Dry patches if the formula also contains strong actives like acids or retinoids
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to vitamin B1 derivatives
- Irritation if applied to broken or abraded skin
- Stinging or watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If you notice any persistent discomfort stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Thiamine nitrate is fully water-soluble, has no oily residues and does not leave a film that could block pores. Because it sits lightly on the skin and rinses away easily, it earns the lowest possible comedogenic score.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
As a vitamin salt it also mixes well with lightweight gel or lotion bases, helping formulators keep the overall product non-comedogenic.
Summary
Thiamine nitrate’s main role in cosmetics is skin conditioning. Its water-loving structure pulls moisture toward the surface, softens rough patches and helps reinforce the skin barrier so other hydrators work more effectively. Though it delivers real benefits, it remains a fairly niche ingredient found in select hydrating creams, serums and masks rather than the latest trending products.
Overall safety is high: the compound is non-sensitizing for most people, vegan friendly and does not raise sun sensitivity. As with any new skincare item it is wise to patch test first to be sure your skin agrees with the full formula.