What Is Thurfylnicotinate Hcl?
Thurfylnicotinate Hcl is a lab made ester that links nicotinic acid, a form of vitamin B3, with a small sugar like ring called tetrahydrofuryl alcohol. After the two parts are joined, the mixture is paired with a bit of hydrochloric acid to form a stable salt, which helps it stay fresh in a cream or lotion. The ingredient first showed up in skin care formulas in the early 2000s when chemists were looking for gentler ways to deliver the skin loving benefits of vitamin B3 without the strong flushing that straight niacin can cause.
Making Thurfylnicotinate Hcl starts with nicotinic acid from plant based fermentation or synthetic vitamin labs. This acid is reacted with tetrahydrofuryl methanol in the presence of a catalyst to create the ester link. The final step adds hydrochloric acid to create the Hcl salt and fine tune the pH for skin care products.
You will most often spot Thurfylnicotinate Hcl in moisturizers, anti aging serums, sheet masks, leave on lotions, body creams and after sun or aftershave balms where a touch of soothing vitamin B3 activity is desired.
Thurfylnicotinate Hcl’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized for one main job in skin care formulas.
Skin conditioning: Thurfylnicotinate Hcl helps soften and smooth the skin surface while supporting a healthy moisture balance. Thanks to its link to vitamin B3, it can also brighten a dull complexion over time and improve the look of uneven texture without causing heavy tingling or redness.
Who Can Use Thurfylnicotinate Hcl
Because it delivers vitamin B3 benefits without the strong flush of pure niacin, Thurfylnicotinate Hcl is generally well tolerated by normal, dry, oily and combination skin. Sensitive or redness-prone skin can usually handle it too, though anyone with active rosacea or compromised barrier should introduce it slowly to be sure warmth is kept to a minimum. The lightweight ester structure will not clog pores so acne-prone users can also consider it.
The ingredient is synthesized from vitamin B3 and plant-fermented or petrochemical feedstocks with no animal-derived material, so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles as long as the finished product is certified cruelty free by the brand.
Topical forms of vitamin B3 derivatives like Thurfylnicotinate Hcl are viewed as low risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used at cosmetic levels. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the ingredient list to a qualified healthcare provider before use just to be safe.
Thurfylnicotinate Hcl is not known to increase sun sensitivity and can be applied morning or night. Standard daytime sun protection is still recommended to prevent photoaging and hyperpigmentation.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Thurfylnicotinate Hcl vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but unlikely for most users when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild transient warmth or tingling especially on first applications
- Temporary facial flushing in very sensitive or over-exfoliated skin
- Redness, itching or stinging if used on compromised barriers or alongside strong acids
- Dry patches or tightness when layered with multiple mattifying products
- Contact dermatitis or hives in rare cases of individual allergy
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Thurfylnicotinate Hcl is a small, water friendly ester that does not leave an oily film and is typically used at low percentages. These traits make it unlikely to block pores which is why it earns a rating of 1 rather than a perfect 0. A tiny chance of congestion can never be fully ruled out because every skin type is different.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
The ingredient is usually paired with lightweight humectants and emulsifiers, so the overall formula, not Thurfylnicotinate Hcl itself, is more likely to determine whether a product feels heavy or pore clogging.
Summary
Thurfylnicotinate Hcl is a lab crafted vitamin B3 ester that conditions skin, helps it feel softer and can subtly brighten tone without the strong flush of plain niacin. Its water compatible salt form lets it slide easily into creams, lotions and serums and it performs well at low levels, keeping formulas elegant and non greasy.
While not as famous as niacinamide this derivative is finding its niche in soothing moisturizers and barrier support products aimed at people who want B3 benefits minus redness. It remains a specialty ingredient rather than a mainstream staple but its fan base is steadily growing.
Safety data shows a low irritation profile when used at cosmetic concentrations. As with any new skincare ingredient, doing a quick patch test before full use is the safest way to rule out personal sensitivities.