What Is Nicotinoyl Peg-5 Tocopheryl Succinate?
Nicotinoyl PEG-5 Tocopheryl Succinate is a lab-made compound that fuses three well-known skincare helpers: vitamin E (tocopherol), vitamin B3’s active part (nicotinic acid), and succinic acid. These parts are linked to a short chain of PEG-5, which keeps the molecule water friendly. The result is an ingredient that delivers the protective power of vitamin E while staying light enough to mix into modern, water-based formulas.
The idea of joining vitamin E with other skin-loving acids took shape in the late 1990s when chemists looked for ways to improve vitamin E’s stability. By bonding it with succinic acid and a small amount of polyethylene glycol they made it easier to handle and more effective in everyday creams. Adding a nicotinoyl group later boosted its skin-balancing properties, paving the way for use in oily and combination skin products.
Production starts with natural or nature-identical vitamin E, which is reacted with succinic anhydride to form tocopheryl succinate. A controlled reaction then attaches a PEG-5 chain, followed by the nicotinic acid unit. Each step happens under clean, low-temperature conditions to keep by-products to a minimum. The finished material is a clear to pale yellow liquid that blends smoothly with water or oil phases.
You will most often spot Nicotinoyl PEG-5 Tocopheryl Succinate in lightweight moisturizers, mattifying serums, clay or sheet masks, sun care boosters, and leave-on treatments aimed at clarity and age defense.
Nicotinoyl Peg-5 Tocopheryl Succinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker supports both skin balance and protection, making it valuable in a wide range of products.
- Anti-Sebum: The nicotinic part helps calm overactive oil glands which can lead to a fresher finish across the day. Formulas that include it often claim reduced shine smoother texture and fewer clogged pores.
- Antioxidant: The vitamin E core shields skin from free radicals created by UV light and pollution. This helps slow down early signs of aging and keeps other delicate ingredients in the product from breaking down too quickly.
Who Can Use Nicotinoyl Peg-5 Tocopheryl Succinate
Nicotinoyl PEG-5 Tocopheryl Succinate is generally suitable for oily, combination and normal skin because it helps control excess sebum while providing antioxidant support. Dry or very sensitive skin can also tolerate it in most formulas, though higher levels could feel slightly astringent and may need to be paired with richer emollients to avoid tightness. Severely compromised or eczema-prone skin should proceed cautiously, as any active designed to balance oil has a small chance of irritation if the barrier is already weakened.
The ingredient is synthesized entirely from plant-derived or lab-created building blocks, so products using it are typically vegan and vegetarian friendly. No animal-based raw materials or by-products are involved.
No specific warnings exist for pregnancy or breastfeeding, and the ingredient is not known to penetrate deeply enough to reach the bloodstream in meaningful amounts. That said, this is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of a product to a health professional before use just to be safe.
Nicotinoyl PEG-5 Tocopheryl Succinate does not increase photosensitivity. Regular daytime sunscreen habits are still important but you do not need extra sun precautions because of this ingredient alone.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Nicotinoyl PEG-5 Tocopheryl Succinate differ from person to person. The points below describe potential side effects that could occur, although most users will not notice any issues when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild tingling or warmth shortly after application due to the nicotinic component
- Transient facial flushing especially on very pale or reactive skin
- Redness or slight stinging when layered with strong exfoliating acids or retinoids
- Contact irritation or itching in individuals allergic to vitamin E derivatives
- Rare localized rash if the product contains additional sensitizing preservatives or fragrances
If any unexpected irritation or discomfort appears stop using the product and seek guidance from a dermatologist or healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Nicotinoyl PEG-5 Tocopheryl Succinate contains a short polyethylene glycol chain that keeps the molecule largely water friendly, so it does not sit heavily on the skin. The vitamin E part is esterified with succinic acid which further reduces the chance of pore clogging compared with plain tocopherol. Because it is lightweight and partly water soluble it disperses quickly and rinses away easily during cleansing, resulting in a very low likelihood of forming blockages.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most formulations.
Formulation matters: if paired with thick waxes, heavy butters or high amounts of silicones the overall product could still feel occlusive even though the ingredient itself is low risk.
Summary
Nicotinoyl PEG-5 Tocopheryl Succinate provides two key benefits: antioxidant defense from its vitamin E core and oil-balancing support thanks to the attached nicotinic acid unit. The PEG-5 segment keeps it water compatible so it can work in light gels or fluids, while the succinate link stabilizes the molecule so the antioxidant action lasts longer on the shelf and on the skin.
It is not yet a mainstream star like pure niacinamide or vitamin C but it is gaining quiet traction in targeted mattifying serums sunscreens and K-beauty sheet masks that want both protection and sebum control without heaviness.
Overall safety is high with only rare reports of mild flushing or irritation, mainly in very sensitive users or when layered with strong actives. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to do a small patch test when trying a fresh product to check personal tolerance.