Common Name(s): Picolinamide,picolinamide,pyridine carboxamide,niacin-adjacent active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides pyridine carboxamide nad+ pathway precursor activity for cellular energy metabolism support and melanogenesis pathway modulation.

Why It's Used: Picolinamide is selected for its pyridine carboxamide nad+ precursor pharmacology — the 2-isomer pyridine position provides distinct receptor binding and nad+ biosynthesis pathway entry compared to nicotinamide (3-isomer), offering a differentiated vitamin b3-adjacent mechanism.

How It Works: Picolinamide → nampt pathway entry → nmn → nad+ synthesis; pyridine ring → distinct receptor pharmacology from nicotinamide 3-isomer; carboxamide → skin conditioning.

Typically Found In: Brightening,nad+ support,skin conditioning

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Picolinamide provides a differentiated positioning from niacinamide — the 2-position isomer can be formulated alongside niacinamide for complementary nad+ pathway support.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,picolinamide pyridine carboxamide nad+ review