Cosmetic Products: Where can we find Vitamin B12?

Belonging to the family of eight B vitamins, the vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of the body, notably protecting the myelin sheath around the nerves and ensuring the production of red blood cells. This vitamin indeed has a chemical structure similar to that of heme, the cofactor involved in the transport of oxygen by the blood. However, instead of iron, cobalamin presents a cobalt atom at its centre. This complex chemical structure is the origin of one of its cosmetic peculiarities: it gives care products a pink hue. Beyond its biological functions, the vitamin B12 has soothing and antioxidant properties, making it a popular active ingredient.

• Moisturising Cream : Whether in a rich cream or a fluid cream, vitamin B12 can be incorporated into various moisturising care formulations. Although this active ingredient does not have moisturising properties per se, this does not prevent it from being frequently used to formulate this type of product. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, the vitamin B12 provides an interesting complement to moisturising ingredients such as aloe vera or glycerine. Very gentle, it helps to soothe sensitive skin.

• Soothing Ointment : Renowned for its ability to alleviate the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis, vitamin B12 can also be found in ointments intended for fragile or dermatosis-affected skin. Indeed, by inhibiting the synthesis of nitric oxide, it keeps the proliferation of keratinocytes and the diameter of blood vessels under control. Even though vitamin B12 cannot replace a dermatological treatment, its soothing properties are beneficial for relieving minor irritations and everyday itching.

• Serum : The anti-radical properties of Vitamin B12 also allow it to join the INCI list of antioxidant serums targeting photoaging, pollution, or any other free radical generating factor. By neutralising these reactive species through an electron donation, allowed by its aromatic structure, it prevents them from damaging cellular constituents.

• Eye Contour : Also present in treatments intended for the eye contour, vitamin B12 helps to care for this delicate area thanks to its antioxidant properties. These allow it to somewhat slow down the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, particularly by protecting the collagen and elastin fibres of the dermis from the attack of free radicals.

• Sun care : Vitamin B12 can also be found in some sun creams due to its antioxidant properties. Indeed, although it is not a sun filter, it helps to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays by neutralising free radicals, thus providing a good complement to UV filters.

• After-sun : Vitamin B12 can also be incorporated into emulsions, serums and other after-sun formulations. Indeed, this active ingredient protects the skin barrier damaged by sun exposure by inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways and allows for the soothing of erythema and irritations.

• Anti-hair loss shampoo : The vitamin B12 is also credited with densifying effects, supported by several studies. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection it provides to hair follicles is enhanced by its ability to stimulate the ß-catenin signalling pathway, thus initiating the anagen phase of the hair cycle, which corresponds to the period when hair grows.

You can find vitamin B12 in our after-sun serum. Designed for skin weakened by exposure to UV rays, this treatment fights against dehydration and helps to replenish the hydrolipidic film. It contains 97% naturally derived ingredients and has a thermoregulatory texture that provides an immediate soothing effect on the skin. In addition to vitamin B12, which is soothing and restorative, this serum contains panthenol and carob pulp extract. Panthenol, or pro-vitamin B5, is known for its calming and hydrating properties. As for the carob pulp extract, we chose it for its richness in inositol, a molecule that promotes the development of a more intense and long-lasting tan.

• DAVLUY S. & al. A Review of Vitamin B12 in Dermatology. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2015).

• SHEKARCHI B. & al. Vitamin B12-loaded polycaprolactone/gelatin nanofibrous scaffold as potential wound care material. Biomedical Engineering Letters (2020).

• Thesis by Elisabeth NIEMAN. To B or Not to B? The B Vitamins and Their Influence on the Body's Largest Organ (2022).