Interesting combinations of active ingredients with Vitamin B12?

Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is a cosmetic active ingredient primarily used for its soothing and antioxidant properties. Biologically, these properties can be attributed to its ability to block the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neutralise free radicals. It is beneficial to pair vitamin B12 with aloe vera gel, a substance rich in hygroscopic amino acids, which provides hydrating benefits. Aloe vera also has a healing action, sometimes earning it the nickname of a natural bandage. Cosmetics combining vitamin B12 and aloe vera gel are particularly appreciated for their soothing effect and their ability to mitigate damage caused by external aggressions (UV rays, pollution, seasonal changes...).

Together, vitamin B12 and aloe vera strengthen the skin barrier.

Another interesting combination for sensitive skin: vitamin B12 and panthenol. This very gentle active ingredient, also known as provitamin B5, has a strong humectant power and can strengthen the hydrolipidic film present on the surface of the epidermis. Panthenol is also a good healing agent and is frequently used to formulate creams or balms for weakened skin. It happens that these products also contain vitamin B12, which has complementary properties to those of panthenol. By soothing irritations and redness, these two active ingredients restore skin comfort and provide softness.

The combined use of Vitamin B12 and Panthenol is an effective solution for providing hydration, protection, and repair to the skin.

The combination of vitamin B12 and avocado oil provides the skin with benefits quite similar to those of the combination between vitamin B12 and aloe vera gel. However, it goes further: clinical trials conducted with individuals suffering from eczema and psoriasis have demonstrated its relevance. Indeed, there appears to be a beneficial synergy between vitamin B12 and avocado oil for the care of skin prone to certain inflammatory dermatoses, which can be explained by their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nourishing and healing properties. A few clinical studies demonstrating the relevance of this combination are presented below.

Note : All creams used in the studies and labelled as "test" in the table above were formulated with 0.7% of vitamin B12 in an avocado oil base.

Biotin is another B vitamin (Vitamin B8) that is essential for the proper functioning of the body. It contributes to the formation of skin cell membranes and the maintenance of the structure of keratin found in hair and nails. A deficiency in biotin can cause various cosmetic issues, including alopecia and extreme nail fragility. To remedy this, biotin treatments are offered, sometimes in conjunction with Vitamin B12 supplementation. The latter is indeed suspected of being able to prevent hair loss and have a protective effect on nails.

However, it is important to clarify that to date, there are no clinical trials that have demonstrated these properties of vitamin B12, or of vitamin B12 combined with biotin. These speculations are based solely on in vitro studies which, although promising, do not constitute sufficient evidence.

In the realm of nutrition and nutricosmetics, it is common for vitamin B12 to be associated with brewer's yeast. Known for its benefits on digestive, immune and cardiovascular health, the latter has a high content of B vitamins, particularly vitamins B1, B2, B5 and B9. These vitamins play a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, thus supporting the body's energy production.

Although naturally devoid of vitamin B12, brewer's yeast can be enriched with it. As a reminder, vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. Dietary supplements combining brewer's yeast and vitamin B12 are thus reputed to strengthen metabolic functions, support neurological health, and enhance vitality. Their action is also believed to extend to the skin, hair, and nails. Indeed, it is possible that brewer's yeast and vitamin B12 may be able to strengthen skin structures , thereby having positive cosmetic effects. However, in the absence of clinical trials proving this, these are only assumptions.

Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is a molecule essential to human health. It is notably involved in the synthesis of the nucleic bases of DNA, a role it fulfils in synergy with vitamin B12. Folic acid catalyses the formation of thymine, a precursor to thymidine, which is important for nucleotide metabolism. Thymidine is in turn generated from thymine under the action of vitamin B12. Furthermore, the synergy between folic acid and cobalamin is crucial for the formation of red blood cells. That's why these two B vitamins are often combined for the treatment of certain anaemias.

Finally, it is important to know that these two vitamins contribute to neurological health and a deficiency in either or both can lead to cognitive disorders. Indeed, vitamin B12 is necessary for maintaining the myelin sheath that protects nerves, while folic acid plays a crucial role in the production of neurotransmitters, the molecules that ensure the transmission of information between nerve cells.

Despite their intriguing synergy, the combination of vitamin B12 and folic acid has no effect on the skin or hair.

• ALTMEYER P. & et al. Vitamin B12 Cream Infused with Avocado Oil for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis. Dermatology (2001).

• JANUCHOWSKI R. & al. Assessment of Topical Vitamin B12 for the Treatment of Childhood Eczema. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2009).

• SAMMAN S. & al. Vitamin B12 in Health and Disease. Nutrients (2010).

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

• NISTICO S. & al. Superiority of an emollient containing vitamin B12 over a standard emollient in the maintenance treatment of mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology (2017).

• NISTICO S. & al. Superiority of a vitamin B12-barrier cream compared with standard glycerol-petrolatum-based emollient cream in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: A randomized, left-to-right comparative trial. Dermatologic Therapy (2017).

• APOSTOLOPOULOS V. & al. Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, and the Immune System. Nutrition and Immunity (2019).