Humectant

Pyridoxine Dilaurate

INCI: PYRIDOXINE DILAURATE

Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 2 Jun 2026

A vitamin B6 derivative that conditions and hydrates whilst reducing static charge in formulations

Best For Skin Types

All, Dry, Combination

Addresses

Dryness, Hydration

Usage Frequency

Daily

What Is Pyridoxine Dilaurate?

Pyridoxine dilaurate is a modified form of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) where the vitamin is chemically bonded to lauric acid, a fatty acid. This alteration makes the ingredient more stable and compatible with cosmetic formulations than plain pyridoxine would be.

In skincare products, it functions as a conditioning agent and humectant, meaning it helps to soften the skin surface and draw moisture into the outer layers. It also serves an antistatic function, helping to reduce unwanted charge buildup in formulations—a benefit more commonly associated with hair and body care applications.

How It Works

Pyridoxine dilaurate works primarily through two mechanisms. As a humectant, the vitamin B6 component attracts and binds water molecules, helping to draw moisture into the stratum corneum (the skin's outermost layer). The fatty acid component (lauric acid) conditions the skin surface, creating a smoother feel and reducing transepidermal water loss.

The antistatic properties arise from the ingredient's molecular structure, which helps to neutralise electrical charge in the product formula itself, rather than directly affecting skin function.

Clinical Evidence & References

Research specifically on pyridoxine dilaurate in skincare is limited. Most evidence comes from broader studies on pyridoxine (vitamin B6) itself and lauric acid, which show these components have mild conditioning and hydrating properties in topical use.

The ingredient is well-established in cosmetic chemistry as a safe conditioning agent, but robust clinical data on its specific efficacy in skincare formulations remains sparse. It is generally considered a supporting or functional ingredient rather than a primary active treatment.

How to Use

Pyridoxine dilaurate is typically incorporated into moisturisers, serums, and body care products by the manufacturer during formulation. There is no need to adjust usage based on this ingredient alone; simply use the product as directed. It works well in layered routines and poses no particular interaction concerns with other skincare ingredients.

Safety & Precautions

Pyridoxine dilaurate is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for topical use in cosmetics. It is unlikely to cause irritation, though those with specific sensitivities to B vitamins or lauric acid should patch-test first.

Frequently Asked Questions

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