Benzyl nicotinate

Benzyl nicotinate (CAS 94-44-0) is an ester of nicotinic acid used primarily as a topical vasodilator active in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. Known commercially as nicotinic acid benzyl ester, it produces a localized warming response. Formulators exploit this flushing effect in rubefacient and skin-conditioning products. In pharmaceutical topical preparations, it is incorporated into creams, gels, and patches designed to promote circulation in muscle and joint relief products.

Cosmetic formulators use it in warming massage oils, body slimming creams, and anti-cellulite treatments where a controlled hyperemic effect is the intended consumer experience. It also appears as a fragrance modifier and fixative. In select perfumery applications, its ester character contributes to blending stability. At the intermediate level, it serves as a building block in the synthesis of more complex nicotinic acid derivatives for pharmaceutical R&D pipelines.

The compound is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder or as a pale liquid depending on purity and processing conditions. It is available in pharmaceutical-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications for various uses. High-purity material typically exceeds 98% as confirmed by HPLC. Packaging options range from kilogram-scale laboratory quantities to bulk commercial orders for industrial formulators requiring consistent supply chains.