Amino acid adducts for percutaneous delivery of vitamin B3

The present invention relates to adducts of an amino acid or peptide with a vitamin B3 compd. for percutaneous delivery of vitamin B3. Such adducts, thanks to the amino acid chain, easily penetrate the skin and are able to efficiently deliver the vitamin B3 compd. when applied topically. Such adducts can be used both in medical applications to treat vitamin B3 deficiency and in cosmetic application to exploit the skin care benefits of vitamin B3. Thus, the niacinamide-glutamic acid adduct was prepd. from niacinamide and L-pyroglutamic acid in a 60% yield. A lipstick compn. was formulated comprising polyisobutene 30%, iso-Pr myristate 10%, lanolin oil 53.5%, candelilla wax 2.5%, vitamin B3 adduct prepd. 3%, and preservatives/pigments/perfumes/pH control agents 1%.