Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a cobalt-containing vitamin used topically as a skin-conditioning agent, with some research exploring its role in supporting skin barrier function and managing inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis. In cosmetic formulations it gives products a characteristic pink-red color.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild localized irritation or redness | Rare | Occasional transient stinging or erythema at the application site. |
Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Very rare | Isolated reports of hypersensitivity reactions, more often linked to cobalt content. |
Acneiform eruptions | Very rare | Cobalamin has been associated with acne-like flares, mainly reported with high-dose systemic use rather than topical application. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.