Denitrifying flavin

1. Description (Product Description)

5-Deazaflavin (CAS: 26908-38-3) is a structural analog of vitamin B₂ (riboflavin). It is derived by replacing the nitrogen atom at the 5th position of the flavin isoquinoleine ring with a carbon atom and belongs to the pyrimidine-fused quinoline-dione class of organic heterocyclic compounds. As a new-generation, highly effective antioxidant and cellular energy activator, 5-Deazaflavin is widely used in high-end anti-aging skincare formulations. It possesses direct self-redox capacity and, unlike NMN, can function as a coenzyme without undergoing multi-step metabolic conversions. It effectively neutralizes free radicals, reduces exogenous oxidative damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollution, and improves skin concerns such as dullness, sagging, and fine lines resulting from oxidative stress. At the same time, it directly supports NAD⁺ synthesis and activates mitochondria and the longevity gene SIRT, thereby slowing the skin aging process at the cellular energy level. With its mild nature and excellent stability, it is suitable for use in a variety of anti-aging and reparative skincare products, including serums, face creams, and eye creams.

2. Applications

(1) Cosmetics and Skincare

As a high-end antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient, 5-deazaflavin is added to skincare products such as serums, face creams, eye creams, and face masks to neutralize free radicals, repair UV damage, improve dull complexion, and reduce fine lines and sagging, thereby achieving anti-aging repair at the cellular level. Its direct coenzyme activity and potent antioxidant capacity (reported to be approximately 15 times that of NMN) make it a sought-after ingredient in the next generation of anti-aging skincare products. Xi’an Laina Biotechnology Co., Ltd. MUNEERASKIN

(2) Functional Foods and Nutritional Supplements

In the health supplement sector, 5-deazaflavin is commonly formulated into tablets, capsules, or oral solutions. As a direct precursor to NAD⁺, it helps consumers replenish cellular energy, activate longevity genes, delay bodily aging, improve skin condition, and boost vitality. Compared to NMN, it offers advantages such as more direct effects, higher bioavailability, and fewer regulatory restrictions. Xi’an Tianfeng Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Nanjing Tong Rui Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.

(3) Clinical and Medical Research

In the field of medical research, 5-deazaflavin, as a coenzyme analog, is used in basic research on cancer treatment, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease), hypoxia resistance, and cell protection. Its reduced form is stable against oxygen oxidation and does not generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), making it uniquely valuable in research on diseases related to oxidative stress. Made-in-China.com

(4) Anti-hypoxia and Cell Protection

5 - Denitroflavon enhances the body’s resistance to hypoxia and protects cells from hypoxia-induced damage, offering potential applications in high-altitude acclimatization, improved exercise endurance, and ischemic cell protection. Studies have shown that it protects cells from H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage. Weibo Nanjing Tong Rui Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.

3. Main Efficacy

(1) Antioxidant Effects

5-Deazaflavin possesses direct self-redox capacity and acts as a highly effective free radical scavenger, directly neutralizing unstable molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), thereby reducing oxidative stress damage to skin cells. Unlike traditional antioxidants, 5-Deazaflavin can spontaneously revert to its reduced state after participating in redox reactions, enabling cyclic antioxidant activity without becoming a pro-oxidant itself after neutralizing free radicals, as is the case with some antioxidants. It has been reported that its antioxidant protective capacity is approximately 15 times that of NMN, effectively defending against exogenous oxidative damage caused by UV radiation, air pollution, and environmental stress, and helping to prevent skin aging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

(2) DNA Repair and Cellular Regeneration

As a cofactor in enzymatic reactions, 5-deazaflavin participates in intracellular DNA repair and cellular regeneration processes. Skin cells are constantly exposed to UV radiation and environmental pollutants, which can lead to DNA strand breaks and genetic mutations, subsequently triggering skin aging, pigmentation abnormalities, and even cellular carcinogenesis. 5-Deazaflavin promotes the identification and repair of damaged DNA by providing coenzyme support to DNA repair enzymes, accelerates the renewal and regeneration of skin cells, and helps maintain the stability of the skin’s genome, thereby slowing down the skin aging process at its root.

(3) NAD⁺ Boosting

5-Deazaflavin directly supports the intracellular synthesis of NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and, unlike NMN, does not require multi-step metabolic conversion to function as a coenzyme, making its action more direct and efficient. NAD⁺ is one of the most important coenzymes in cells, participating in hundreds of key biochemical reactions such as energy metabolism, DNA repair, apoptosis, and redox balance. As we age, NAD⁺ levels in skin cells decline significantly, leading to insufficient cellular energy, weakened repair capacity, and accelerated aging. 5-Deazaflavin combats age-related skin function decline by directly boosting NAD⁺ levels, improving cellular redox balance, and providing sustained energy support to skin cells.

(4) Mitochondrial Activation

5-Deazaflavin activates mitochondrial function within skin cells, improving the efficiency of cellular energy (ATP) production. Mitochondria are known as the “powerhouses” of the cell; all energy-consuming processes in skin cells—including metabolism, collagen synthesis, and DNA repair—rely on mitochondria for energy. As we age, mitochondrial function declines, resulting not only in reduced energy production but also in the leakage of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), creating a vicious cycle of “aging - oxidation - further aging.” The unique advantage of 5-Deazaflavin lies in the fact that it produces minimal amounts of reactive oxygen species during energy metabolism, providing energy to cells in a “clean and efficient” manner while reducing mitochondrial oxidative damage. This improves skin laxity, dullness, and fatigue at the cellular energy level.

(5) Sirtuin Activation (Activation of Longevity Genes)

5 - Denitrogenated flavone can effectively activate sirtuins (silent information regulators, commonly known as “longevity genes”); its SIRT activation capacity is reported to be approximately 3.5 times that of NMN. Sirtuins are a class of NAD⁺-dependent histone deacetylases that play a central role in regulating cellular aging, modulating inflammatory responses, repairing DNA, and maintaining metabolic homeostasis. SIRT1 promotes collagen synthesis and inhibits the degradation of collagen by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), thereby maintaining skin elasticity and reducing wrinkle formation; SIRT6 is involved in DNA repair and the maintenance of genomic stability; SIRT3 is localized to mitochondria, where it regulates mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and antioxidant defense. 5-Deazaflavin regulates the skin aging process at the gene expression level by efficiently activating the sirtuin family, thereby achieving deep anti-aging effects.

(6) Anti-inflammatory Effects

5 - Deazaflavone possesses potential anti-inflammatory activity and can help alleviate chronic, low-grade inflammation in the skin. Chronic inflammation is one of the key drivers of skin aging—prolonged UV exposure, environmental pollution, and dysbiosis continuously activate inflammatory pathways in the skin, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory factors such as NF-κB, which in turn break down collagen and elastic fibers, trigger hyperpigmentation, and damage the skin barrier. 5-Deazaflavone helps reduce skin inflammatory responses by regulating cellular redox status and inhibiting the excessive activation of inflammatory signaling pathways. It improves inflammation-induced issues such as redness, sensitivity, roughness, and uneven skin tone, while maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

(7) Anti-Aging and Skin Brightening

Through these multifaceted mechanisms, 5-deazaflavone demonstrates significant efficacy in skin anti-aging and brightening. Its antioxidant action directly neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative damage; DNA repair and cell regeneration accelerate skin renewal and maintain genomic stability; NAD⁺ enhancement and mitochondrial activation provide skin cells with ample energy and improve cellular metabolism; sirtuin activation regulates aging at the genetic level and promotes collagen synthesis; anti-inflammatory effects maintain the skin barrier and reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The synergistic action of these multiple pathways effectively improves various signs of aging—such as sagging skin, wrinkles, dullness, yellowish complexion, rough texture, and uneven skin tone—restoring the skin to a firm, luminous, and refined youthful state. Compared to traditional anti-aging ingredients such as NMN, 5-Deazaflavin offers distinct advantages, including higher bioavailability, more direct action, and fewer regulatory restrictions, making it the ideal core ingredient for a new generation of high-end anti-aging skincare products.