Niacinamide

Also known as: Nicotinamide, Vitamin B3, Nicotinic acid amide

A form of vitamin B3 that repairs the skin barrier, brightens tone, and calms breakouts — the most versatile skincare active.

Editorial review by the IngredientWiki Editorial Team
Updated 2026-09-26
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2 min read
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Fine niacinamide-like powder beside a clear serum swatch — Editorial illustration

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used in supplements and topical skincare. Clinical literature supports several topical uses, including barrier support, visible pigmentation, and acne-related outcomes, but results depend on concentration and formulation and are generally more modest than marketing language suggests.^{1, 2}

Water-soluble form of vitamin B3; precursor of NAD+/NADP^{1, 2}
Topical concentrations of 2–10% are well tolerated by most skin types^{1, 2}
Strongest evidence: acne, barrier repair, and dark-spot fading^{1, 2}
Plays well with other actives, including retinol and hyaluronic acid^{1, 2}

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is the amide form of vitamin B3 — the same nutrient that prevents pellagra, a historic niacin-deficiency disease. Every cell needs it: the body converts niacinamide into NAD+ and NADP, coenzymes essential to energy production and DNA repair. That dual identity explains why it appears in multivitamins and in half the serums on the skincare shelf. Topically, it is one of the best-studied cosmetic actives, with trials going back to the 1990s and a remarkable tolerance record across skin types.^{1, 2}

Where it comes from

Natural sources

Meat, poultry, and fish
Peanuts, whole grains, and mushrooms
The body can make it from dietary tryptophan

How it's made

Cosmetic-grade niacinamide is produced synthetically in crystalline powder form.

What it does in products

Benefits

Acne and oil control

moderate evidence

Multiple controlled trials show topical 2–5% niacinamide reduces acne lesions and sebum production, with results comparable to the antibiotic clindamycin in one classic 4% study — without bacterial resistance concerns.²

Controlled studies support topical use, but formulations, concentrations, and acne endpoints vary and the clinical literature is smaller than for standard acne drugs.

Barrier repair and hydration

moderate evidence

Niacinamide increases ceramide and free fatty acid levels in the stratum corneum and reduces transepidermal water loss, strengthening the barrier in sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.²

Barrier outcomes are supported by clinical and mechanistic studies summarized in the review; results do not establish that every niacinamide formula performs equally.

Fading hyperpigmentation

moderate evidence

By blocking the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to skin cells, 2–5% niacinamide visibly reduces dark spots and uneven tone in 4–8 weeks, with a stronger evidence base than many pricier brightening actives.²

Human trials report changes in visible pigmentation, but they are generally short and formulation-specific.

Fine lines and photodamage

moderate evidence

Trials in photodamaged skin show modest improvements in fine lines, elasticity, and redness over 8–12 weeks of twice-daily use.²

Trials suggest modest changes in signs of photoaging; niacinamide is not a substitute for sunscreen or a prescription retinoid.

Evidence scope and limitations

This review covers oral niacinamide as a vitamin B3 source and topical niacinamide used in cosmetic formulations. Topical outcomes are kept separate from oral deficiency guidance.

Many cosmetic studies are short, use proprietary multi-ingredient formulas, or do not compare niacinamide with an active standard.
Evidence for one concentration or vehicle cannot be assumed to apply to every serum or moisturizer.

Evidence last checked: 2026-09-26

Side effects & safety

Mild stinging or redness at first use (uncommon)Usually fades within days; buffering with moisturizer or dropping to a 2–5% formula helps.

Flushing with high-dose oral niacinamide (rare)True niacin flush is mainly caused by niacin (nicotinic acid), not niacinamide, but high oral doses can still cause GI upset.

Safety considerations

Topical niacinamide is widely regarded as safe during pregnancy and is a common recommendation as a retinol alternative.
Pairs well with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and sunscreen; no known incompatibilities with common actives.
Avoid layering with very low-pH formulas (e.g., strong vitamin C serums) in the same routine step to prevent potential irritation.
Not for: Known allergy to niacinamide (rare)

^{3, 1}

Amounts studied & product use

These figures describe research or common product use, not a personal dose or treatment recommendation.

In supplement studies and products

U.S. nutrition guidance sets adult niacin needs at 14–16 mg niacin equivalents per day and a 35 mg daily upper limit for niacin from supplements. Those figures are nutrition reference values, not treatment doses for a skin condition.

In skincare studies and products

Topical studies commonly evaluate specific 2–5% niacinamide formulations for several weeks. Results for one concentration, vehicle, or multi-ingredient formula should not be assumed for every product labeled niacinamide.

^{2, 1}

Regulatory status

Dietary supplement under DSHEA when oral; cosmetic ingredient under the FD&C Act (as amended by MoCRA) when topical — cosmetics do not require FDA pre-market approval.
GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for food use.
INCI name on cosmetic labels: Niacinamide.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has assessed niacinamide as safe in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.

^{4, 3}

Niacinamide vs niacin: same vitamin, different molecules

Niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide) are both vitamin B3, but their side-effect profiles differ sharply. Niacin causes the famous 'niacin flush' — harmless but uncomfortable skin reddening — and is used medically for cholesterol at high doses. Niacinamide does not cause flushing, which is why it is the B3 form used in skincare and in most multivitamins.

^{1, 2}

Frequently asked questions

Can I use niacinamide every day?

Yes. Niacinamide is gentle enough for twice-daily use and suits most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Start once daily if your skin is reactive, then build up.^{1, 2}

Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?

Yes. The old worry about incompatibility (niacinamide + ascorbic acid forming niacin) applies mainly to certain high-temperature, low-pH combinations of pure forms in the same bottle. Using them in separate products or separate steps is widely considered safe and effective.^{1, 2}

Does niacinamide help with pores?

It cannot change pore size — pores are fixed structures — but by reducing oil production and supporting the surrounding skin, it can make pores look smaller and less congested over several weeks.^{1, 2}

The bottom line

Niacinamide is a well-tolerated, versatile topical ingredient with moderate clinical support. Choose a practical formulation and concentration rather than assuming a higher percentage will work better.

References

Niacin: Health Professional Fact Sheet. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (2025) · government guidance
Niacinamide: a review on dermal delivery strategies and clinical evidence. Drug Delivery and Translational Research (2024) · other · PMID 38722460
Final report of the safety assessment of niacinamide and niacin. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2005) · safety assessment
FDA Authority Over Cosmetics: How Cosmetics Are Not FDA-Approved, but Are FDA-Regulated. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2013) · government guidance

Revision history

2026-09-26Replaced search-result citations with exact sources, mapped claims to evidence, and reassessed evidence strength.