What it is
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. Your skin uses it to make NAD+, a helper molecule that cells need for energy and everyday repair work. In skincare it has become a favourite because it does several useful things at once and is gentle enough for most skin types.
What it does for skin
- Helps even out skin tone and soften the look of dark spots in clinical studies.
- Supports the skin barrier by encouraging your own production of barrier lipids such as ceramides.
- May help balance oiliness and calm visible redness.
- Shows modest improvements in signs of aging, such as fine lines and dullness, over several weeks.
How to use it
Most studied products use around 2–5%. Higher percentages are not automatically better and are more likely to sting. Use it morning or evening, after cleansing and before moisturiser.
Pairs well with
Good to know
Very well tolerated. A small number of people notice tingling or flushing, usually with high-strength serums. The old rule that it must never be combined with vitamin C comes from early lab conditions and is not a concern for modern formulas.
Sources
- Boo YC. Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation. Antioxidants, 2021.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8389214/
This guide is for general education and is not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, are pregnant, or are unsure whether an ingredient is right for you, please talk to a dermatologist or doctor.