Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Also known as: Nicotinamide, Vitamin B3, Niacin amide
Overview
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 with a broad spectrum of skin benefits. It strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pore appearance, controls sebum production, and has anti-inflammatory properties — making it suitable for nearly every skin type.
How Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Works
Niacinamide is a precursor to NAD+ and NADP+, coenzymes essential for cellular energy metabolism. In the skin, it increases ceramide and fatty acid synthesis (strengthening the barrier), inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes (reducing pigmentation), and modulates sebum production by reducing triglyceride and fatty acid synthesis in sebaceous glands.
Benefits
- • Strengthens the skin barrier by boosting ceramide production
- • Visibly reduces pore size and controls oil production
- • Reduces hyperpigmentation and evens skin tone
- • Anti-inflammatory — calms redness and irritation
- • Well-tolerated and compatible with most other actives
Side Effects & Cautions
- • Generally very well tolerated
- • Rare flushing at very high concentrations (>10%)
- • Some formulations may cause breakouts due to other ingredients
Who Should Use Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Suitable for virtually all skin types. Especially beneficial for oily, acne-prone skin, those with enlarged pores, or anyone looking to strengthen their skin barrier.
Who Should Avoid It
Very rarely problematic. Those who experience flushing may want to reduce concentration.
Recommended Concentration
2% – 10%. Most studies showing benefits use 4-5%.
Scientific Evidence
3 peer-reviewed studies cited. All links lead to PubMed abstracts.
5% niacinamide applied for 12 weeks significantly reduced fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and yellowing.
Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness after 8 weeks.
Significant improvements in multiple signs of aging after 12 weeks of 5% niacinamide use.
Top Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Products We've Reviewed
PURITO TXA 6% Niacinamide 10 Retinal Facial Serum, for Dark Spots, Post-Acne Marks, Uneven Tone & Hyperpigmentation, 16% Triple Active Formula for Clear Skin, Korean skincare, 30mL 1.01 fl.oz
PURITO
Revolution Skincare London, 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc Serum, Tackles Blemishes, Minimises Pore Appearance, Face Serum, 30 ml
Revolution Skincare London
COSRX Niacinamide 15% Face Serum, Minimizing Pores & Sebums, Blemish Treatments for Discoloration, Dark Spots, Enlarged Pores, Anti-aging, 0.67 fl.oz / 20 ml, Animal Testing-Free
COSRX
JUMISO Niacinamide Serum 20, Korean Face Serum with Glutathione, Tranexamic Acid TXA and Centella Complex, Reduces Pigmentation, Uneven Skin Tone, Pore Care for Skin
JUMISO
Cos De BAHA Niacinamide 10% Serum 30ml - Tightens Pores, Reduces Wrinkles, Repairs Skin, Vitamin B3
Cos De BAHA
The INKEY List 10% Niacinamide Serum 30ml, AM/PM Skincare, Reduces Excess Oil, Anti-Blemish Skincare, Vegan Friendly, Suitable For All Skin Types
The INKEY Lis
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide 30 ml
Beauty of Joseon
Q+A Niacinamide Daily Toner for Face (100ml), Pore Refining and Hydrating Face Toner with Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera, Fragrance Free Skincare, Helps Calm Redness and Blemishes
Q+A
Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Face Serum for Brightening
Minimalis