Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a simple, reliable ingredient many skin pros recommend. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduces redness, and evens skin tone without the irritation common with stronger actives. You’ll find it in serums, moisturizers, and some sunscreens. Most people can use niacinamide twice a day and see steady improvement in 4 to 12 weeks.
Use products with 2% to 5% niacinamide for daily care. Around 2% can reduce oiliness and improve texture; 4% is often used for dark spots and uneven tone. Apply niacinamide after cleansing and light toning, before thicker creams and oils. It’s water‑compatible, so serums layer easily under moisturizers. For oily or acne‑prone skin, put a niacinamide serum under a light moisturizer and use sunscreen by day.
If you’re starting a routine, do a patch test on your inner arm for a few days. If no redness or itching appears, you’re likely fine to use it on the face. Stick with once daily for the first week, then increase to twice if your skin tolerates it.
Niacinamide is gentle. Side effects are rare but can include mild redness or a burning tingle in sensitive skins. That reaction usually fades; stop use if it worsens. Niacinamide doesn’t cause the flushing linked to niacin (nicotinic acid), so it’s a safer option for topical use.
It mixes well with most ingredients: hyaluronic acid, retinoids, azelaic acid, and peptides. You can use niacinamide with vitamin C; modern formulations and studies show it’s safe. If you have highly reactive skin, use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night to be cautious.
As an oral supplement, niacinamide has medical uses like preventing pellagra, but you shouldn’t self‑prescribe high doses. If you’re considering oral niacinamide for skin or health, talk to a clinician about proper dosing and liver monitoring if needed.
Shopping tips: look for clear labeling of concentration. Choose fragrance‑free formulas if your skin is sensitive. If you want to tackle multiple concerns—pores, redness, and discoloration—niacinamide is a solid base ingredient to pair with targeted actives like retinoids or sunscreen.
Quick routines: Morning — cleanse, niacinamide serum, moisturizer, sunscreen. Evening — cleanse, optional exfoliant 1–2 times a week, niacinamide or retinoid, moisturizer. If you use retinoids, you can still layer niacinamide in the same routine; it helps reduce irritation and supports barrier repair. For acne, combine niacinamide with benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoids but stagger applications if you get dryness. For hyperpigmentation, pair niacinamide with chemical exfoliants like glycolic or lactic acid, using acids at night and niacinamide morning and night as tolerated.
When used consistently, niacinamide gives measurable improvements without the drama. Give it time, use it with sunscreen, and track changes every few weeks so you know what’s working for your skin.
If unsure, ask a dermatologist. They can test for interactions, recommend concentrations, and set a plan if you have medical skin issues today.
Jul, 1 2023
In our latest blog post, we delve into the world of niacinamide, a dietary supplement that is gaining popularity for its numerous health benefits. This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know about this essential nutrient, from its role in maintaining overall health to its specific benefits for skin, mental health, and more. We also discuss the recommended dosage and potential side effects to ensure you can safely incorporate niacinamide into your routine. You'll also find tips on choosing the best supplement and foods rich in niacinamide to boost your intake. It's a must-read for anyone interested in optimising their health and wellbeing.