Products
Niacinamide
Nicotinamide (vitamin B3)
Barrier repair, pore minimising, and brightening
Niacinamide is one of the most universally well-tolerated actives. It reduces melanosome transfer, making it especially useful for Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin with hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has a remarkably long list of skin benefits backed by solid evidence: it reduces pigmentation, strengthens the skin's moisture barrier, minimises the appearance of pores, reduces redness, and helps with acne. It is one of the gentlest actives available and rarely causes irritation, which makes it suitable for almost all skin types including sensitive and reactive skin.
Sourced via EWG Skin Deep, one of the scientific databases used by the Yuka app to evaluate cosmetic ingredient safety.
Niacinamide Serum
Good Molecules
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary
PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe
Niacinamide (nicotinamide, vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active with multiple clinically validated mechanisms in skin: it inhibits the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes (brightening), upregulates ceramide and fatty acid synthesis (barrier repair), reduces sebum excretion in sebaceous glands, and downregulates inflammatory cytokines relevant to acne and rosacea. It is one of the most versatile and best-tolerated actives in dermatology, active across a broad pH range and compatible with the majority of other skincare ingredients. Effective concentrations in published studies range from 2% to 10%.
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Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 8 weeks significantly reduced melanosome transfer and produced visible reduction in hyperpigmented spots versus vehicle (Hakozaki et al., Br J Dermatol 2002; n=120).
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Niacinamide at 2% to 5% measurably increases ceramide and fatty acid content in stratum corneum, improving transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in split-face RCTs.
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Twice-daily 4% niacinamide gel produced equivalent acne reduction to 1% clindamycin in an 8-week RCT with no antibiotic resistance concern.
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Topical niacinamide reduces facial sebum excretion rates in clinical measurement studies; pore appearance improvement follows as a secondary effect.
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Optimal concentration for different indications: whether 10% provides meaningfully better results than 5% for brightening or barrier outcomes.
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Whether niacinamide at 4%+ applied around the eye area is safe for routine use without systemic absorption concerns.
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Combined use with retinol: emerging data on niacinamide blunting retinoid dermatitis while maintaining efficacy.
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Role in rosacea management and whether anti-inflammatory effects are clinically significant at cosmetic concentrations.
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Hakozaki et al. · British Journal of Dermatology · 2002
A randomised double-blind study (n=18) applying 5% niacinamide vs. vehicle for 8 weeks demonstrated a 35–68% reduction in melanosome transfer to keratinocytes in vitro and statistically significant lightening of facial hyperpigmentation in clinical evaluation.
PubMed ↗ PMID 12100180| Brand | Manufacturer | What differentiates it | Approval | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | DECIEM | High-concentration 10% niacinamide with zinc for sebum control; one of the most affordable and widely used formulations | OTC | $6 / 30 ml |
| Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster | Paula's Choice | 10% niacinamide in a serum base with peptides; can be mixed into other products | OTC | $44 / 20 ml |
| Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Niacinamide 10% Serum | Isntree | Korean formulation combining 10% niacinamide with hyaluronic acid and centella; good for dry or barrier-compromised skin | OTC | $22 / 50 ml |
| Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum | Good Molecules | Combines niacinamide with tranexamic acid and kojic acid for a multi-mechanism brightening approach | OTC | $12 / 30 ml |
| CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion | L'Oreal | Contains niacinamide alongside ceramides in a daily moisturiser; suitable entry point for those new to actives | OTC | $18 / 89 ml |
Should You Try This?
Probably okay to try
Clinic checklist
Universal
- Check the ingredient is listed in the first half of the INCI list to confirm meaningful concentration.
- Look for airtight or opaque packaging -- light and air degrade active ingredients.
- Check the expiry date before purchasing; actives degrade after opening.
- Patch test on your inner arm for 24 hours before applying to your face.
- Introduce one new active at a time so you can identify any reaction.
- Store opened products away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Procedure-specific
- Niacinamide is one of the safest actives to layer; it is compatible with retinol, AHAs, vitamin C, and peptides.
- Start with 5% if you have sensitive or reactive skin; 10% formulations are effective but may cause occasional flushing.
- Works at any time of day; no photosensitisation, so morning or evening use is equally suitable.
- Look for niacinamide listed as one of the first five actives on the INCI list to confirm a meaningful working concentration.
Educational content only. This page summarises published clinical research and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.