Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is one of the most versatile and well-researched active ingredients in skincare. It suits nearly every skin type, plays well with most other ingredients, and delivers visible results without the adjustment period that comes with stronger actives like retinol. If there is one ingredient worth understanding, this is it.
What does niacinamide do?
Niacinamide is a true multitasker. Research supports its ability to:
- Strengthen the skin barrier — it boosts ceramide production, helping your skin retain moisture and resist irritation.
- Reduce visible pores — by regulating sebum production, it can make pores appear smaller over time.
- Even out skin tone — niacinamide inhibits melanin transfer, which helps fade dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Calm redness and inflammation — its anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for rosacea-prone and sensitive skin.
- Support anti-ageing — it stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity with consistent use.
Who is it for?
Almost everyone. That is not an exaggeration — niacinamide is one of the few actives that works across skin types:
- Oily and acne-prone skin — sebum regulation and pore reduction.
- Dry skin — barrier strengthening and moisture retention.
- Sensitive skin — anti-inflammatory and generally very well tolerated.
- Mature skin — collagen support and tone evening.
How to use it
Niacinamide is available in serums, moisturisers, toners, and even cleansers. The most effective concentration in research is typically 2% to 5%, though products with up to 10% are common. Higher is not always better — concentrations above 5% can occasionally cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Apply it after cleansing and toning, before heavier creams and SPF. It can be used morning and evening. No special precautions like sun sensitivity are needed.
What to pair it with
Niacinamide is famously compatible. It works well with:
- Hyaluronic acid — hydration plus barrier support.
- Retinol — niacinamide can reduce the irritation that retinol sometimes causes.
- Vitamin C — despite the old myth, modern formulations of niacinamide and vitamin C work perfectly well together.
- SPF — always. Niacinamide does not increase sun sensitivity, but SPF protects the even tone you are working to achieve.
Find products with niacinamide
Explore our niacinamide ingredient page to see which products feature it prominently in their formulas. We show the exact INCI position so you can see how much niacinamide each product actually contains — not just whether it is on the label.