Niacinamide is one of the most versatile and well-tolerated ingredients in skincare. It works for almost every skin type, plays well with other actives, and delivers visible results without irritation.
Here’s everything you need to know about this skincare staple.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 (also called nicotinamide). It’s water-soluble, stable, and easily absorbed by the skin. Unlike some active ingredients that can be harsh or sensitizing, niacinamide is gentle enough for most people to use daily.
Benefits of Niacinamide
Minimizes Pores
Niacinamide helps regulate oil production and can make pores appear smaller over time. It won’t physically shrink your pores, but by keeping them clear and reducing oiliness, they look less visible.
Strengthens Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier keeps moisture in and irritants out. Niacinamide boosts ceramide production, helping repair and strengthen this protective layer. This is especially helpful if your barrier is damaged from over-exfoliation or harsh products.
Reduces Redness and Inflammation
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritated skin. It can help with redness from rosacea, acne, and general sensitivity.
Fades Hyperpigmentation
It can help reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone by inhibiting melanin transfer to skin cells. Results take time (8-12 weeks), but it’s a gentler alternative to stronger brightening agents.
Reduces Fine Lines
By supporting collagen production and improving skin elasticity, niacinamide can soften the appearance of fine lines over time.
Controls Oil
If you have oily skin, niacinamide helps regulate sebum production without drying you out. Your skin stays balanced rather than swinging between oily and stripped.
How to Use Niacinamide
Concentration
Most studies showing benefits use 2-5% niacinamide. Higher concentrations (10%) exist but aren’t necessarily better — they can sometimes cause irritation without additional benefits. Start with 5% or less.
When to Apply
Niacinamide is flexible. You can use it morning, night, or both. It doesn’t increase sun sensitivity, so daytime use is fine.
How to Layer
Apply niacinamide after cleansing and toning, before heavier products like moisturizer. If you’re using multiple serums, niacinamide typically goes early in the sequence due to its lightweight texture.
Morning: Cleanser → Toner → Niacinamide → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
Night: Cleanser → Toner → Niacinamide → Treatment (retinol, etc.) → Moisturizer
What It Pairs Well With
Niacinamide is a team player. It works well with:
- Hyaluronic acid — Hydration boost
- Retinol — Niacinamide can reduce retinol irritation
- Vitamin C — Despite old advice, they’re fine together (more on this below)
- Salicylic acid — Good combo for oily, acne-prone skin
- Peptides — Anti-aging support
Can You Use Niacinamide with Vitamin C?
Old advice said to avoid this combo, based on a study from the 1960s that used conditions not relevant to skincare. Modern formulations are stable together.
You can absolutely use niacinamide and vitamin C in the same routine. Some people prefer to use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night, but using them together won’t cause problems.
What to Expect
Week 1-2: Skin may feel more hydrated and less irritated. No dramatic visible changes yet.
Week 4-6: Oil production may start to balance out. Pores might look slightly smaller.
Week 8-12: Visible improvements in skin tone, texture, and dark spots. Full benefits take 2-3 months of consistent use.
Who Should Use Niacinamide?
Almost everyone. It’s suitable for:
- Oily skin (controls sebum)
- Dry skin (strengthens barrier)
- Sensitive skin (calms inflammation)
- Acne-prone skin (reduces breakouts and marks)
- Aging skin (supports collagen, reduces fine lines)
It’s one of the few ingredients that truly works across all skin types.
Potential Side Effects
Niacinamide is generally very well-tolerated, but some people experience:
- Mild flushing — Temporary redness, usually with high concentrations
- Breakouts — Rare, but some people purge initially
- Irritation — Usually from concentrations above 10%
If you experience irritation, try a lower concentration or reduce frequency.
How to Choose a Niacinamide Product
Serums: Most effective delivery method. Look for 5% niacinamide with supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid or zinc.
Moisturizers: Good for a gentler approach. Concentration is usually lower but still effective with daily use.
Combination products: Many serums combine niacinamide with other actives. This is fine — just watch the total active load to avoid irritation.
The Bottom Line
Niacinamide is one of the safest, most effective ingredients you can add to your routine. It improves multiple skin concerns simultaneously, works for all skin types, and pairs well with almost everything.
Start with a 5% serum, use it consistently for 8-12 weeks, and let it do its work. It’s not flashy, but it delivers.