It helps your skin make more of its own barrier lipids, slows pigment from reaching the surface, and is gentle enough for most skin types.
Set up your skin profile in the Skin Lab and this page will show what niacinamide means for you.
Four jobs, with how strong the evidence is for each. More dots means more and better studies.
In a lab study on skin cells, it raised the production of ceramides and other barrier lipids, the "mortar" that keeps water in.
It slows the hand-off of pigment packets from melanocytes to surface cells. A 5% moisturizer reduced hyperpigmentation after 4 weeks.
As a 4% gel, it performed similarly to 1% clindamycin, an antibiotic gel, for inflamed acne, without the antibiotic resistance risk.
A 2% moisturizer lowered oil production over 4 weeks in one group studied, and surface oil in another.
Simplified, but true to how the studies explain it.
The studies behind it mostly used 2–5%. Many serums sell 10%, but there is little evidence it works better.
If your skin is sensitive, start at the low end. If a product makes you flush or sting, try a lower strength or use it less often.
Niacinamide gets along with most of your routine.
One adds lipids, the other helps skin make its own.
Essential if you're treating dark spots.
Fine for most people. If you flush, split morning and night.
Often paired to keep skin comfortable while it adjusts.
Both target redness and dark marks in different ways.
Adds water while niacinamide helps hold it in.
More isn't proven better, and sensitive skin may react.
Add one new product at a time so you know what works.
Simple enough to add to any routine.
Start with clean, dry or slightly damp skin.
A few drops of serum, or use a moisturizer that contains it.
Follow with moisturizer. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
The studies measured results after 4–8 weeks of daily use.
Yes, for most people. The old warning came from tests that heated the two together, which isn't how skincare is used. If the combination makes your skin flush, use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night.
It's usually well tolerated, and studies report little irritation. Sensitive skin can still react to any product, so patch test first and start with a lower strength.
Niacinamide doesn't speed up cell turnover the way retinol or acids do, so "purging" isn't expected. New breakouts are more likely a reaction to that product's formula.
The studies behind it measured changes after 4 to 8 weeks of daily use. Give it at least a month before deciding.
It's one of the gentler options for dark marks, and studies have included a range of skin tones. Pair it with daily sunscreen, and see a dermatologist for marks that don't fade.
Product picks are coming soon. We'll list niacinamide products by skin type and price, with clear notes on any affiliate links.
Explore the Skin Lab