Doctor’s Note: Your Easy Guide to Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a vital nutrient with versatile skin benefits. From improving skin texture to strengthening the skin barrier, niacinamide can do it all! It is commonly included in both AM and PM skincare routines.

Check out our video to the right, or read the highlights below!

Niacinamide At A Glance

Conditions Treated

  • Oily skin

  • Large pores

  • Acne

  • Dark spots

  • Wrinkles + fine lines (a little)

  • Repairs skin

  • Keeps skin barrier healthy

How to Apply

  • Use in AM or PM routines

  • Apply to clean, dry skin

  • Start with a few nights a week, gradually increase to daily use

  • Can be used under sunscreen in the AM

Niacinamide Basics

  • Vitamin B3

  • Antioxidant (repairs damage to skin)

  • Popular in many moisturizers, sunscreens, etc.

  • More recently popular as stand-alone serums (best for oily skin)

  • Some people are sensitive to niacinamide (esp if >5%)

  • Skip anything with niacinamide if you are sensitive

What Does Niacinamide Do?

Niacinamide helps reduce redness and calm irritated skin, making it look less red. It's also effective at fighting acne, helping to clear up pimples and prevent new ones from forming. Niacinamide improves skin texture, making your skin feel smoother and look more even. It can shrink large pores, making them look smaller, and fade dark spots left by pimples or sun damage. Additionally, niacinamide strengthens your skin's barrier, keeping it healthy and hydrated.

What Does Niacinamide Do?

Summary: Niacinamide is good for a little bit of everything (it makes the barrier stronger, decreases oil, builds collagen, brightens, decreases inflammation, and repairs damage. Is it the best at any of one these things? No. But it’s a good general ingredient for general skin health, especially if you are oil-prone.

Check out how Niacinamide compares to Vitamin C, Retinol, and Azelaic Acid!

So… wtf is the above image? Take our VERY basic intro to skin anatomy here!

Niacinamide Product Overview

As you can see, niacinamide does so much for our skin, and it's very user-friendly. Niacinamide is also (1) Highly stable in various formulations, (2) Able to penetrate easily into the skin, and (3) Partners well with other skincare ingredients. Because of these traits, niacinamide has been EVERYWHERE in skincare in the past few years. The two main ways niacinamide is incorporated into skincare routine include:

Niacinamide Serums

Niacinamide Serums

Concentrated formulas (usually 5 - 10%) can be highly effective but may be too intense for sensitive skin. These serums are ideal for those with acne, large pores, or oily skin.

A Sprinkle of Niacinamide

Niacinamide Moisturizer

Niacinamide is also commonly added to many skincare products, from moisturizers to toners. The lower % of niacinamide makes these products ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Best Niacinamide Serum

Looking for the best niacinamide serums to enhance your skincare routine? Niacinamide is known for its ability to brighten skin, reduce redness, and smooth texture. In this section, we'll highlight the top niacinamide serums that stand out for their effectiveness and quality, helping you choose the best one for your skincare needs.

The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum

The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum

  • 10% Niacinamide

  • 1% Zinc: Best for acne. Decreases oil production + limits bacteria.

Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

  • 10% Niacinamide

  • Glycerin: Moisturizer.

Beauty of Joseon Niacinamide

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum

  • 2% Niacinamide

  • Propolis: Anti-inflammatory + antiseptic. Great for acne.

  • Betaine Salicylate (0.5%): “Gentle Salicylic Acid.” Exfoliates pores. Anti-bacterial. Anti-inflammatory

  • Glycerin: Moisturizer.

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates, plumps.

  • Centella Asiatica: Soothing.

  • Vitamin E: Antioxidant.

  • Note: Exfoliates as well! Best for enlarged pores.

Naturium Niacinamide Serum

Naturium Niacinamide Serum

  • 12% Niacinamide

  • 2% Zinc: Best for acne. Decreases oil production + limits bacteria.

  • Glycerin: Moisturizer.

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates, plumps.

Niacinamide FAQs

Can You Use Niacinamide with Retinol?

Yes, you can use niacinamide with retinol. Niacinamide helps soothe the skin and can reduce the irritation that retinol might cause, making them a good pair in your skincare routine.

Does Niacinamide Help with Acne?

Niacinamide is great for acne. It helps reduce inflammation, controls oil production, and can improve the overall appearance of your skin. Many people use it as part of their acne treatment.

Is Niacinamide Good for Acne?

Yes, niacinamide is good for acne. It not only reduces redness and inflammation but also helps prevent breakouts by controlling oil production and strengthening the skin barrier.

Can I Use Niacinamide with Vitamin C?

Yes, you can use niacinamide with vitamin C. While there was once a belief that they shouldn’t be mixed, recent research shows that they work well together, helping to brighten and even out skin tone.

Can Niacinamide Cause Acne?

Niacinamide is unlikely to cause acne. In fact, it’s often used to treat acne because it helps regulate oil production and reduces inflammation. If you do experience breakouts, it could be due to other ingredients in your skincare products.

Does Niacinamide Cause Purging?

Niacinamide does not typically cause purging. Purging is usually associated with ingredients that speed up cell turnover, like retinoids or exfoliating acids. Niacinamide, on the other hand, is gentle and unlikely to cause this reaction.

Does Niacinamide Help with Acne Scars?

Yes, niacinamide can help with acne scars. It helps improve skin texture and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, making scars less noticeable over time.

Is Niacinamide Good for Dry Skin?

Niacinamide is beneficial for dry skin. It helps the skin retain moisture and strengthens the skin barrier, making it an excellent choice for those with dry, sensitive skin.

Is Niacinamide an Active Ingredient?

Yes, niacinamide is considered an active ingredient. It actively works to improve the skin by reducing inflammation, controlling oil production, and strengthening the skin barrier.

Is Niacinamide Good for Oily Skin?

Niacinamide is excellent for oily skin. It helps regulate sebum production, which can reduce the oiliness and make your skin less prone to breakouts.

Can I Use Retinol with Niacinamide?

Yes, you can use retinol with niacinamide. Using them together can help reduce the irritation often caused by retinol, making it easier for your skin to tolerate.

Does Niacinamide Help with Dark Spots?

Niacinamide can help fade dark spots over time. It works by reducing the production of melanin in the skin, which helps lighten hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone.