Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, known for strengthening the skin barrier, balancing oil production and reducing the look of redness and dark spots. At the concentrations used in cosmetics it is very well tolerated and among the ingredients in the lowest risk group; with high-strength serums, some people may experience mild redness.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
The lower end applies to creams and low-strength products; the upper end applies to very high-strength serums, which can cause temporary redness or stinging on sensitive skin.
What is niacinamide and what does it do?
Niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide) is the amide form of the water-soluble vitamin B3. In the body it is a building block of important coenzymes involved in energy metabolism. Applied to the skin, it acts as a versatile skincare ingredient.
Research has shown that niacinamide supports the skin's own production of ceramides, reducing moisture loss and strengthening the barrier. It can also help fade the look of dark spots by reducing the transfer of pigment to the skin surface, help balance sebum production and make pores look less noticeable.
Which products contain it?
- Serums targeting pores and dark spots
- Moisturisers and barrier-repair creams
- Skincare for acne-prone skin
- Sunscreens and make-up primers
On the label it is listed as Niacinamide. In serums it may appear near the top of the list, and lower down in creams.
Is it harmful? The scientific assessment
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has concluded that niacinamide is safe for cosmetic use. Niacinamide is well tolerated by the skin, has a low likelihood of causing allergy, and is one of the few actives that can also be used on sensitive areas such as around the eyes.
A common point of confusion: niacinamide and nicotinic acid (niacin) are different. Nicotinic acid can cause marked facial flushing, whereas niacinamide usually does not. The redness or stinging seen with some very high-strength serums mostly comes from the formula itself and the high concentration.
The claim circulating online that niacinamide should not be used with vitamin C is based on old experiments carried out under conditions that do not reflect modern formulas. In today's products, most people can use the two together without problems.
Who should be careful?
- Very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin: Starting with low-strength products may be more comfortable.
- People using several products containing niacinamide: When a serum, cream and toner are layered, the total amount adds up; if redness occurs, dropping one of them is enough.
What to do when you see it on a label
Niacinamide suits almost every skin type and is nothing to worry about. A higher concentration does not always mean better results; a medium-strength product is enough for most people. It is also a good companion for balancing the drying effect of stronger actives such as retinol and salicylic acid. For extra hydration, it can be used alongside products containing sodium hyaluronate or panthenol.
Frequently asked questions
Can niacinamide be used every day?
Yes. Niacinamide is generally suitable for use morning and evening over the long term.
Is niacinamide good for acne?
It can be supportive for acne-prone skin by helping to balance oil and reduce redness; on its own it is not a substitute for treatment.
Can niacinamide be used during pregnancy?
There is no known specific concern about cosmetic niacinamide in pregnancy, and it is one of the frequently recommended alternatives; still, you can ask your doctor about anything you are unsure of.
Can niacinamide and vitamin C be used together?
Yes. The idea that the two should not be combined is based on old laboratory conditions. With today's formulas most people use both in the same routine without problems; if you get stinging, you can use one in the morning and the other in the evening.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.