Ni
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
NiacinamideSoothing
Multitasking B vitamin. Supports barrier, evens tone, regulates oil — well-tolerated by almost everyone.
What it does
Niacinamide reinforces ceramide synthesis (barrier support), inhibits melanosome transfer (brightening), reduces sebum production, and calms redness. Effective at 2-5%; higher concentrations don't have evidence of additional benefit and can cause flushing. Pairs with practically everything — including, contra the old myth, vitamin C.
The evidence, graded
strongThe old claim that vitamin C and niacinamide cancel each other out is debunked. Modern formulations are pH-stable and these ingredients are commonly combined safely.Bissett 2005 · Dermatologic Surgery ↗
strongNiacinamide reduces transepidermal water loss while hyaluronic acid adds hydration. They work well in the same routine and are commonly co-formulated.Bissett 2002 · Cutis ↗
strongNiacinamide's pigmentation and skin-tone benefits become measurable by about 4 weeks and keep compounding over 8-12 weeks of consistent use; broader appearance improvements (texture, spots, blotchiness, elasticity) build over a similar window. Sebum reductions show in trial data by about 2-4 weeks; barrier benefits are commonly reported in the first few weeks too.Bissett 2005 · Dermatologic Surgery ↗
expert consensusNiacinamide and zinc both reduce sebum production through different mechanisms. They're commonly combined in oily-skin and acne-adjacent products.Bissett 2005 · Dermatologic Surgery ↗
emergingNiacinamide may reduce retinol-induced irritation while complementing its anti-aging benefits.Bissett 2002 · Cutis ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
What it won’t do
It won't replace a retinoid or structurally shrink pores. No credible trial supports either — if a label promises that, the label is overreaching.
Also known as
nicotinamide, vitamin b3
Pairs worth knowing
This page is public and indexed on purpose (unlike profiles and drops, which are unlisted) — it’s the citation behind shared ingredient cards, and it should be findable.
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