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Ingredients 2 min

Last Updated Jan 29, 2024

Niacinamide :: Ingredient Review

Author
|
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Muneeb Shah

Overall Ranking:


What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is an amide derivative of vitamin B3. It has been studied in dermatology to have multiple benefits on the skin and is found in many skincare products. 

What are the benefits of niacinamide? 

Niacinamide is a “jack-of-all-trades” skincare ingredient. Hundreds of studies have been done on this ingredient to prove it’s benefits:

  • Improves hyperpigmentation (inhibits transfer of melanosomes)
  • Improves inflammation / redness (inhibits PARP-1)
  • Improves barrier function (increase ceramide content)
  • Improves the appearance of wrinkles 
  • Regulates oil production & minimizes pore appearance
  • Reduces skin sallowness / yellowness
  • Reduces skin cancer in high risk patients (oral niacinamide only)

What is the best niacinamide serum to look for?

Most studies on niacinamide have been done on concentrations between 2-5%. Despite the fact that we find skincare products with concentrations up to 20%, there is no evidence that they are more effective than lower concentrations. 

How do I use niacinamide? 

1. Cleanse Cleanse skin using your preferred facial cleanser.
2. Treat After cleansing, apply over the entire face. Niacinamide is gentle enough to be used twice a day. 
3. Protect

Follow with moisturizer at night or sunscreen in the morning.

 

Is Niacinamide pregnancy safe? 

Yes. Niacinamide is considered to be safe in pregnancy.  

 

Doctor's Note

Niacinamide is a scientifically-proven skincare ingredient

Treats hyperpigmentation, redness, barrier disruption, oily skin, and wrinkles

Look for concentrations between 2-5%

The Research

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/

Gehring W. Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2004 Apr;3(2):88-93. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x. PMID: 1714756

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24993939/

Wohlrab J, Kreft D. Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(6):311-5. doi: 10.1159/000359974. Epub 2014 Jun 27. PMID: 24993939.

Dr. Muneeb Shah

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Dr. Muneeb Shah headshot

Dr. Muneeb Shah

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Dr. Muneeb Shah is a double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon in Hudson Yards, New York. He is passionate about educating the public on common skin issues and has accrued a following of 21+ million across his social media platforms on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Location: New York City, NY

Doctor's Note

Niacinamide is a scientifically-proven skincare ingredient

Treats hyperpigmentation, redness, barrier disruption, oily skin, and wrinkles

Look for concentrations between 2-5%

The Research

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/

Gehring W. Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2004 Apr;3(2):88-93. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x. PMID: 1714756

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24993939/

Wohlrab J, Kreft D. Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(6):311-5. doi: 10.1159/000359974. Epub 2014 Jun 27. PMID: 24993939.