Niacinamide: what it does and how to use it

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is one of the best-studied all-rounders in skincare: it helps even out tone, supports the skin barrier and reduces the look of oiliness, and most skin types tolerate it well.

What it does

• Fades uneven tone and dark spots by slowing how pigment moves into skin cells.
• Supports the barrier, so skin loses less water.
• Reduces the look of oiliness and enlarged pores.
• Studies mostly use 2–5%, and results build over 8–12 weeks.

Strength and rules

• Most products contain 2–10%. Higher numbers are not proven to work better and are more likely to tingle.
• In Korea, 2–5% niacinamide is a recognised whitening (brightening) functional ingredient.

How to use it

• Morning or night, under moisturizer.
• Pairs well with almost everything, including retinol, acids and sunscreen.
• The old warning about mixing it with vitamin C comes from heat-based lab tests; modern formulas can be layered.

Who should be careful

• Some people get redness or tingling from high-strength (10%+) serums. Drop to a lower strength if that happens.

Sources

• Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for Nicotinamide (Antioxidants, 2021)
• Niacinamide as a Korean whitening functional ingredient (Dr.Oracle)

General information, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor.