Naturium niacinamide cleanser: what it does and how to use it

What does the niacinamide do?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, also called nicotinamide. Applied to skin, it can improve the skin barrier, the outer protective layer that helps retain moisture. Niacinamide also has benefits for uneven pigmentation and visible signs of ageing. The formula matters as well as the percentage: how niacinamide moves into skin is part of what determines its effects.23

Naturium reports effective makeup removal and immediate and all day oil control in a one day clinical test. The cleanser is intended to leave skin feeling soft, smooth and comfortable rather than stripped.1

Will it help dark spots, pores or acne?

Treat this cleanser as your washing step, not as a replacement for a targeted treatment. Improvements in oil production, pigmentation and wrinkles with other niacinamide products have taken weeks. A 2% niacinamide moisturizer reduced oil production over four to six weeks; a 5% topical formula improved pigmentation, texture and fine lines over 12 weeks. Those are different formulas from a 3% cleanser that you rinse away, so do not use their timelines as a countdown for this bottle.2

Niacinamide may make pores look less noticeable by helping skin look smoother and clearer. Nothing has been proven to reduce their actual size. Some research also supports formulas containing 5% niacinamide for lightening dark spots, which is a different concentration from this cleanser.4

How to use the cleanser

1. 1Apply a few pumps to dry or damp skin.
2. 2Massage gently with your fingertips. Avoid scrubbing or using a washcloth or mesh sponge.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
4. 4Follow with your serum, if you use one, and moisturizer.

Naturium allows daily morning and evening use. General face washing guidance is to limit washing to twice daily, with an extra wash after heavy sweating. Morning washing removes dirt and bacteria that settle overnight; evening washing removes makeup and the grime accumulated during the day.156

Naturium also gives an optional quick mask direction: leave the cleanser on for five minutes, then rinse. For ordinary cleansing, the direction is to massage and rinse.1

Can you use a niacinamide serum afterwards?

A niacinamide cleanser and serum can share a routine, but the ingredient does not need its own collection. Avoid using too many niacinamide products at once.14

General niacinamide skincare can be paired with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, moisturizers containing ceramides, retinol or glycolic acid. Compatibility is not a reason to add every option. If you already use a prescription acne treatment, keep following its directions rather than substituting the cleanser for it.47

Niacinamide does not act as sunscreen or prevent sunburn. Before going outdoors, use a water resistant sunscreen with broad spectrum protection and SPF 30 or higher. Broad spectrum protection covers both UVA and UVB.26

Who should be careful?

Naturium designs the cleanser for all skin types and advises patch testing. For sensitive skin, start slowly. Niacinamide is generally well tolerated, but rare reactions include itching, redness, mild burning and an allergic reaction. Fragrance free does not remove the need to check how your skin responds.14

Test a small amount on your forearm, following the cleanser's rinse directions, and wait 24 hours before wider use. Stop using the cleanser if it causes burning, itching or redness. Apply moisturizer if your skin feels dry or itchy, and see a dermatologist if irritation persists or you have concerns about caring for your skin.45

If acne is the reason you are considering this cleanser, gentle washing is useful, but acne can need treatment beyond cleansing. A pharmacist can advise on treatments such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. See a doctor for deep or painful spots, scarring, acne that is not improving with treatment, or acne affecting your mental health.7