What does niacinamide do for skin?

What changes can niacinamide make?

Niacinamide supports the outer skin barrier, the layer that helps keep water in and irritants out. By reducing water loss through the outer layer, it can improve hydration. Its anti inflammatory effects can also ease redness and irritation.12

Niacinamide may help regulate facial oil and calm inflammation, which can be useful for redness associated with acne, rosacea or eczema. Studies of moisturizers containing niacinamide have also found improved skin barrier function in people with rosacea, along with less reaction to irritants such as cleansers and cosmetics.12

Niacinamide may improve dark spots and uneven tone by reducing pigment transfer between skin cells. Topical formulas have also improved fine lines, wrinkles, texture, redness and yellowish sallowness in studies. Niacinamide is called a multitasking nutrient, but its skin care jobs are specific: barrier support, oil control and skin tone.123

Niacinamide can make pores look less noticeable by helping skin look smoother, but it has not been proven to reduce their actual size. Pores are not storage jars with a lid you can tighten; actual pore size has not been proven to shrink.2

Niacinamide is not a sunscreen and will not prevent sunburn.1

The timing depends on the formula and the result being measured. In one trial, a 2% facial moisturizer reduced oil after 4 to 6 weeks. A 5% formula improved freckles and sun spots from four weeks, with results maintained through the eight week treatment period. A separate study assessed changes in signs of aging after 12 weeks.13

Niacinamide is often well tolerated by people who cannot tolerate topical retinoids or fruit acids. It is available in many skin care products, including moisturizers, cleansers and sunscreens.1

How to use niacinamide

Most skin care products contain 5% niacinamide or less, though amounts vary. If you have sensitive skin, start with a low concentration.2

1. 1Use it once or twice daily during your regular routine, after gentle cleansing.
2. 2For layering, apply it after moisturizer, or mix a niacinamide serum with your moisturizer.
3. 3It can be paired with vitamin C, antioxidants, ceramides, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid or retinol.
4. 4Avoid stacking several separate niacinamide products at once; a routine with the ingredient in every step is a committee meeting your face did not request.

Is niacinamide good for acne?

Niacinamide may help acne by reducing inflammation and facial oil, but its value as a stand alone acne treatment is not settled. One controlled trial found 4% niacinamide gel as effective as 1% clindamycin gel in 76 people with moderate acne. A Cochrane review found four trials comparing niacinamide with topical antibiotics, but none measured participants' overall assessment of acne improvement; the review rated key evidence as low quality.14

A 12 week split face trial tested 5% niacinamide alongside 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. The combination improved noninflammatory acne lesion counts more than benzoyl peroxide alone, but the difference in inflammatory lesions was not significant. Because both sides received benzoyl peroxide, this trial did not test niacinamide by itself.5

Niacinamide side effects

Niacinamide is generally considered gentle, but it can rarely cause an allergic reaction, itching, mild burning or redness. If it causes a reaction, stop using it. If you are concerned about side effects, test a small amount on your forearm and wait 24 hours before using it more widely.2

If a niacinamide gel used twice daily causes excessive dryness, reduce it to once a day or every other day.1