Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a multi-functional skincare ingredient prized for its ability to brighten, strengthen, and balance the skin. It is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the skin’s natural processes to improve hydration, reduce inflammation, minimize pores, and regulate oil production, making it suitable for all skin types—including sensitive, acne-prone, and aging skin.

Key Benefits of Niacinamide:

1. Brightens Skin and Reduces Hyperpigmentation
   Niacinamide inhibits melanin transfer, helping to fade dark spots, sun damage, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This makes it a popular ingredient in brightening treatments and products aimed at evening out skin tone.
2. Strengthens the Skin Barrier
   By boosting the production of ceramides and lipids, niacinamide reinforces the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss (transepidermal water loss or TEWL) and improving overall skin resilience. This is particularly beneficial for those with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
3. Reduces Redness and Inflammation
   Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide helps calm irritated skin, making it effective for redness, acne, and sensitive skin conditions. It also soothes rosacea-prone skin by reducing flushing and inflammation.
4. Regulates Oil Production and Minimizes Pores
   Niacinamide helps control sebum (oil) production, which can reduce clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts. Over time, it also improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, making it an excellent ingredient for oily and acne-prone skin.
5. Boosts Collagen and Fights Fine Lines
   Studies have shown that niacinamide stimulates collagen synthesis, improving skin elasticity and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. This makes it a great addition to anti-aging formulations that focus on maintaining firm, youthful skin.

How to Use Niacinamide in Skincare

Niacinamide is commonly found in serums, moisturizers, toners, and even sunscreens, often at concentrations of 2% to 10%. It pairs well with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, barrier-strengthening ceramides, and brightening agents like vitamin C.

Because it is gentle and non-irritating, niacinamide can be used daily, both morning and night, and is suitable for all skin types. It is an excellent multi-tasking ingredient that addresses multiple skin concerns at once, making it a staple in modern skincare routines.

Niacinamide (Wikipedia)

Nicotinamide (INN, BAN UK) or niacinamide (USAN US) is a form of vitamin B₃ found in food and used as a dietary supplement and medication. As a supplement, it is used orally (swallowed by mouth) to prevent and treat pellagra (niacin deficiency). While nicotinic acid (niacin) may be used for this purpose, nicotinamide has the benefit of not causing skin flushing. As a cream, it is used to treat acne, and has been observed in clinical studies to improve the appearance of aging skin by reducing hyperpigmentation and redness. It is a water-soluble vitamin.

Nicotinamide

Clinical data
Pronunciation	/ˌnaɪəˈsɪnəmaɪd/, /ˌnɪkəˈtɪnəmaɪd/
Other names	NAM, 3-pyridinecarboxamide niacinamide (USAN US) nicotinic acid amide vitamin PP nicotinic amide vitamin B3
AHFS/Drugs.com	Consumer Drug Information
License data	US DailyMed: Niacinamide
Routes of administration	oral, topical
ATC code	A11HA01 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	US: OTC
Identifiers
IUPAC name pyridine-3-carboxamide
CAS Number	98-92-0  Y
PubChem CID	936
DrugBank	DB02701
ChemSpider	911
UNII	25X51I8RD4
KEGG	D00036
ChEBI	CHEBI:17154
ChEMBL	ChEMBL1140
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID2020929
ECHA InfoCard	100.002.467
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C6H6N2O
Molar mass	122.127 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
Density	1.40 g/cm3 g/cm3
Melting point	129.5 °C (265.1 °F)
Boiling point	334 °C (633 °F)
SMILES c1cc(cnc1)C(=O)N
InChI InChI=1S/C6H6N2O/c7-6(9)5-2-1-3-8-4-5/h1-4H,(H2,7,9) Key:DFPAKSUCGFBDDF-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Side effects are minimal. At high doses, liver problems may occur. Normal amounts are safe for use during pregnancy. Nicotinamide is in the vitamin B family of medications, specifically the vitamin B₃ complex. It is an amide of nicotinic acid. Foods that contain nicotinamide include yeast, meat, milk, and green vegetables.

Nicotinamide was discovered between 1935 and 1937. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Nicotinamide is available as a generic medication and over the counter. Commercially, nicotinamide is made from either nicotinic acid (niacin) or nicotinonitrile. In some countries, grains have nicotinamide added to them.