Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that is widely used in skincare products. It is commonly included in serums, moisturizers and other topical skincare products because it can support the skin barrier and may help with concerns such as excess oil, uneven-looking skin tone and visible signs of skin aging.
If you're considering adding niacinamide to your skincare routine, understanding what it does, how to use it and how to introduce it gradually can help you build a simple routine.
Quick Answer: What Does Niacinamide Do?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used in skincare to support the skin barrier, help manage excess oil, and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, pigmentation and skin texture. It is commonly found in serums, moisturizers and other topical skincare products.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is the water-soluble form of vitamin B3, also known as nicotinamide. In skincare, it is used as a topical ingredient in products such as serums, creams and moisturizers.
Research on topical niacinamide has examined several potential skin benefits, including supporting the skin barrier, reducing water loss from the skin and improving the appearance of pigmentation, redness, texture and signs of aging.
What Are the Benefits of Niacinamide for Skin?
Supports the Skin Barrier
A healthy skin barrier helps the skin retain moisture and protect itself from external irritants. Topical niacinamide has been studied for its ability to improve skin barrier function and hydration.
May Help Control Excess Oil
Niacinamide has been studied for its effect on facial sebum production. Some research has found that topical niacinamide may help reduce excess oil and facial shine.
Helps Improve the Appearance of Uneven Skin Tone
Topical niacinamide has been studied for its effect on pigmentation and uneven-looking skin tone. Some clinical studies have reported improvements in the appearance of hyperpigmented spots and overall complexion.
May Improve the Appearance of Skin Texture
Research has also examined topical niacinamide for visible signs of skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, texture and blotchiness.
Who Can Use Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is used in many types of skincare products and is generally considered a well-tolerated topical ingredient.
However, every person's skin is different. A product can still cause irritation or an allergic reaction depending on its formulation and the individual using it.
If you have sensitive skin, introducing one new product at a time and testing it on a small area first can help you identify potential reactions. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends testing new skincare products on small areas of skin before applying them more broadly.
How Should You Use a Niacinamide Serum?
A simple routine can help you introduce a niacinamide serum without unnecessarily complicating your skincare routine.
A typical order is:
Cleanser → Niacinamide Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen during the daytime
After cleansing, apply the niacinamide serum according to the product's instructions. Follow with moisturizer. During the day, finish with sunscreen.
If you're introducing a new skincare product, start with one new product at a time rather than changing several products simultaneously.
Can You Use Niacinamide Every Day?
Many topical niacinamide products are designed for regular use, but the appropriate frequency depends on the specific product formulation and your skin.
Follow the instructions provided with the product. If your skin becomes irritated, stop using the product and reassess your routine.
Can Niacinamide Cause Side Effects?
Niacinamide is generally well tolerated when used topically, but skincare products can cause irritation in some people.
Possible signs of a reaction can include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Burning or stinging
- Dryness
- Swelling
If a new skincare product causes a significant reaction, wash it off and discontinue use. If a new skincare product causes a severe reaction that does not improve, consult a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional.
How Should Beginners Introduce Niacinamide?
If you are new to niacinamide, there is no need to add several new products at once.
Start with one niacinamide product and follow its instructions. Consider testing it on a small area of skin before applying it more widely.
If your skin tolerates the product, you can continue using it according to the product instructions.
Introducing products gradually makes it easier to identify which product may be responsible if irritation occurs.
Can Niacinamide Be Used With Other Skincare Ingredients?
Niacinamide is commonly included in routines alongside other skincare ingredients. However, using too many active products at the same time can make it harder to identify what is irritating your skin.
A simple routine is often easier to manage:
Morning: Cleanser → Niacinamide → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
Night: Cleanser → Niacinamide → Moisturizer
If you are already using strong active ingredients such as exfoliating acids or retinoids, introduce changes gradually rather than adding multiple new products at once.
Niacinamide vs Vitamin C
Niacinamide and Vitamin C are different skincare ingredients with different properties.
Niacinamide is commonly used for supporting the skin barrier, managing excess oil and improving the appearance of uneven skin tone.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant ingredient commonly used in skincare products designed to improve the appearance of dullness and uneven skin tone.
You don't necessarily need both. Your choice should depend on your skincare goals, the products you already use and how your skin responds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is niacinamide good for beginners?
Niacinamide is commonly used in skincare and is generally well tolerated as a topical ingredient. Beginners should still introduce new products gradually and follow the product's instructions.
Can niacinamide help with dark spots?
Research has found that topical niacinamide may improve the appearance of hyperpigmented spots and uneven-looking skin tone. Results vary between individuals and products.
Can niacinamide help oily skin?
Topical niacinamide has been studied for its ability to reduce facial sebum production, which may help with excess oil and shine.
Should I use niacinamide in the morning or at night?
Niacinamide can be incorporated into either a morning or evening skincare routine, depending on the product instructions. If used during the day, sunscreen should remain part of your routine.
Can niacinamide irritate sensitive skin?
Although niacinamide is generally well tolerated, any skincare product can potentially cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Testing a new product on a small area first can help identify potential reactions.
Do I need niacinamide and Vitamin C?
No. You do not necessarily need both. Choose products based on your skincare concerns and keep your routine simple enough that you can identify how your skin responds.
PREPP'D Niacinamide Serum
PREPP'D Niacinamide Serum is a 30 ml facial serum formulated with 10% niacinamide, 1% zinc, 1% hyaluronic acid and 5% Matrixyl 3000. It is designed for use in an everyday skincare routine and is positioned around concerns such as dark spots, dull-looking skin, excess oil and visible signs of aging.
Learn more about the PREPP'D Niacinamide Serum, including its ingredients, directions and current availability.
Final Thoughts
Niacinamide is a versatile skincare ingredient that has been studied for several cosmetic and dermatological uses, including supporting the skin barrier, managing excess oil and improving the appearance of uneven skin tone and visible signs of aging.
For beginners, the most practical approach is to keep your routine simple, introduce one new product at a time and follow the instructions provided with the product.
If you experience a significant or persistent skin reaction, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Sources
American Academy of Dermatology — How to Test Skin Care Products
DermNet — Nicotinamide
American Academy of Dermatology — How to Maximize Results From Anti-Aging Skin Care Products
