Niacinamide

Niacinamide: The multitasking skincare ingredient for radiant skin

Niacinamide, or nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that’s become a favourite in skincare for conditions such as acne or ageing skin, due to its ability to support moisture and oil balance.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide is found in many foods, both as a naturally occurring form of vitamin B3 or through conversion from the amino acid tryptophan. It’s found naturally in fish, grains, nuts, and legumes (1).

It’s a nutrient that’s essential for energy metabolism, maintaining healthy cells, and proper nervous system function.

In skincare formulas, it supports the skin’s barrier, helps lock in moisture, and works well with most other ingredients, which is why you’ll find it in so many products.

Benefits of niacinamide

Niacinamide is considered one of those ingredients that does a bit of everything for the skin.

Supports the moisture barrier: Niacinamide helps the skin stay hydrated by encouraging the production of ceramides (these are the natural lipids that keep the barrier strong). As such, a well-supported barrier holds onto moisture more effectively, reducing dryness and leaving the skin feeling more supple (2).

It also limits water loss through the skin’s surface, which keeps it plump. Over time, this can make the skin look more even and refined in texture.

Balances oil production: For those with oily or combination skin, niacinamide helps regulate how much sebum the skin produces (3). This way, it can reduce shine and make pores appear minimised.

This steady control of oil also helps keep the skin clearer and less prone to congestion in people with conditions such as acne.

Calms and soothes the skin: Known for its naturally soothing properties, niacinamide helps ease redness and irritation while supporting a more balanced complexion (4).

Its calming effect makes it especially useful for skin that feels sensitive, flushed, or prone to breakouts.

Improves overall tone and texture: Consistent use of niacinamide can help fade dark spots and areas of uneven tone. It slows the transfer of pigment within the skin, which helps reduce visible discolouration over time (5).

Protects against environmental stress: Niacinamide also has antioxidant qualities that help defend the skin against everyday stressors, such as pollution and UV exposure (6). Via the skin’s natural repair processes, it helps support and maintain firmness, whilst reducing the appearance that comes with signs of early ageing.

How to use niacinamide

Niacinamide fits easily into a skincare routine. It can be used once or twice a day, either before or mixed with your moisturiser.

It works well with most common skincare ingredients, including hydrating and brightening products. That said, if your skin is sensitive, patch-testing a small area first is always a good idea.

Safety

This ingredient is known for being gentle and consistent, and most people can use it without any issues, whether their skin is dry, oily, or somewhere in between. Don’t use it if you have a known sensitivity to this ingredient.