Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3. It is one of the most popular skincare ingredients because it is effective, gentle, and suitable for almost all skin types.

• Appearance: white powder or liquid (in solutions)
• Solubility: water-soluble
• Very stable compared to many vitamins

What Is Niacinamide Used For?

 Skincare & Cosmetics (Main Use)

• Brightens skin and evens skin tone
• Reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation
• Controls oil production
• Minimizes the look of pores
• Strengthens the skin barrier
• Calms redness, acne, and irritation
• Supports anti-aging

Used in:

• Serums
• Creams & lotions
• Toners
• Soaps and masks

 Health & Nutrition

• Supports energy metabolism
• Helps maintain healthy skin and nerves
• Used in supplements (different dose than skincare)

How It Works

Niacinamide helps skin by:

• Improving the skin’s natural barrier
• Reducing inflammation
• Slowing the transfer of melanin (dark pigment)
• Helping skin produce ceramides (moisture-holding fats)

This results in stronger, brighter, calmer skin.

How Niacinamide Is Used

In skincare products

• Typical concentration: 2% – 10%
• 2–5% → gentle, daily use
• 10% → stronger, targeted treatment
• Can be used morning and night

Formulation tips

• Works well with:
• Hyaluronic acid
• Zinc
• Tranexamic acid
• Avoid mixing with very low-pH vitamin C in the same formula

Safety and Caution

• Very safe and well-tolerated
• High concentrations may cause temporary tingling or flushing
• Always do a patch test
• Suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin
• Safe during pregnancy (topical use)

Niacinamide vs Niacin

• Niacinamide: gentle, no flushing, skincare-friendly
• Niacin (nicotinic acid): causes flushing, not used in skincare