Ingredient Library
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide)
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, strengthens the skin barrier, refines the look of pores, and evens tone. Gentle and versatile, it suits every skin type.
A natural history
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, and its discovery is tied to pellagra, a once-deadly disease of poor, corn-heavy diets whose first sign was a rough, sun-sensitive rash, the symptom that gave the illness its name from old words for rough skin. After early-twentieth-century work proved pellagra was about diet rather than infection, scientists in 1937 pinned down the missing nutrient, vitamin B3. There is even a memorable footnote: when flour was first enriched with it, headlines fretted about a chemical relative of nicotine, so the friendlier name niacin was coined to calm the public.
The vitamin occurs naturally in foods like meat, fish, grains, and legumes, and the body can even make it from an amino acid. Its leap into skincare came once researchers found it did far more than prevent a deficiency, going on to become one of the most versatile and best-tolerated ingredients on a label.
What it does for your skin
Niacinamide earns its multitasker reputation. A landmark study found that topical niacinamide boosts the skin's own production of ceramides and barrier lipids while reducing water loss, which is why it is so associated with a stronger-looking skin barrier.[1] In a twelve-week facial study it was also linked to the look of more even tone, with fewer spots and less sallowness and blotchiness.[2] That blend of barrier support and even tone is why it shows up in so many routines.
References
[1] Tanno O, Ota Y, Kitamura N, Katsube T, Inoue S. Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier. Br J Dermatol. 2000;143(3):524-531. doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2000.03705.x
[2] Bissett DL, Miyamoto K, Sun P, Li J, Berge CA. Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2004;26(5):231-238. doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2004.00228.x
Found in these formulas
Questions, answered
It is a multitasker, valued for evening the look of tone, supporting the skin barrier, and calming the look of redness.
Yes. It is one of the best-tolerated active ingredients and pairs easily with others, including hyaluronic acid.
It is often chosen for the look of refined, less shiny skin, which suits oily and congested skin.
Our Vitamin B Intensive Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum.