Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 Derivative

Also known as: Nicotinamide, Vitamin B3 amide

Description

Niacinamide is the physiologically active amide form of vitamin B3. It is a versatile, well-tolerated compound with anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating, and barrier-strengthening properties. [Draelos 2006]

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits sebocyte lipogenesis and reduces sebum production. Enhances synthesis of ceramides and other intercellular lipids, strengthening the epidermal barrier. Inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes. Suppresses NF-κB pathway activation. [Hakozaki 2002]

Indications

Available Concentrations

2%4%5%10%

Side Effects

  • Mild flushing (rare at topical doses) [Draelos]
  • Mild irritation in sensitive individuals [Draelos]

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity

Pregnancy Category

A

Found In

Cosmetics containing Niacinamide

Acnelak CL Gel (Clindamycin 1% + Nicotinamide 4%)MenariniAqualogica Radiance+ Dewy Sunscreen with Watermelon & Niacinamide SPF 50 PA++++AqualogicaAsaya Advanced Spot Pigmentation Face SerumAsayaBeauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++Beauty of JoseonCeraVe Foaming Facial CleanserCeraVe (L'Oréal)CeraVe Moisturising CreamCeraVe (L'Oréal)CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol SerumCeraVeCetaphil Gentle Skin CleanserCetaphil (Galderma)Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Lightweight SerumCetaphilChemist at Play 5% AHA + 1% BHA Body LotionChemist at PlayCipla Excela MoisturiserCipla (Rivela Dermascience)Cipla Rivela Tint Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50Cipla (Rivela Dermascience)Conscious Chemist Rapid Glow & Brightening Essence SerumConscious ChemistConscious Chemist SunProtect+ SPF 50+ PA++++ SunscreenConscious ChemistCos-IQ 10% Niacinamide Face SerumCos-IQCos-IQ 20% Niacinamide Face SerumCos-IQDeconstruct 5% Niacinamide Serum + 2% Alpha ArbutinDeconstructDeconstruct 10% Niacinamide Serum with 0.3% Alpha ArbutinDeconstructDeconstruct Pore Control Serum — 2% Salicylic Acid + 3% NiacinamideDeconstructThe Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Hydrating Gel SPF 50 PA++++The Derma CoThe Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Oil-Free Matte Gel SPF 50 PA++++The Derma CoThe Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum with Alpha ArbutinThe Derma CoThe Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face SerumThe Derma CoThe Derma Co Pore Minimizing Face SerumThe Derma CoThe Derma Co Pore Minimizing Priming Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++The Derma CoThe Derma Co Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face SerumThe Derma CoThe Derma Co 10% Vitamin C Face Serum with 5% NiacinamideThe Derma CoThe Derma Co 15% Vitamin C Face Serum with 5% NiacinamideThe Derma CoDot & Key Blueberry Hydrate 12% Barrier Boost SerumDot & KeyDot & Key CICA Calming Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Dot & KeyDot & Key 10% Glycolic Acid Glow SerumDot & KeyDot & Key 10% Niacinamide + Strawberry Brightening Face SerumDot & KeyDot & Key 2% Salicylic Acid + Cica Anti Acne SerumDot & KeyDot & Key Strawberry Dew Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Dot & KeyDot & Key 10% Vitamin C + E Serum with 5% NiacinamideDot & KeyDr. Sheth's Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++Dr. Sheth'sDr. Sheth's Gulab & 6% Glycolic Acid & 5% Niacinamide Brightening SerumDr. Sheth'sDucray Melascreen UV Light Cream SPF 50+Ducray (Pierre Fabre)Fixderma Nigrifix Cream (for Hyperpigmentation)FixdermaFoxtale Collagen-PDRN Cell Renewal SerumFoxtaleFoxtale Essentials Dewy Finish Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++FoxtaleFoxtale 5% Niacinamide Face SerumFoxtaleFoxtale 3% Tranexamic Acid Face Serum with Peptides & NiacinamideFoxtaleGarnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Booster Serum 30xGarnier (L'Oréal)Garnier Vitamin C+ Face Serum for BrighteningGarnierHyphen Brightening Face Serum 5% Niacinamide + 1% Alpha ArbutinHyphenJoy Revivify Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Joy Revivify (RSH Global)La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Anti-Acne MoisturiserLa Roche-PosayLacto Calamine 10% Niacinamide Face SerumLacto CalamineLakme Perfect Radiance SerumLakmeLakme Sun Expert 1% Nia C Water-Light Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA++++LakmeLakme Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++LakmeLoreal UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++L'Oréal ParisMamaearth Skin Correct Face Serum with Niacinamide & GingerMamaearthMamaearth Rice Water Dewy Active Serum with 10% NiacinamideMamaearthMinimalist 5% Niacinamide Face SerumMinimalistMinimalist Cream Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++MinimalistMinimalist 10% Niacinamide Face SerumMinimalistNeutrogena Ultrasheer Age Shield Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Neutrogena (Johnson & Johnson)Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting CreamOlay (Procter & Gamble)Olay Total Effects Serum with Vitamin C B5 NiacinamideOlayPilgrim 2% Alpha Arbutin & 3% Vitamin C Brightening Face SerumPilgrimPilgrim 10% Niacinamide Face SerumPilgrimPilgrim 10% Vitamin C Face SerumPilgrimPilgrim Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++PilgrimPlum 5% Niacinamide & Rice Water Beginner Friendly Face SerumPlumPlum 2% Alpha Arbutin & Hyaluronic Acid Face SerumPlumPlum 10% Niacinamide Serum with Rice WaterPlumPlum SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen with 2% NiacinamidePlumPlum 2% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Face SerumPlumPOND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Brightening SerumPOND'SPOND'S Serum Boost Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++POND'S (Unilever)Pond's Super Light Gel Oil-Free Moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin EPond's (Unilever)Re'equil Ceramide & Hyaluronic Acid MoisturiserRe'equilSuganda White Lotus Moisturiser with 5% NiacinamideSugandaSunScoop 3% Niacinamide Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++SunScoopThe Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%The Ordinary (DECIEM)VLCC 10% Azelaic Acid SerumVLCC

Related Conditions

Acne Vulgaris Sebum regulation and anti-inflammatory Rosacea Barrier repair and anti-inflammatory adjunct Melasma Inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes Atopic Dermatitis Enhances ceramide synthesis and reduces inflammation Photoaging Improves fine lines, pigmentation, and barrier function Psoriasis Anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair adjunct Seborrheic Dermatitis Anti-inflammatory and barrier support Xerosis Stimulates ceramide synthesis and improves barrier

References

  1. Draelos ZD, Ertel K, Berge C. "Niacinamide-containing facial moisturizer improves skin barrier and benefits subjects with rosacea." Cutis, 2006.
  2. Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J, et al. "The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer." Br J Dermatol, 2002. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04834.x
  3. Navarrete-Solís J, Castanedo-Cázares JP, Torres-Álvarez B, et al. "A double-blind, randomized clinical trial of niacinamide 4% versus hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of melasma." Dermatol Res Pract, 2011. doi:10.1155/2011/379173

Limitations

This page provides a general overview of Niacinamide in dermatology. It does not cover every possible use, formulation, or interaction. Individual responses to compounds vary — what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before starting or changing any treatment.