Vitamins

Niacinamide

INCI: NIACINAMIDE · also Nicotinamide, Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3, with real skin trials behind it.

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C₆H₆N₂O122.12 g/mol

oxygennitrogencarbonhydrogen

3D shape from PubChem 936

How common

All products3.6%

In face moisturisers8.6%

In shampoos6.6%

In hair colours5.9%

527 of 14,784 products with a full ingredient list in Open Beauty Facts; No. 85 of all the names found on their labels.

What it is

A form of vitamin B3, also called nicotinamide.
2 sourcesHide

Niacinamide (aka nicotinamide)[1] US Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel · 2005 · open source
topical niacinamide (vitamin B3)[2] Study · 2005 · open source

Why it is in products

In skin care, for the effects below. On paper it is listed as a skin and hair conditioner.
SourceHide

function in cosmetics primarily as hair and skin conditioning agents[1] US Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel · 2005 · open source

What it does

At 5% for 12 weeks it improved aging facial skin: fewer fine lines and dark spots, less redness and yellowing, better elasticity (a double-blind, split-face trial in 50 women).
Good evidenceskin2 sourcesHide

applied 5% niacinamide to half of the face and its vehicle control to the other half twice daily for 12 weeks (double blind, left-right randomized)[2] Study · 2005 · open source
reductions in fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing). In addition, elasticity (as measured via cutometry) was improved.[2] Study · 2005 · open source
Fades dark spots by slowing the passage of pigment into skin cells. In an independent melasma trial, 4% niacinamide came close to 4% hydroquinone (good results in 44% vs 55% of patients), with fewer side effects (18% vs 29%).
Good evidenceskin4 sourcesHide

niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use[3] Study · 2002 · open source
works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes[3] Study · 2002 · open source
good to excellent improvement was observed with niacinamide in 44% of patients, compared to 55% with HQ[4] Study · 2011 · open source
Side effects were present in 18% with niacinamide versus 29% with HQ.[4] Study · 2011 · open source
Strengthens the skin barrier by raising its own fats (ceramides): on dry skin, it raised them and cut water loss.
Good evidenceskinSourceHide

Topical application of nicotinamide increased ceramide and free fatty acid levels in the stratum corneum, and decreased transepidermal water loss in dry skin.[5] Study · 2000 · open source

Downsides and safety

Rarely a problem: tests found no stinging up to 10% and no irritation up to 5%, and it is not an allergen. The US panel concluded it is safe as used.
Well established3 sourcesHide

Clinical testing of Niacinamide produced no stinging sensation at concentrations up to 10%, use tests produced no irritation at concentrations up to 5%[1] US Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel · 2005 · open source
Niacinamide was not a sensitizer, nor was it a photosensitizer.[1] US Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel · 2005 · open source
Both ingredients were considered safe as used in cosmetics.[1] US Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel · 2005 · open source

Where it works

In the living layer of the skin (the epidermis), where pigment passes from the cells that make it to the skin cells around them.

Good evidenceSourceHide

works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes[3] Study · 2002 · open source

Rules

European Union

No EU limit: it is not on the regulation’s lists of banned or restricted substances, preservatives or UV filters.
How we checkedHide

We searched Annexes II to VI of the EU regulation (consolidated text of 18 May 2026): no entry.open the list

United States

Not on the FDA’s list of prohibited or restricted cosmetic ingredients. In the US, cosmetics and their ingredients (other than colour additives) don’t need FDA approval before sale.
SourceHide

Under U.S. law, cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market[6] US Food and Drug Administration · open source
We searched the FDA’s list of prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients: no entry.open the list

How much is used

The trials above used 2 to 5%.
2 sourcesHide

2% niacinamide + sunscreen[3] Study · 2002 · open source
applied 5% niacinamide[2] Study · 2005 · open source

About these studies

The aging, dark-spot and barrier studies were run by companies that sell it (Procter & Gamble, Kanebo). The melasma trial came from a university hospital in Mexico.

4 sourcesHide

The Procter & Gamble Company[2] Study · 2005 · open source

Procter & Gamble Far East[3] Study · 2002 · open source

Kanebo Ltd[5] Study · 2000 · open source

Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí[4] Study · 2011 · open source

Sources

Final report of the safety assessment of niacinamide and niacin International journal of toxicology, 2005US Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel
Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance Bissett DL et al., Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 2005StudyAuthors include staff of Procter & Gamble
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer Hakozaki T et al., The British journal of dermatology, 2002StudyAuthors include staff of Procter & Gamble
A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial of Niacinamide 4% versus Hydroquinone 4% in the Treatment of Melasma Navarrete-Solís J et al., Dermatology research and practice, 2011Study
Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier Tanno O et al., The British journal of dermatology, 2000StudyAuthors include staff of Kanebo
Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetics | FDA US Food and Drug Administration

Checked against these sources on 4 November 2026. Spot a mistake? Tell us.