vitamin
Inhibits melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, reduces sebum production, strengthens the skin barrier via ceramide synthesis, and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects via NAD+ pathways.
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dryness | Strong | 3 | Consistent evidence that niacinamide 2-5% increases stratum corneum ceramide, free fatty acid, and cholesterol content, with measurable TEWL reduction and improved barrier function. Tanno 2000 demonstrated… |
| Dark spots & hyperpigmentation | Strong | 5 | Hakozaki 2002 (PMID 12100180) is the foundational clinical study — a Procter & Gamble-sponsored paper combining in vitro mechanism studies with two clinical trials. The first clinical arm (n=18, split-face paired… |
| Redness & sensitivity | Strong | 1 | 2% niacinamide moisturizer studies in rosacea show barrier improvement and erythema reduction. Anti-inflammatory mechanism is well-characterized. Niacinamide is one of the few actives that is broadly tolerated in… |
| Uneven tone & radiance | Strong | — | Bissett 2004/2005 split-face: 5% niacinamide significantly reduced red blotchiness and pigment spots vs vehicle — the diffuse-unevenness (tone) endpoint, distinct from discrete dark spots. |
| Acne & breakouts | Relevant | 1 | Shalita 1995 (Int J Dermatol 34:434-437) compared 4% niacinamide gel to 1% clindamycin gel in inflammatory acne; efficacy was comparable. Older study but decently designed. Niacinamide is a reasonable anti-inflammatory… |
| Dark circles | Relevant | — | Eye-cream reviews (IJWD 2024) cite niacinamide reducing periocular hyperpigmentation via melanosome-transfer inhibition. Pigmentary subtype only; modest; typically in combination. |
| Enlarged pores | Relevant | — | Pore-appearance improvement in P&G studies (mechanistically via sebum/barrier); modest. Marginal. |
| Oiliness & shine | Relevant | — | Sebum reduction at 2-4%; less rigorously measured. Marginal. |
| Post-acne marks | Relevant | — | No dedicated large PIH RCT for niacinamide alone. Mechanism (melanosome transfer inhibition) and general depigmenting evidence support use; several combination studies (niacinamide + N-acetylglucosamine per Bissett 2007… |
| Fine lines & wrinkles | Relevant | 2 | Bissett 2004 (PMID 18492135) split-face placebo-controlled RCT with n=50 female subjects aged 40-60, applying 5% niacinamide vs. vehicle for 12 weeks, demonstrated significant reductions in fine lines and wrinkles,… |
No known conflicts — Niacinamide isn’t flagged against any concern or skin condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
Niacinamide is a vitamin backed by a large, consistent body of clinical evidence (evidence tier 1 of 4). We track 10 studies for it, 9 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 2–10% in a formulation.
Antioxidants · 2021 · systematic review
Mechanistic review: niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer via PAR-2 downregulation, upregulates ceramide and fatty acid synthesis for barrier repair, and reduces TEWL; Korean government-funded with no industry conflicts; notes most clinical trials are industry-sponsored
Dermatology Research and Practice · 2011 · rct · n=27
Niacinamide 4% comparable to hydroquinone 4% for melasma treatment (MASI reduction 43% vs 55%, p=ns); niacinamide showed significantly fewer side effects (0% vs 18% irritation); independently funded with no industry involvement
Experimental Dermatology · 2005 · rct
Randomized controlled trial: Independent replication of melanosome transfer mechanism and reversibility.
International Journal of Dermatology · 1995 · rct
Randomized controlled trial (8 weeks): Acne efficacy vs topical antibiotic.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2007 · observational
Clinical study: Niacinamide plus N acetylglucosamine synergy for hyperpigmentation.
Dermatologic Surgery · 2005 · rct · n=50
Split-face RCT (n=50): 5% niacinamide moisturizer significantly reduced hyperpigmented spots, wrinkles, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness versus vehicle at 12 weeks; Procter & Gamble-funded — authors are P&G employees with financial interest in the formulation tested
+ 4 more studies in our evidence base.
In 3,187 products — most often serums (1198), moisturizers (911), sunscreens (314), from $2.51 to $833.58. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
Nip + Fab
NIP+FAB Ceramide Fix Serum 12% 50ml
Serum
$37.0850ml · $0.74/ml
Ideal for
Nip + Fab
NIP+FAB Ceramide Fix Serum 12% 50ml
Serum
$37.0850ml · $0.74/ml
Ideal for
NIP+FAB Ceramide Fix Serum 12% 50ml is a brightening serum by Nip + Fab. Key ingredients include Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin.
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SkinMedica
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 (1 fl. oz.)
Serum
$96.0029.6ml · $3.25/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 (1 fl. oz.)
Serum
$96.0029.6ml · $3.25/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 (1 fl. oz.) is a retinoid treatment by SkinMedica. Key ingredients include Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin.
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Vichy
Vichy Mineral 89 72H Hyaluronic Acid Daily Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream 50ml
Sunscreen
$26.4250ml · $0.53/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Vichy
Vichy Mineral 89 72H Hyaluronic Acid Daily Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream 50ml
Sunscreen
$26.4250ml · $0.53/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Vichy Mineral 89 72H Hyaluronic Acid Daily Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream 50ml is a sunscreen by Vichy. Key ingredients include Alcohol Denat, Silica, Isopropyl Myristate.
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Vichy
VICHY Capital Soleil UV Age Daily SPF 50+ Invisible Sun Cream with Niacinamide 40ml
Sunscreen
$23.3740ml · $0.58/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Vichy
VICHY Capital Soleil UV Age Daily SPF 50+ Invisible Sun Cream with Niacinamide 40ml
Sunscreen
$23.3740ml · $0.58/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
VICHY Capital Soleil UV Age Daily SPF 50+ Invisible Sun Cream with Niacinamide 40ml is a sunscreen by Vichy. Key ingredients include Alcohol Denat, Silica, Isopropyl Myristate.
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SkinMedica
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.25 (1 fl. oz.)
Serum
$64.0029.6ml · $2.16/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.25 (1 fl. oz.)
Serum
$64.0029.6ml · $2.16/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.25 (1 fl. oz.) is a retinoid treatment by SkinMedica. Key ingredients include Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Squalane.
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COSRX
COSRX Master Patch X-Large (10 Pack)
Serum
$27.93
Ideal for
COSRX
COSRX Master Patch X-Large (10 Pack)
Serum
$27.93
Ideal for
COSRX Master Patch X-Large (10 Pack) is a brightening serum by COSRX. Key ingredients include Niacinamide.
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Lancaster
Lancaster Sun Perfect Sun Illuminating Cream SPF 50 50ml
Sunscreen
$40.6450ml · $0.81/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancaster
Lancaster Sun Perfect Sun Illuminating Cream SPF 50 50ml
Sunscreen
$40.6450ml · $0.81/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancaster Sun Perfect Sun Illuminating Cream SPF 50 50ml is a sunscreen by Lancaster. Key ingredients include Avobenzone, Alcohol Denat, Bemotrizinol.
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Caudalie
Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Serum with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid 30ml
Serum – for Dryness, Dark spots & hyperpigmentation
$107.9530ml · $3.60/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caudalie
Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Serum with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid 30ml
Serum – for Dryness, Dark spots & hyperpigmentation
$107.9530ml · $3.60/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Serum with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid 30ml is a peptide serum by Caudalie. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Propanediol, Niacinamide.
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La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser (Various Sizes)
Cleanser
$17.99
Ideal for
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser (Various Sizes)
Cleanser
$17.99
Ideal for
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser (Various Sizes) is a water cleanser by La Roche-Posay. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide.
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Omorovicza
Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C Serum 30ml
Serum
$146.0530ml · $4.87/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Omorovicza
Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C Serum 30ml
Serum
$146.0530ml · $4.87/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C Serum 30ml is a brightening serum by Omorovicza. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Propanediol.
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Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.