Visible signs of aging and a more even skin tone
Clinical trialFewer fine lines and spots, less diffuse redness and sallowness, better elasticity than with placebo2.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Niacinamide, or nicotinamide, is the amide form of vitamin B3. Water-soluble and well tolerated, it is studied in cosmetics for supporting the skin barrier1, evening out skin tone23 and reducing the shiny look of skin4, most often at 2 to 5% in clinical trials.
Niacinamide at a glance
Entry from our cosmetic ingredient glossary. Regulatory data from the European Commission's CosIng database5, safety according to the CIR expert panel6. Copy the identifiers in one click for your files.
- INCI name
- NIACINAMIDE
- Other names
- NicotinamideVitamin B3 (amide form), 3-pyridinecarboxamide
- CAS number
- 98-92-0
- EC number
- 202-713-4
- Formula
- C₆H₆N₂OMolar mass 122.12 g/mol
- CosIng function
- SmoothingFunction name as listed in the European CosIng database
- Appearance
- White crystalline powderVery soluble in water, formulated in the water phase
- EU status
- No restrictionNot listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009
- Allergen to declare
- No
- Safety
- Judged safe in cosmeticsCIR panel conclusion under conditions of use6
What the research says
Each result shows the protocol and the level of evidence. The higher the level, the better the result carries over to a finished formula.
Clinical trialReview or consensusLaboratory
Facial skinSkincare
Dark spots less visible in 4 weeks
Clinical trialLower hyperpigmentation in two trials run in Japan. In the lab, niacinamide cut melanosome transfer to surface cells by 35 to 68%3.
Less shiny skin
Clinical trialIn Japanese volunteers, the sebum excretion rate dropped from week 2. In European volunteers, the effect concerned surface sebum rather than excretion: the result depends on the skin types studied4.
Stronger skin barrier
LaboratoryNiacinamide multiplied the synthesis of ceramides, key barrier lipids, by 4 to 5.5. Applied to the skin, it increased stratum corneum ceramides and reduced water loss1.
BodyBodycare
More comfortable dry body skin
Clinical trialCompared with six other body lotions, the two niacinamide and glycerin formulas gave the biggest improvement in visible dryness, hydration and skin water loss8.
Scalp and hairHaircare
Healthier-looking scalp, less hair shedding
Clinical trialA combination of niacinamide, panthenol, caffeine, piroctone olamine and zinc improved scalp condition and reduced hair shedding. The effect of niacinamide on its own was not isolated: evidence for the single active remains limited9.
What dermatologists sayDermatology
Recommended for redness and dark spots
Expert consensusNiacinamide is one of the 23 cosmetic ingredients recommended by the panel, for redness and brown spots10.
A NAD+ precursor, at the heart of cell energy
ReviewThe reviews describe niacinamide as a precursor of NAD+, a coenzyme in energy metabolism and in the antioxidant defense of skin cells. This explains the variety of effects observed111213.
Skin penetration and delivery
ReviewA small, water-soluble molecule, niacinamide crosses the stratum corneum. This review covers the formulation strategies that improve its diffusion into the skin7.
This page summarizes published literature on a cosmetic ingredient. It does not describe the effect of a finished product, which depends on its formula, and it is not medical advice. Several of the clinical trials cited were run or funded by cosmetics companies; this is indicated in the sources.
Concentrations used in studies
The clinical trials cited test niacinamide between 2 and 5%. The final concentration of a formula is set with the formulator, depending on the desired effect, the format and the target tolerance.
Which products use niacinamide?
Our white label catalog includes 59 formulas with niacinamide: the key active in 18 of them, a supporting ingredient in the others. Every category can be customized (formula, fragrance, packaging).
34Face
Key active in serums and toners, barrier support in cleansers, masks and creams.
13Body
Comfort for dry skin in body lotions and washes, also found in sun care and intimate care.
12Hair
Scalp care in serums, sprays and scrubs, supporting active in shampoos and conditioners.
Niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol or hyaluronic acid?
Four actives often compared when choosing the hero of a range. They do not exclude each other and are often combined in the same routine.
| Niacinamide | Vitamin C | Retinol | Hyaluronic acid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main role | Barrier, skin tone, shine | Radiance, antioxidant protection | Skin texture, fine lines | Surface hydration |
| When | Morning and evening | Often in the morning | In the evening | Morning and evening |
| In the formula | Stable, easy to formulate in the water phase | Oxidizes with air and light, needs protective packaging | Sensitive to light and oxidation | Stable, molecular weight changes the feel |
| EU regulation | No restriction5 | No restriction for ascorbic acid | Concentration limited since Regulation (EU) 2024/99614 | No restriction |
| Who it suits | General public, sensitive skin included | Dull skin | Experienced users, gradual introduction | All skin types |
Frequently asked questions about niacinamide
What is niacinamide?
It is the amide form of vitamin B3, a white powder that dissolves in water. In cosmetics, it is used for the skin barrier, an even skin tone and the shiny look of skin. It is not an acid: the name "niacinamide acid" is a mix-up with nicotinic acid, another form of vitamin B3.
Are niacinamide and nicotinamide the same thing?
Yes. Both names describe the same molecule (CAS 98-92-0). "Niacinamide" is the INCI name that appears on cosmetic labels, "nicotinamide" the chemical and pharmaceutical name.
What percentage of niacinamide should you use?
Published clinical trials use 2 to 5%. A higher concentration does not necessarily bring more effect and can reduce comfort on reactive skin. The dose of a product is set with the formulator, depending on the format and the target.
Can you use niacinamide with vitamin C?
Yes, it is a common pairing, including in the same formula. As with any combination of actives, the stability of the final formula is checked through lab testing.
Can you use niacinamide with retinol?
Yes. The two actives often appear in the same routines, with niacinamide valued for skin comfort. Retinol remains subject to a concentration limit in the EU.
Should you use niacinamide in the morning or at night?
Both work. Niacinamide is not photosensitizing. In the studies cited, products were applied once or twice a day.
Is niacinamide safe, and does it have side effects?
The CIR expert panel judges it safe under conditions of cosmetic use, and it is not restricted in the EU. Temporary redness or tingling is sometimes reported, mostly at high concentrations. During pregnancy, as with any skincare product, a healthcare professional's advice remains the rule.
Can you manufacture a niacinamide serum for my brand?
Yes. Our ISO 22716 certified lab offers 59 niacinamide formulas (serums, toners, creams, body and hair care) that you can customize, or a custom formula. Samples are free.
Sources
Peer-reviewed studies and official regulatory sources, checked on November 2, 2026.
- Tanno O, Ota Y, Kitamura N, et al. 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:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2000.03705.x
- Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. Niacinamide: a B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):860-865. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732Procter & Gamble
- 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;147(1):20-31. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04834.xProcter & Gamble
- Draelos ZD, Matsubara A, Smiles K. The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2006;8(2):96-101. doi:10.1080/14764170600717704
- European Commission. CosIng, entry NIACINAMIDE (CAS 98-92-0, EC 202-713-4). ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Final report of the safety assessment of niacinamide and niacin. Int J Toxicol. 2005;24 Suppl 5:1-31. doi:10.1080/10915810500434183
- Ong RR, Goh CF. Niacinamide: a review on dermal delivery strategies and clinical evidence. Drug Deliv Transl Res. 2024;14(12):3512-3548. doi:10.1007/s13346-024-01593-y
- Christman JC, Fix DK, Lucus SC, et al. Two randomized, controlled, comparative studies of the stratum corneum integrity benefits of two cosmetic niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers vs. conventional body moisturizers. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(1):22-29. PMID 22206073Procter & Gamble
- Davis MG, Piliang MP, Bergfeld WF, et al. Scalp application of antioxidants improves scalp condition and reduces hair shedding in a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021;43 Suppl 1:S14-S25. doi:10.1111/ics.12734Procter & Gamble
- Alvarez GV, Kang BY, Richmond AM, et al. Skincare ingredients recommended by cosmetic dermatologists: a Delphi consensus study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2025;93(6):1509-1525. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2025.04.021
- Boo YC. Mechanistic basis and clinical evidence for the applications of nicotinamide (niacinamide) to control skin aging and pigmentation. Antioxidants. 2021;10(8):1315. doi:10.3390/antiox10081315
- Marques C, Hadjab F, Porcello A, et al. Mechanistic insights into the multiple functions of niacinamide: therapeutic implications and cosmeceutical applications in functional skincare products. Antioxidants. 2024;13(4):425. doi:10.3390/antiox13040425
- Wohlrab J, Kreft D. Niacinamide: mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(6):311-315. doi:10.1159/000359974
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996 of 3 April 2024 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (vitamin A, alpha-arbutin, arbutin and other substances). eur-lex.europa.eu
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