Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Written by Clelia Gakshteyn, Licensed Esthetician · Reviewed for accuracy before publication · Updated July 2026

Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a gentle, water-soluble active found in many serums and moisturizers. It supports the skin barrier and helps soften the look of redness, visible pores, and uneven tone, while helping regulate the look of excess oil. Typically used at 4–10%, it is very widely tolerated across skin types.

How Niacinamide works

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that skin cells use to make energy-carrying molecules involved in barrier function. In practice, it appears to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier, help calm the look of redness, and moderate visible oil, which together make tone and pores look more even and refined over time.

Your skin naturally uses vitamin B3 as a building block for the coenzymes that power cell metabolism. When applied topically as niacinamide, it appears to support the production of barrier lipids like ceramides, which help skin hold onto water and stay comfortable. A stronger-feeling barrier is often why skin looks calmer and less reactive.

Niacinamide also seems to influence how much oil sits on the surface and how even skin tone looks. By moderating the appearance of shine and supporting a more uniform-looking complexion, it can make pores look less noticeable and overall tone look more even, though changes are gradual rather than dramatic.

What the evidence says

The evidence for niacinamide is encouraging but should be read with caution. Multiple small studies, mostly at around 4–5%, suggest it supports barrier function and the look of uneven tone and oiliness. Results vary by formula, concentration, and person, and most trials are modest in size, so treat findings as supportive rather than definitive.

Several small dermatology studies over the past two decades have looked at topical niacinamide, typically at 2–5%, and reported improvements in the appearance of skin tone, the look of visible pores, and surface oil, along with signs of better barrier hydration. These were mostly small, relatively short trials, and effect sizes were modest, so they point in a promising direction rather than proving a fixed outcome.

Because niacinamide is usually one active among several in a finished product, it can be hard to isolate exactly how much it contributes. The broad, consistent pattern across independent studies is what makes it a well-regarded, widely tolerated ingredient, but individual results still depend on the specific formula and your skin.

Sources: Independent dermatology studies of topical niacinamide have reported improvements in the appearance of skin tone and surface oil (small samples; results vary).; A separate controlled study reported better barrier hydration and a calmer-looking complexion in a niacinamide group versus vehicle.. Individual results vary; this is educational, not medical advice.

Who it suits, and who should skip

Niacinamide suits almost everyone. Because it is gentle and non-acidic, it works well for sensitive and redness-prone skin, oily and blemish-prone skin that wants oil looking more balanced, and anyone targeting the look of uneven tone or visible pores. It layers easily into most routines and rarely causes irritation at moderate strengths.

How to use Niacinamide

Use niacinamide at 4–10%, once or twice daily, in the morning, evening, or both. A 5% concentration is a well-tolerated sweet spot; 10%+ is stronger and can flush the most reactive skin, so start lower if unsure. Apply it after cleansing and any water-based serums, then layer moisturizer and sunscreen on top.

Niacinamide is one of the easiest actives to layer: apply it to clean skin after any thin, water-based serums and before richer creams and oils. It pairs comfortably with most other ingredients, including vitamin C and retinoids, and in the morning it sits neatly under sunscreen, which should always go on last. As with any new product, patch-test on the inner forearm or behind the ear for a couple of days first, and if your skin is very reactive, begin at a lower percentage and build up as it adjusts.

Pairs well & don’t-combine

Niacinamide is a team player and pairs well with nearly everything. It sits happily alongside hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinoids, and exfoliating acids, and can even help buffer the dryness some of those cause. There are no true conflicts to fear; the only rule is to introduce strong actives one at a time so your skin can adjust.

Verdicts describe general formulation compatibility for most skin, not medical guidance. When in doubt, introduce one active at a time and patch-test.

Best Niacinamide products

If you are ready to choose a product, our roundup of the best niacinamide serums for sensitive skin walks through gentle, well-formulated options at beginner-friendly strengths. It highlights textures that layer easily and formulas chosen for calm, redness-prone skin, so you can match a serum to your routine with confidence.

See the full breakdown: Best niacinamide serums for sensitive skin — our estheticians’ picks, own-brand first, with honest tradeoffs on each.

Frequently asked questions

What percentage of niacinamide should I use?

For most people, 4–5% is the sweet spot: effective and very well tolerated. Concentrations of 10% or more are stronger and can cause a brief flush in the most reactive skin, so start lower and build up only if your skin stays comfortable. Higher is not automatically better.

Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?

Yes. The claim that they cancel each other out is based on outdated lab conditions and does not apply to modern, stabilized formulas. Layered together, they make a popular, comfortable daytime pairing; if your skin is very sensitive, you can still use one in the morning and one at night.

Should I use niacinamide in the morning or at night?

Either, or both. Niacinamide is stable and non-photosensitizing, so it works well in the morning under sunscreen and in the evening under moisturizer. Using it twice daily is fine for most skin once you know you tolerate it.

Does niacinamide help with redness and pores?

By supporting the skin barrier and moderating surface oil, niacinamide often makes skin look calmer and pores appear less noticeable over several weeks. It’s one of the more reliably tolerated actives, so most people can use it daily without a fuss.

Can you use too much niacinamide?

Very high percentages layered on repeatedly can cause a temporary flush or mild irritation in the most reactive skin, though this is uncommon at typical strengths. There is little benefit to going above roughly 10%, so if you notice tightness or warmth, drop to a lower percentage or use it less often.

Can I use niacinamide with retinol?

Yes, and they pair nicely. Niacinamide can help buffer the dryness and tightness a retinoid sometimes causes, making the two comfortable to use together. If your skin is still adjusting to retinol, apply niacinamide first or use them at different times of day.

How long does niacinamide take to work?

Give it time. Most appearance-related changes, like more even-looking tone and less visible shine, tend to show over roughly 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Barrier comfort can feel better sooner, but patience and consistency matter more than any single application.