Active ingredient

Niacinamide

INCINiacinamide

2% to 10%Typical concentration

Last reviewed by BIOSAR Scientific Team, PharmD, Cosmetic Chemistry, Pharmacy practice on April 28, 2026.

What it is

Niacinamide is the amide form of vitamin B3 used in skincare to strengthen the skin barrier, regulate sebum, and visibly even tone. It works by supporting ceramide synthesis, inhibiting melanin transfer to keratinocytes, and reducing inflammatory cytokine activity. Effective at 2% to 10%; 4% to 5% suits most routines. Pairs well with most actives, including retinol, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and modern stable forms of vitamin C.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Safe

Considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Niacinamide is an endogenous B-vitamin metabolite. Mother to Baby, ACOG, and Trivedi et al. (2017) classify topical use as safe in pregnancy and lactation.

Mechanism in detail

What Niacinamide does

Vitamin B3. Strengthens the skin barrier, helps calm visible redness, and supports balanced sebum. Multi-benefit active suitable for most skin types including sensitive.

Evidence

What the research says

−62%Fades stubborn dark patches by up to 62%In an 8-week split-face trial in melasma, 4% niacinamide cut the MASI pigmentation score by 62% — comparable to hydroquinone but with fewer side effects. Good-to-excellent improvement was seen on 44% of the niacinamide-treated sides.Read the study →Dermatol Res Pract 2011 (Navarrete-Solís)
5.5×Rebuilds the barrier's own ceramides up to 5.5×Niacinamide drives the skin's own barrier-lipid factory: ceramide biosynthesis rose dose-dependently by up to 5.5-fold over six days. Topically, it raised stratum-corneum ceramides and fatty acids and lowered water loss in dry skin.Read the study →Br J Dermatol 2000 (Tanno)