Active ingredient

Niacinamide

INCINiacinamide

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. 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

12 weeksFine lines, spots and sallowness improved vs vehicleA double-blind split-face trial by the moisturiser's maker, in 50 women with photoaged facial skin: a niacinamide moisturiser used twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines, spots, red blotchiness and sallowness versus its vehicle.Read the study →Dermatol Surg 2005 (Bissett, Oblong, Berge)
up to 5.5×In cultured skin cells: more ceramide synthesisIn cultured human skin cells, niacinamide raised ceramide synthesis 4.1 to 5.5-fold over 6 days. Applied to dry skin, it raised ceramides and fatty acids in the outer layer and lowered water loss; the abstract gives no figures for that.Read the study →Br J Dermatol 2000 (Tanno)

Where it helps