Niacinamide
INCI: Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 that can help even out skin tone and make fine lines less visible
Good evidence: randomised trials
At a glance
- Suits
- All skin types
- Helps with
- Pigment spots, Fine lines, Blotchy redness, Oily skin, Dry skin
- Pairs well with
- Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin C
- Found in
- 14 ECOOKING products
What can niacinamide help with?
Pigment spots
A cream with 5 % niacinamide reduced pigmentation after four weeks compared with the same cream without it.[3]
Fine lines
In two placebo-controlled studies, 4–5 % niacinamide made fine lines less visible after 8–12 weeks.[1][2]
Blotchy redness
In a 12-week study, skin became less blotchy and red with 5 % niacinamide.[2]
How it works
How to use it
- Use your niacinamide product on cleansed skin, morning and evening.
- Can be combined with hyaluronic acid, retinol and vitamin C.
- Use sunscreen during the day to limit new sun-induced pigment spots.
Products with niacinamide
CC Cream SPF 15
Fragrance-free CC cream, day cream and sun protection factor 15 in one, which...
Primer
Fragrance-free makeup primer in three variants: green for redness, peach for ...
Pigmentation Serum
Fragrance-free serum for pigmentation spots with niacinamide and vitamin C, w...
Pigmentation Cream SPF 30
Fragrance-free cream for pigmentation spots with SPF 30 that makes pigmentati...
Cleansing Mousse
Gentle, fragrance-free cleansing mousse for mature and sensitive skin that re...
Body Lotion
Body lotion for dry skin that deeply moisturises, smooths and firms skin and ...
Energizing Eye Cream
Fragrance-free eye cream for wrinkles and dark circles that firms, moisturise...
Shower Gel
Gentle and caring shower gel with organic glycerin and aloe vera, with a fres...
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Niacinamid is the Danish name, and niacinamide is the English name, which also appears on the ingredient list. It is a form of vitamin B3, also called nicotinamide.
Niacinamide works at low percentages, and most studies have used 2–5 %. Many serums contain 10 %, such as our Pigmentation Serum, which is made for pigmentation spots. If you have sensitive skin, you can start with a lower percentage.
Yes. Niacinamide works well in the same routine as retinol and can make it easier for the skin to adjust to retinol. Introduce retinol slowly and use sunscreen during the day.
Yes. The advice to keep them separate comes from older laboratory experiments with pure substances, not from skincare as you use it. Our Pigmentation Serum contains both in the same bottle.
Many people with rosacea do well with niacinamide in a mild, fragrance-free product. Try a new product on a small area first, and talk to your doctor if you are receiving treatment.
Most people tolerate niacinamide well. Some experience mild redness, warmth or itching, especially at high percentages. Take a break if your skin becomes irritated.
Sources
- Evaluation of anti-wrinkle effects of a novel cosmetic containing niacinamide (Journal of dermatology, 2008)
- Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance (Dermatologic surgery, 2005)
- The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer (British journal of dermatology, 2002)
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology (Skin pharmacology and physiology, 2014)
- Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier (British journal of dermatology, 2000)
- The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production (Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy, 2006)