Niacinamide

Niacinamide — The Multi-Tasking Vitamin

Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is the ultimate multi-tasker in skincare. It strengthens your skin barrier, reduces redness, minimises pores, controls oil, and helps with fine lines — all without irritation.

What Is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) is a form of vitamin B3, an essential nutrient your body needs but can't produce. In skincare, it's become a superstar ingredient because it addresses multiple skin concerns simultaneously and works for virtually every skin type.

What Does Niacinamide Do?

Strengthens Skin Barrier

Niacinamide boosts the production of ceramides — the lipids that hold your skin barrier together. A stronger barrier means healthier, more resilient skin that retains moisture better and resists irritation.

Reduces Redness

Anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness and soothe irritated skin. Beneficial for rosacea-prone skin and general sensitivity.

Minimises Pores

Regular use helps keep pores clear and can reduce their visible size over time. One of the few ingredients with genuine evidence for pore minimisation.

Controls Oil

Regulates sebum production without drying skin. Oily and combination skin types particularly benefit.

Fades Hyperpigmentation

Inhibits melanosome transfer (how pigment reaches skin's surface), helping fade dark spots and even out skin tone.

Improves Fine Lines

Supports collagen production and overall skin health, contributing to reduced fine lines over time.

How to Use Niacinamide

Concentration

Effective range: 2-10%
Sweet spot: 5% for most people
Higher concentrations (10%+): May cause irritation in some people — start lower if sensitive

When to Use

Niacinamide is incredibly flexible:

Morning: Yes — pairs beautifully with SPF
Evening: Yes — works with retinol routines
Twice daily: Yes — perfectly safe and often beneficial

Application Order

Cleanse
Toner (if using)
Niacinamide serum
Other serums (vitamin C, retinol)
Moisturiser
SPF (morning)

Or simply use a moisturiser containing niacinamide — many now include it.

Niacinamide + Other Ingredients

Excellent Combinations

Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid — Barrier support + hydration
Niacinamide + Retinol — Niacinamide helps buffer retinol irritation
Niacinamide + Salicylic Acid — Great for acne-prone skin
Niacinamide + Peptides — Complementary anti-aging benefits
Niacinamide + SPF — Enhanced protection

The Vitamin C Question

Old advice said don't mix niacinamide with vitamin C. This came from a study done at extreme temperatures that aren't relevant to normal use. Modern formulations are stable together, and many products combine them. However, some people experience temporary flushing when using both — if this happens, use them at different times.

Who Should Use Niacinamide?

Almost everyone. Niacinamide is one of the most universally beneficial and well-tolerated ingredients in skincare:

Oily/combination skin — Oil control, pore minimisation
Dry skin — Barrier strengthening, moisture retention
Sensitive skin — Anti-inflammatory, barrier repair
Acne-prone skin — Sebum regulation, anti-inflammatory
Aging skin — Fine line reduction, overall skin health
Hyperpigmentation concerns — Fades dark spots, evens tone
Rosacea-prone skin — Reduces redness and inflammation

What to Expect

Week 2-4: Reduced oiliness, calmer skin
Week 4-8: Smaller-looking pores, improved texture
Week 8-12: Fading of dark spots, overall improvement in skin quality

Niacinamide FAQs

Can niacinamide cause purging?

No — niacinamide doesn't increase cell turnover, so it shouldn't cause purging. If you experience breakouts, it may be a reaction to the product formula rather than the niacinamide itself.

Can I use niacinamide every day?

Yes, twice a day if you like. It's very well-tolerated.

Is 10% niacinamide better than 5%?

Not necessarily. Research shows 5% is effective, and higher concentrations can sometimes cause irritation without additional benefit. Start at 5% and only go higher if your skin tolerates it well.