Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a precursor to NAD+, a molecule involved in cellular energy and repair. Topically it increases production of ceramides and other barrier lipids, reduces the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to surrounding skin cells, and has been shown in small studies to reduce sebum output and the look of redness. Benefits are gradual, typically assessed after 8–12 weeks.

In our directory: It’s a key ingredient in 15 products we review, most often serums and cleansers. Those products are mostly built for barrier repair, hydrating and dryness relief. In formulas, it most often shares the label with glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Apply once or twice daily after cleansing and before moisturizer; it can be used morning or night alongside most other actives.

References

1. 1Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance — Dermatologic Surgery (2005), via PubMed
2. 2Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation — Antioxidants (2021), via PubMed
3. 3Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne — Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2020), via PubMed

Educational, not medical advice. Ingredient guides summarise published research and expert guidance; formulas and concentrations differ between products.