Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 — helps with brightening, oil balance, and a stronger skin barrier.
What it is
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and one of the most researched skincare ingredients. It shows up in everything from $8 drugstore serums to $60 prestige bottles — and the molecule is the same.
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Very high percentages (15–20%+) can sting or flush some skin — 4–5% is the well-studied sweet spot for most people. If you are new, start a few times a week.
What percentage of niacinamide should I look for?
Around 4–5% is the range most studies use and most skin tolerates well. Higher is not automatically better — 10%+ can irritate sensitive skin without clearly better results.
Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?
Yes. The old claim that they cancel each other out comes from decades-old, non-realistic lab conditions. Modern formulations combine them safely.
Is niacinamide good for acne-prone skin?
It helps with the look of oil and post-blemish marks, which is why it is popular in acne-prone routines. It is not an acne treatment — for persistent breakouts, see a board-certified dermatologist.
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Ingredients help the look and feel of skin; they do not treat medical conditions. No brand paid to be here. Skincare information, not medical advice — for a persistent concern, see a board-certified dermatologist.