Niacinamide: The Complete Guide

Niacinamide is one of the most versatile — and best-tolerated — ingredients in skincare. It does a little of almost everything, which is why it appears in so many well-formulated products. This guide explains what it is, what the evidence supports, and how to use it.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It’s water-soluble, gentle, and stable, and skin uses it as a building block for the molecules that support the barrier and energy production in cells. Because it’s so well tolerated, it suits nearly every skin type, including sensitive and reactive skin.

What does niacinamide do for skin?

  • Evens the look of tone — helps visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and blotchiness.
  • Supports the barrier — encourages the skin’s own ceramide production for a stronger, more resilient surface.
  • Refines the look of pores and oil — helps skin look smoother and less shiny.
  • Calms and hydrates — soothes the look of redness and boosts moisture.

How to use niacinamide

Niacinamide is easy to slot into any routine, morning or night, after cleansing and before heavier creams. It layers well with almost everything — including retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin C — and can actually make stronger actives more comfortable by supporting the barrier. Our Glow Toner pairs niacinamide with gentle refining actives as an easy first step, and our Rejuvenating Eye Gels use it around the eyes.

Is niacinamide safe?

Niacinamide is one of the gentlest actives available and is generally well tolerated across skin types, including sensitive skin. As always, if your skin is reactive, patch test first and introduce a new product gradually. This guide is general education, not medical advice.

Explore how it fits with the rest of our formulas in the Ingredient Glossary, or find your match with the skin quiz.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?

Yes. Despite an old myth to the contrary, modern formulas of niacinamide and vitamin C work well together and there’s no need to separate them.

Can I use niacinamide with retinol?

Yes — they pair beautifully. Niacinamide supports the barrier, which helps make retinol more comfortable to use.

What percentage of niacinamide is best?

Most benefits are seen in the low single-digit percentages. Very high concentrations don’t add much and can cause flushing in sensitive skin, so a well-balanced formula matters more than a big number.

Is niacinamide good for sensitive skin?

Yes, it’s one of the best-tolerated actives and is often used specifically to calm and strengthen sensitive, reactive skin.

How long does niacinamide take to work?

Comfort and hydration improve quickly; tone and pore appearance shift over several weeks of consistent use. Individual results vary.