Niacinamide isn’t Botox, but it can still work wonders for your skin. This vitamin B3 derivative helps calm redness, soothe acne-related irritation, and even strengthen your skin barrier, making it more resilient to harmful external factors.
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The best part? You can find it in most beauty stores in the form of serums or creams—no injections needed. Despite its powerful ability to address many skin concerns, it’s gentle enough for all skin types. Still not sure if you should add niacinamide to your skincare routine? Keep reading to learn how this skin-saving ingredient can transform your complexion.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of niacin, also known as vitamin B3. According to dermatologist Dr. Jennifer MacGregor, it’s made up of vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid.
In the body, vitamin B3 supports metabolism and aids in vital functions—from lowering bad cholesterol to detoxifying the liver. On the skin, niacinamide acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, says Dr. MacGregor of Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York.
What Are the Benefits of Using Niacinamide?
If your skin is red, irritated, or uneven (due to sensitivity, acne, or rosacea), niacinamide can help calm inflammation, Dr. MacGregor explains.
It’s also a great addition to any anti-aging routine because it helps repair the skin barrier—the layer that keeps moisture in and bacteria out—leaving your skin better hydrated.
More hydration = plumper, brighter skin with less noticeable fine lines.
According to Dr. Debra Jaliman, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York, niacinamide can also gently brighten dull skin, fade dark spots from sun damage or acne, and improve uneven texture (like large pores).
And if that’s not enough, niacinamide plays nicely with most skincare ingredients, including retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and antioxidants like vitamin C—making it easy to layer into your routine without worrying about adverse reactions.
How Should I Use Niacinamide?
Dr. Jaliman recommends using a day or night cream that contains niacinamide for optimal results. You can also mix a few drops of a niacinamide serum into your daily moisturizer.
Dr. MacGregor also suggests getting your niacinamide through your sunscreen, if it’s included in the formula.
Niacinamide is gentle enough to be used twice daily—morning and night—and fits seamlessly into any regular skincare routine. For best results, apply it right after cleansing and before moisturizer or facial oils, according to Women’s Health Magazine.
Morning Routine:
After cleansing, apply a serum with 5–10% niacinamide.
Follow up with your regular moisturizer and sunscreen (especially if heading outdoors).
In the morning, niacinamide helps support the skin’s natural barrier and reduces the impact of pollution and UV rays—especially when included in sunscreen formulas.
Evening Routine:
Apply niacinamide serum after cleansing, before your night cream or nourishing oils.
In the evening, it works to repair irritated skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and calm redness from acne or dryness.
Pro Tips:
You can safely combine it with ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C, as it’s a gentle, non-reactive compound.
Start with a low concentration (around 5%) if you have sensitive skin, then increase as tolerated.
Avoid introducing too many new products at once—give your skin time to adjust to niacinamide.
In short: Niacinamide is a multitasking skincare hero. Whether you’re dealing with redness, dryness, acne, or signs of aging, it deserves a place in your daily regimen.
