As I’m sure you know by now, there are a lot of skincare ingredients out there, but not all ingredients are created equal. There are some ingredients that put in more work than others, and they’ve become MVPs of the beauty world. Niacinamide, aka vitamin B3, is one of those ingredients. Rather than offering just one or two skincare benefits, niacinamide gives your skin a dynamic range of them. It’s a great multitasking ingredient which means you can use fewer products in your skincare routine and still see significant results. Before you throw out all your serums and creams, you should probably learn about how the ingredient functions. Ahead, we spoke to Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, Procter & Gamble’s principal scientist, Dr. Mona Gohara, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, and Edyta Jarosz, licensed esthetician at Shafer Clinic, about niacinamide, its skincare benefits, and more.
What is niacinamide?
“Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3,” says Dr. Gohara. “It can be taken either orally or found in skincare products.”. Dr. Wilkerson explains that as a topical skincare ingredient, niacinamide is known to help lock moisture into the skin.
What are the skincare benefits of using niacinamide?
You could consider niacinamide a superhero ingredient. “Not only is the powerhouse ingredient an incredible way for skin to keep its moisture, but it can also help with surface skin cell turnover and regeneration,” says Dr. Wilkerson.
Niacinamide helps balance out your oil production, which can curb breakouts, while also fading dark spots. It’s an antioxidant which means it protects skin against environmental aggressors that cause inflammation while also helping to fade acne scars, improve skin texture and tone, and minimize the look of fine lines, adds Jarosz. Like I said earlier, it basically does it all.
Who should use niacinamide?
“Anyone looking for an effective and hydrating ingredient to include in their everyday skincare regimen should definitely consider niacinamide,” says Dr. Wilkerson. “Niacinamide is actually a good ingredient for most people because it works so effectively at helping the skin to retain moisture.” If you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or rosacea, Dr. Gohora suggests skipping niacinamide as it might trigger skin irritation.
Are there other skincare ingredients that pair well with niacinamide?
Not only does niacinamide offer significant skincare benefits but it’s also an incredible ingredient “because of how it works together with other active ingredients to address different needs within the surface layers of the skin,” says Dr. Wilkerson. Dr. Gohara agrees and suggests pairing niacinamide with ingredients including hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinols, peptides, alpha hydroxy acids (like lactic and glycolic acid), and beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid).
8 Best Niacinamide Skincare Products
Niacinamide Booster
With a highly concentrated amount of niacinamide swirling around in the formula, this serum revs up dull complexions for smoother, glowier skin. The thin, water-like formula dries down to a dewy (but not too dewy) finish that plays well with makeup and other skincare products.
Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment
“This is a powerful serum, designed to be a foundation in your daily regimen,” explains Jarosz. “It helps treat the look of melasma, and other stubborn hyperpigmentation conditions, and prevents the appearance of future discoloration in all skin types.”
Deliverance Serum
I’m pretty sure I’ve told everyone I know (and more than a few strangers) about how much I love this serum. My oily T-zone is acne-prone, and this serum regulates sebum—to keep breakouts at bay—and soothes redness while giving me just the right amount of moisture.
Facial Radiance Niacinamide Serum
Inside this niacinamide serum, you’ll find licorice root and golden kiwifruit,, and no added fragrance which makes this a great option for those with sensitive skin. The trio of powerful ingredients leaves skin glowy and hydrated.
Metacell Renewal B3
Not only does this niacinamide serum give you a heavy dose of hydration that keeps your skin from feeling tight throughout the day, you’ll also find ingredients in the formula—like glycerin and peptides—that provide anti-aging benefits without stressing out your skin barrier.
B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
This serum sinks into skin without suffocating pores, works miracles on blackheads (speaking from personal experience), and leaves your face feeling softer and smoother.
Niacinamide + Peptide 24 Moisturizer
Why not add a niacinamide moisturizer to your routine? “This moisture magnet hydrates for 24 hours to provide softer, smoother skin,” says Dr. Wilkerson. The cream is an absolute pleasure to use and doesn’t leave your skin slick with residue. Plus, the healthy supply of peptides in the formula boosts collagen production for firmer, more plump skin.
Hyper Even Fade and Glow AHA Mask
The ingredients in this mask work in concert to clear out pores and fade dark spots. Mandelic acid, niacinamide, and glycolic acid relieve congestion and improve skin’s clarity while salicylic acid prevents breakouts from reaching the surface.