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YOUR GUIDE TO NIACINAMIDE IN SKINCARE
Reviewed By Priya Bhatti
5 min read
Topical niacinamide (vitamin B3, nicotinamide) as a skincare ingredient is increasingly recommended for skincare routines for a variety of skin types and concerns including mild acne-prone and anti-ageing benefits,
The benefits of niacinamide translate to a number of skin types and the ingredient is typically suitable for everyone (including those with sensitive skin). If you’ve recently heard about it and are wondering whether you should use niacinamide skincare products, there are a number of compelling reasons to consider.
So, what does niacinamide do for skin? In this article, we walk through the benefits, ideal application, and products which feature in a skincare routine with niacinamide.
WHAT IS NIACINAMIDE IN SKINCARE
Vitamin B3 is a strengthening and supportive nutrient, but it isn’t produced naturally by our bodies, which means that its benefits can only be received via topical application or ingestion. Niacinamide (also sometimes called nicotinamide) is a specific version of vitamin B3. Niacinamide in skin is a water-soluble property and works alongside skin’s natural substances to visibly improve skin’s strength. Being water-soluble, niacinamide is easily absorbed by the body, helping skin to take on its benefits.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NIACINAMIDE FOR SKIN
Niacinamide’s frequent mention in the skincare world is largely thanks to its wide range of uses. So, what is niacinamide good for? The primary function of the nutrient is as a brightening and strengthening agent for the moisture barrier. This supports skin in a few ways:
DOES NIACINAMIDE HELP WRINKLES?
Vitamin B3’s role as a potent antioxidant can be helpful in protecting against signs of premature ageing in skin like fine lines and wrinkles. Especially in Australia, UV radiation places a large amount of stress on skin. Niacinamide helps to address apparent stress and protect against future impacts. To reduce the appearance of fine lines, you can implement Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum, with gradual-release retinol alongside niacinamide.
DOES NIACINAMIDE EVEN SKIN TONE?
Skin tone and texture can be impacted in a number of ways – including redness in skin for sensitive skin types, dullness in dry skin types and dark spots & , which can be experienced by all skin types. Niacinamide assists with all of the above by combatting the transfer of pigment, strengthening the skin moisture barrier and promoting brightening hydration. To address and improve the appearance of dark spots, Mela B3 Niacinamide Serum For Dark Spots combines vitamin B3 with hyaluronic acid and HEPES to hydrate and even tone.
Niacinamide Corrective Set for Acne Prone Skin
Combat pigmentation and blemishes with our Niacinamide Corrective Set for Acne Prone Skin.
IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN?
Niacinamide benefits acne-prone skin primarily because it reduces skin redness and helps regulate sebum (oil) production.
- Reduces Redness : It calms the redness and swelling associated with acne prone skin like papules and pustules.
- Regulates Sebum: By helping to normalise the amount of oil your skin produces, niacinamide can make pores and acne-related marks appear smaller and reduce the likelihood of them becoming clogged.
- Supports Skin Moisture Barrier: It also strengthens the skin's natural barrier, which improves moisture retention and makes skin more resilient to irritation from acne treatments or bacteria.
IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR MY SKIN TYPE?
How and when to use niacinamide differs depending on your skin type and intended outcome. The ingredient is versatile enough to be implemented in different skincare products and gentle enough to use niacinamide with other potent ingredients. See how to formulate a skincare routine with niacinamide for your goals below.
IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR OILY SKIN
If you have oily skin, niacinamide can help regulate sebum (oil) production over time. This can lead to a more balanced complexion and less surface shine. By helping to normalise the pore lining and improve skin elasticity, niacinamide for pores can also make them appear smaller and less stretched.
How to use Niacinamide for oily skin:
- Cleanse: Start with a gentle, foaming cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities. Pat your skin dry. We suggest Mela B3 Cleanser
- Apply Niacinamide Serum (Mela B3 Serum): Dispense 2-3 drops of a niacinamide serum onto your fingertips. Gently pat it across your face, focusing on oil-prone areas like the T-zone.
- Moisturise: Wait about 60 seconds for the serum to absorb, then apply a lightweight, oil-free, or gel-based moisturizer. This step is crucial even for oily skin to maintain hydration and support the skin barrier.
- Protect (AM Routine): In the morning, always finish with a non-comedogenic, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+). This prevents sun damage and keeps pores from appearing larger.
IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR DRY SKIN?
One of the main uses of niacinamide in skincare is to improve epidermal performance. It does this by boosting the production of lipid molecules called ceramides. Ceramides help to keep skin plump and supple and encourage moisture retention, while a healthy skin moisture barrier enables the skin to better defend itself against pollution, allergens and other impurities.
How to use niacinamide on dry skin
- Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle, hydrating, cream-based cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Pat your skin until it is damp, not fully dry.
- Apply Niacinamide Serum: While your skin is still slightly damp, apply a pea-sized amount of niacinamide serum. This helps lock in moisture. For an extra hydration boost, you can layer it with a hyaluronic acid serum (apply hyaluronic acid serum first on damp skin, then niacinamide).
- Moisturise: Wait about 60 seconds for the serum(s) to absorb, then apply a rich, thick moisturizer or cream. For the face, Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin enhances fragile skin with niacinamide and sphingobioma – providing comfort and promoting the eye contour area. For the body we recommend implementing a niacinamide-infused body moisturiser like Lipikar AP+M Body Balm Cream, which is designed to deeply hydrate and replenish the skin moisture barrier.
Protect (AM Routine): In the morning, always finish with a hydrating, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+).
The above functions can be hugely beneficial for those with typically dry skin. A$31.95
IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
With so many potential benefits, can niacinamide be used on sensitive skin? As sensitive skin typically experiences a weakened skin moisture barrier, incorporating niacinamide can help towards improving your skin’s resilience. A powerful antioxidant, niacinamide also protects skin against sensitising environmental factors like UV radiation.
How to use niacinamide on sensitive skin
As niacinamide promotes skin moisture barrier strength, it can be implemented in sensitive skin routines to improve overall look and feel. Toleriane Sensitive Prebiotic Moisturiser contains niacinamide alongside calming La Roche-Posay thermal water and hydrating glycerin, to deeply nourish and moisturise sensitive skin. For the especially fragile eye area, Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin combines the ingredient with La Roche-Posay thermal spring water and sphingobioma to provide anti-ageing and hydrating support.
A$38.95
What are the Potential Side Effects of Niacinamide Skincare ?
While niacinamide is well-tolerated by most skin types, potential side effects can occur, especially with high concentrations (above 5%).
The most common side effects of niacinamide on the face include:
- Mild redness or flushing
- Itching
- A warm or tingling sensation upon application
A niacinamide breakout is typically a sign of irritation rather than true acne purging. Unlike exfoliating acids, niacinamide does not speed up cell turnover, so it doesn't cause the underlying pimples to surface faster (purging). Instead, the small red bumps that may appear are often a reaction to a high concentration or another ingredient in the formula.
If you experience niacinamide irritation:
- Reduce frequency: Try using the product every other day to allow your skin to acclimate.
- Check the concentration: Opt for a formula with 2–5% niacinamide, which is clinically effective with a lower risk of irritation.
- Stop use: If redness or stinging persists, discontinue the product and focus on a simple, barrier-supporting routine
LEARN MORE ABOUT NIACINAMIDE
Both niacinamide and vitamin C are powerful skincare ingredients, but they address different primary concerns.
• Vitamin C is best for potent antioxidant protection and brightening. It excels at fading dark spots (hyperpigmentation), stimulating collagen production for anti-aging benefits, and protecting skin from environmental damage.
• Niacinamide is best for calming and strengthening the skin barrier. It is highly effective at reducing redness and inflammation, controlling oil production, minimizing the appearance of pores, and improving overall skin texture.
Choose based on your main goal:
• For potent brightening and anti-aging: Choose Vitamin C.
• For oil control, redness, and barrier support: Choose Niacinamide.
You can also use niacinamide and vitamin c in the same routine to achieve comprehensive benefits.
• Niacinamide / Nicotinamide: The same non-flushing form of vitamin B3 used in skincare for benefits like oil control, redness reduction, and barrier support.
• Niacin (Nicotinic Acid): A different form of vitamin B3 that can cause skin flushing and is therefore less common in topical products.
Yes, niacinamide is considered an active ingredient in skincare. An "active" is an ingredient that is included in a formula to provide a specific, targeted physiological benefit. Niacinamide is scientifically proven to have multiple effects on the skin, such as regulating oil production, reducing redness, and strengthening the skin barrier.
Through consistent use of vitamin B3 for skin, visible results can be accessed at around 8-12 weeks. Include B3 niacinamide in your morning and evening regime to improve the look and feel of skin, including brightening skin tone, reducing hyperpigmentation (visible dark marks and spots) and increasing skin hydration. You can achieve this by implementing it in one or more of your skincare steps. As the ingredient is gentle, it can be used across virtually every skincare step. We recommend avoiding the use of niacinamide in conjunction with AHAs like glycolic acid, as the differing pH levels may reduce the potency.
SHOP THE ARTICLE
Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum 30ml
Retinol & Niacinamide Serum For Wrinkles, Uneven Skin Tone. Suitable For Sensitive Skin.
Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream For Sensitive Skin 20ml
Eye Cream For Sensitive Or Irritated Eye Contour & Dry Skin
Effaclar Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid Serum
Anti-Imperfections And Anti-Wrinkle Face Serum
RELATED ARTICLES
- HOME >
- SKINCARE ADVICE >
- SKINCARE INGREDIENTS >
- YOUR GUIDE TO NIACINAMIDE IN SKINCARE
YOUR GUIDE TO NIACINAMIDE IN SKINCARE
Reviewed By Priya Bhatti
5 min read
Topical niacinamide (vitamin B3, nicotinamide) as a skincare ingredient is increasingly recommended for skincare routines for a variety of skin types and concerns including mild acne-prone and anti-ageing benefits,
The benefits of niacinamide translate to a number of skin types and the ingredient is typically suitable for everyone (including those with sensitive skin). If you’ve recently heard about it and are wondering whether you should use niacinamide skincare products, there are a number of compelling reasons to consider.
So, what does niacinamide do for skin? In this article, we walk through the benefits, ideal application, and products which feature in a skincare routine with niacinamide.
WHAT IS NIACINAMIDE IN SKINCARE
Vitamin B3 is a strengthening and supportive nutrient, but it isn’t produced naturally by our bodies, which means that its benefits can only be received via topical application or ingestion. Niacinamide (also sometimes called nicotinamide) is a specific version of vitamin B3. Niacinamide in skin is a water-soluble property and works alongside skin’s natural substances to visibly improve skin’s strength. Being water-soluble, niacinamide is easily absorbed by the body, helping skin to take on its benefits.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NIACINAMIDE FOR SKIN
Niacinamide’s frequent mention in the skincare world is largely thanks to its wide range of uses. So, what is niacinamide good for? The primary function of the nutrient is as a brightening and strengthening agent for the moisture barrier. This supports skin in a few ways:
DOES NIACINAMIDE HELP WRINKLES?
Vitamin B3’s role as a potent antioxidant can be helpful in protecting against signs of premature ageing in skin like fine lines and wrinkles. Especially in Australia, UV radiation places a large amount of stress on skin. Niacinamide helps to address apparent stress and protect against future impacts. To reduce the appearance of fine lines, you can implement Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum, with gradual-release retinol alongside niacinamide.
DOES NIACINAMIDE EVEN SKIN TONE?
Skin tone and texture can be impacted in a number of ways – including redness in skin for sensitive skin types, dullness in dry skin types and dark spots & , which can be experienced by all skin types. Niacinamide assists with all of the above by combatting the transfer of pigment, strengthening the skin moisture barrier and promoting brightening hydration. To address and improve the appearance of dark spots, Mela B3 Niacinamide Serum For Dark Spots combines vitamin B3 with hyaluronic acid and HEPES to hydrate and even tone.
Niacinamide Corrective Set for Acne Prone Skin
Combat pigmentation and blemishes with our Niacinamide Corrective Set for Acne Prone Skin.
IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN?
Niacinamide benefits acne-prone skin primarily because it reduces skin redness and helps regulate sebum (oil) production.
- Reduces Redness : It calms the redness and swelling associated with acne prone skin like papules and pustules.
- Regulates Sebum: By helping to normalise the amount of oil your skin produces, niacinamide can make pores and acne-related marks appear smaller and reduce the likelihood of them becoming clogged.
- Supports Skin Moisture Barrier: It also strengthens the skin's natural barrier, which improves moisture retention and makes skin more resilient to irritation from acne treatments or bacteria.
IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR MY SKIN TYPE?
How and when to use niacinamide differs depending on your skin type and intended outcome. The ingredient is versatile enough to be implemented in different skincare products and gentle enough to use niacinamide with other potent ingredients. See how to formulate a skincare routine with niacinamide for your goals below.
IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR OILY SKIN
If you have oily skin, niacinamide can help regulate sebum (oil) production over time. This can lead to a more balanced complexion and less surface shine. By helping to normalise the pore lining and improve skin elasticity, niacinamide for pores can also make them appear smaller and less stretched.
How to use Niacinamide for oily skin:
- Cleanse: Start with a gentle, foaming cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities. Pat your skin dry. We suggest Mela B3 Cleanser
- Apply Niacinamide Serum (Mela B3 Serum): Dispense 2-3 drops of a niacinamide serum onto your fingertips. Gently pat it across your face, focusing on oil-prone areas like the T-zone.
- Moisturise: Wait about 60 seconds for the serum to absorb, then apply a lightweight, oil-free, or gel-based moisturizer. This step is crucial even for oily skin to maintain hydration and support the skin barrier.
- Protect (AM Routine): In the morning, always finish with a non-comedogenic, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+). This prevents sun damage and keeps pores from appearing larger.
IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR DRY SKIN?
One of the main uses of niacinamide in skincare is to improve epidermal performance. It does this by boosting the production of lipid molecules called ceramides. Ceramides help to keep skin plump and supple and encourage moisture retention, while a healthy skin moisture barrier enables the skin to better defend itself against pollution, allergens and other impurities.
How to use niacinamide on dry skin
- Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle, hydrating, cream-based cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Pat your skin until it is damp, not fully dry.
- Apply Niacinamide Serum: While your skin is still slightly damp, apply a pea-sized amount of niacinamide serum. This helps lock in moisture. For an extra hydration boost, you can layer it with a hyaluronic acid serum (apply hyaluronic acid serum first on damp skin, then niacinamide).
- Moisturise: Wait about 60 seconds for the serum(s) to absorb, then apply a rich, thick moisturizer or cream. For the face, Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin enhances fragile skin with niacinamide and sphingobioma – providing comfort and promoting the eye contour area. For the body we recommend implementing a niacinamide-infused body moisturiser like Lipikar AP+M Body Balm Cream, which is designed to deeply hydrate and replenish the skin moisture barrier.
Protect (AM Routine): In the morning, always finish with a hydrating, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+).
The above functions can be hugely beneficial for those with typically dry skin. A$31.95
IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
With so many potential benefits, can niacinamide be used on sensitive skin? As sensitive skin typically experiences a weakened skin moisture barrier, incorporating niacinamide can help towards improving your skin’s resilience. A powerful antioxidant, niacinamide also protects skin against sensitising environmental factors like UV radiation.
How to use niacinamide on sensitive skin
As niacinamide promotes skin moisture barrier strength, it can be implemented in sensitive skin routines to improve overall look and feel. Toleriane Sensitive Prebiotic Moisturiser contains niacinamide alongside calming La Roche-Posay thermal water and hydrating glycerin, to deeply nourish and moisturise sensitive skin. For the especially fragile eye area, Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin combines the ingredient with La Roche-Posay thermal spring water and sphingobioma to provide anti-ageing and hydrating support.
A$38.95
What are the Potential Side Effects of Niacinamide Skincare ?
While niacinamide is well-tolerated by most skin types, potential side effects can occur, especially with high concentrations (above 5%).
The most common side effects of niacinamide on the face include:
- Mild redness or flushing
- Itching
- A warm or tingling sensation upon application
A niacinamide breakout is typically a sign of irritation rather than true acne purging. Unlike exfoliating acids, niacinamide does not speed up cell turnover, so it doesn't cause the underlying pimples to surface faster (purging). Instead, the small red bumps that may appear are often a reaction to a high concentration or another ingredient in the formula.
If you experience niacinamide irritation:
- Reduce frequency: Try using the product every other day to allow your skin to acclimate.
- Check the concentration: Opt for a formula with 2–5% niacinamide, which is clinically effective with a lower risk of irritation.
- Stop use: If redness or stinging persists, discontinue the product and focus on a simple, barrier-supporting routine
LEARN MORE ABOUT NIACINAMIDE
Both niacinamide and vitamin C are powerful skincare ingredients, but they address different primary concerns.
• Vitamin C is best for potent antioxidant protection and brightening. It excels at fading dark spots (hyperpigmentation), stimulating collagen production for anti-aging benefits, and protecting skin from environmental damage.
• Niacinamide is best for calming and strengthening the skin barrier. It is highly effective at reducing redness and inflammation, controlling oil production, minimizing the appearance of pores, and improving overall skin texture.
Choose based on your main goal:
• For potent brightening and anti-aging: Choose Vitamin C.
• For oil control, redness, and barrier support: Choose Niacinamide.
You can also use niacinamide and vitamin c in the same routine to achieve comprehensive benefits.
• Niacinamide / Nicotinamide: The same non-flushing form of vitamin B3 used in skincare for benefits like oil control, redness reduction, and barrier support.
• Niacin (Nicotinic Acid): A different form of vitamin B3 that can cause skin flushing and is therefore less common in topical products.
Yes, niacinamide is considered an active ingredient in skincare. An "active" is an ingredient that is included in a formula to provide a specific, targeted physiological benefit. Niacinamide is scientifically proven to have multiple effects on the skin, such as regulating oil production, reducing redness, and strengthening the skin barrier.
Through consistent use of vitamin B3 for skin, visible results can be accessed at around 8-12 weeks. Include B3 niacinamide in your morning and evening regime to improve the look and feel of skin, including brightening skin tone, reducing hyperpigmentation (visible dark marks and spots) and increasing skin hydration. You can achieve this by implementing it in one or more of your skincare steps. As the ingredient is gentle, it can be used across virtually every skincare step. We recommend avoiding the use of niacinamide in conjunction with AHAs like glycolic acid, as the differing pH levels may reduce the potency.
SHOP THE ARTICLE
Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum 30ml
Retinol & Niacinamide Serum For Wrinkles, Uneven Skin Tone. Suitable For Sensitive Skin.
Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream For Sensitive Skin 20ml
Eye Cream For Sensitive Or Irritated Eye Contour & Dry Skin
Effaclar Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid Serum
Anti-Imperfections And Anti-Wrinkle Face Serum
RELATED ARTICLES
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