PoreWise Ingredient
Niacinamide
Public databaseNIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide is vitamin B3. Used for barrier support and to reduce the look of uneven tone; evidence is stronger for barrier effects than for brightening. The strongest evidence comes from a 2008 human trial: In a randomized, placebo-controlled split-face study of 30 healthy Japanese women, a cosmetic containing 4% niacinamide reduced the skin-surface average roughness (Ra) value significantly more than the niacinamide-free control site after 8 weeks (P<0.05). 2008 · 30 people · healthy Japanese women with wrinkles in the eye areas · PMID 19017042 · Measured at the eye area on a photoaged/wrinkle cohort; the endpoint is surface roughness. 23 products contain Niacinamide; the highest it appears is number 2 of 27.
- INCI name:
- NIACINAMIDE
- CAS number:
- 98-92-0
- Source:
- PubChem
Functions
Products with this ingredient
Niacinamide appears on 23 product ingredient lists, most often around number 6; its highest position is number 2 of 27.
Studies and results
- 1 Skin effectEvaluation of anti-wrinkle effects of a novel cosmetic containing niacinamide
In a randomized, placebo-controlled split-face study of 30 healthy Japanese women, a cosmetic containing 4% niacinamide reduced the skin-surface average roughness (Ra) value significantly more than the niacinamide-free control site after 8 weeks (P<0.05).
Human trial · 2008 · 30 people · healthy Japanese women with wrinkles in the eye areas · Skin-surface roughness measured by replica profilometry (Ra). · Measured at the eye area on a photoaged/wrinkle cohort; the endpoint is surface roughness.
- 2 Skin effectAn Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Trial of a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Containing Sclareolide and Niacinamide for the Prevention of Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Skin of Color
In 20 people with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-V, a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing sclareolide and niacinamide significantly prevented experimentally induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: in stripped, exposed zones the protected skin improved by +5.96 ITA degrees versus -9.88 in unprotected skin (net protection about 16 ITA degrees, p < 0.001).
Human trial · 2026 · 20 people · participants with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-V · People with darker skin phototypes (IV-V) prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, applying the sunscreen daily for 20 days under UV and visible-light exposure. · Small sample (20), within-subject controlled model of experimentally induced pigmentation; the abstract calls for comparative studies with and; industry involvement.
- 3 Skin effectCosmetic benefit of a biomimetic lamellar cream formulation on barrier function or the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in randomized proof-of-concept clinical studies
In 72 women with visible signs of ageing, a niacinamide-containing biomimetic lamellar cream significantly improved the Cutometer R5 elasticity parameter, wrinkle score, TEWL and corneometer values over 4 weeks compared against the untreated side.
Human trial · 2019 · 72 people · women with visible signs of ageing (Study 2) · Women with visible signs of ageing, applying the cream twice daily for 4 weeks. · Grading of high-resolution images failed to detect improvements in skin texture; proof-of-concept studies.
- 4 Skin effectA Novel Dermocosmetic Routine Containing Vitamin B3 and 2-Mercaptonicotinyl Glycine Significantly Improves Melasma After 3 Months of Daily Use
In 91 women with melasma, a skincare routine containing vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and 2-mercaptonicotinyl glycine significantly reduced MASI after 3 months, with roughly 38-41% reduction by 6 months.
Human trial · 2025 · 91 people · women with melasma · Women aged about 44 with melasma, phototypes III-IV, using the routine twice daily with daily SPF50+ sunscreen. · A clinically relevant difference favoured Kligman's triple combination in the first 3 months; industry-funded; skin radiance and fine wrinkles also improved.
- 5 Skin effectThe clinical anti-aging effects of topical kinetin and niacinamide in Asians: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face comparative trial
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled split-face trial of 52 Taiwanese subjects, 4% niacinamide alone significantly reduced instrument-measured pore counts at week 8, and 4% niacinamide with 0.03% kinetin produced persistent significant reductions in pore, spot, wrinkle and evenness counts at weeks 8 and 12.
Human trial · 2007 · 52 people · Taiwanese subjects · Instrument-measured facial pore counts over 8-12 weeks. · The niacinamide-group showed significant pore reduction at week 8; 'pore counts' is an instrument parameter.
- 6 Skin effectThe effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 100 Japanese subjects, a 2% niacinamide moisturiser significantly lowered sebum excretion rate after 2 and 4 weeks; in a separate 30-person Caucasian split-face study it significantly reduced casual sebum level after 6 weeks.
Human trial · 2006 · 100 people · Japanese subjects plus 30 Caucasian subjects · Adults with facial sebum concerns applying a 2% niacinamide moisturiser for 2 to 6 weeks; measured with sebumeter-based sebum excretion rate and casual sebum level. · The effect differs by measured endpoint and population.
- 7 Skin effectEfficacy of ceramides and niacinamide-containing moisturizer versus hydrophilic cream in combination with topical anti-acne treatment in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A split face, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial
In 40 people with mild-to-moderate acne all using topical benzoyl peroxide plus adapalene, a moisturiser with ceramides and niacinamide significantly improved non-inflammatory, inflammatory and total acne lesions on that side of the face versus a hydrophilic cream after 8 weeks, and decreased cutaneous irritation.
Human trial · 2024 · 40 people · patients with mild-to-moderate acne, all on topical anti-acne treatment · People on topical anti-acne medication who add a moisturiser alongside treatment, in a split-face, double-blind, randomized design for 8 weeks. · All participants used prescription/OTC anti-acne drugs (5% benzoyl peroxide + 0.1% adapalene). TEWL, hydration, sebum, pH and other biophysical measures stayed close between the two creams. This is adjunctive care.
- 8 Skin effectSuperior even skin tone and anti-ageing benefit of a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide
In a 12-week randomized, double-blind half-face study, a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide improved hyperpigmentation spots (L*), the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and skin firmness significantly more than niacinamide alone.
Human trial · 2022 · Chinese adults in a randomized, double-blind half-face clinical study · Chinese adults using the combination cream twice daily for 12 weeks in a split-face design. · Industry-funded (Unilever R&D); part of the evidence comes from in-vitro melanocyte and 3D skin models.
- 9 Skin effectNiacinamide-containing facial moisturizer improves skin barrier and benefits subjects with rosacea
A facial moisturiser containing niacinamide improved stratum corneum barrier function and skin hydration, measured instrumentally, in people with rosacea over four weeks of twice-daily use.
Human trial · 2005 · 50 people · Adults with rosacea · A leave-on facial moisturiser, applied twice daily for four weeks, in adults with rosacea. · The tested article was a finished moisturiser. Fifty participants, one centre, four weeks. The study measured barrier function and hydration.
- 10 Skin effectA Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial of a Dermocosmetic Containing Vichy Volcanic Mineralizing Water and Probiotic Fractions in Subjects with Rosacea Associated with Erythema and Sensitive Skin and Wearing Protective Masks
In a randomized split-face controlled trial in people with rosacea-associated erythema and sensitive skin, a dermocosmetic containing mineralizing water, probiotic fractions, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide significantly improved erythema at day 15 (p<0.01) and day 30 (p<0.001), with skin erythema, tightness, dryness, hydration and TEWL improving versus the untreated side (p<=0.05).
Human trial · 2023 · People with rosacea-associated erythema and sensitive skin wearing protective masks · Facial erythema, tightness, dryness, hydration and TEWL over 30 days. · The comparator is usual skin care / an untreated half-face.
- 11 Skin effectTopical nicotinamide for seborrheic dermatitis: an open randomized study
In an open randomized, vehicle-controlled trial of 48 people with mild-to-moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis, 4% nicotinamide cream once daily for 12 weeks reduced the combined erythema/scaling/infiltration score by 75% from baseline versus 35% with the vehicle (p<0.05).
Human trial · 2014 · 48 people · people (36 men, 12 women) aged 20-50 with mild-to-moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis · Combined clinical score of erythema, scaling and infiltration over 12 weeks. · Open-label.
- 12 Skin effectEfficacy and Tolerability of a Topical Pigment-Correcting Serum in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation
In 30 women with melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a serum combining lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid and niacinamide reduced skin tone unevenness by 38% and 33% respectively over 16 weeks (P < 0.008).
Human trial · 2026 · 30 people · women (15 melasma, 15 PIH), 70% Fitzpatrick IV-VI · Women with melasma or PIH, 70% with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, applying the serum twice daily for 16 weeks. · 30 participants; "skin tone unevenness" is a sponsor-defined endpoint.
Skin concerns this ingredient has been studied for
The people in each study had that concern.
Common questions
- What does Niacinamide do in skincare?
- Niacinamide is vitamin B3. Used for barrier support and to reduce the look of uneven tone; evidence is stronger for barrier effects than for brightening.
- Where does Niacinamide sit in these formulas?
- Niacinamide appears in 23 products; highest on the list is number 2 of 27, in 10% Niacinamide Booster.
- Which products contain Niacinamide?
- Products that contain Niacinamide: 10% Niacinamide Booster, Eye Repair Cream, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Positively Radiant Vitamin C Serum, Mela B3 Serum, Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum. Plus 17 more.
- How strong is the evidence behind Niacinamide?
- 12 findings on Niacinamide; the strongest is a 2008 human trial of 30 healthy Japanese women with wrinkles in the eye areas.
- What did the study on Niacinamide measure?
- 2008 · 30 people · healthy Japanese women with wrinkles in the eye areas · PMID 19017042 · Measured at the eye area on a photoaged/wrinkle cohort; the endpoint is surface roughness.