Niacinamide (vitamin B3) - benefits and instructions for use according to a doctor and analyses by BeautyDecoders.
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is one of the most versatile and well-tolerated active ingredients in cosmetics. It regulates sebum, reduces blemishes and hyperpigmentation, strengthens the skin barrier by stimulating ceramides, soothes acne and has an anti-aging action. Stable, pH-neutral and suitable for use even during pregnancy, it is suitable for all skin types and can be easily combined with retinol and vitamin C.
What niacinamide made for the skin
Anti-aging action
It stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles and acts as a shield against collagen destruction by UV rays. Studies use 4 to 5 %, for 8 to 12 weeks.
Anti-stain action
It reduces melanin transfer to the surface: effective on solar hyperpigmentation, post-acne and melasma. At 2-5 % for 8 weeks, it significantly lightens, with less irritation than hydroquinone.
Skin barrier
At 2 %, it increases the synthesis of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids: reinforced barrier, less water loss, better tolerance to other active ingredients. Valuable on dry, redness-prone skin.
Anti-acne action
It regulates sebum and calms inflammation. At 4 % for 8 weeks, 82 % improvement, slightly better than clindamycin gel 1 % - without creating bacterial resistance. Ideal for oily skin.
Which niacinamide serums choose ?
Here are three representative niacinamide serums, with BeautyDecoded scores and user feedback. For a full comparison, see the detailed selection of best niacinamide serums.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The benchmark niacinamide serum: 10 % niacinamide and 1 % zinc, at a low price, the most highly reviewed serum in the database (82 reviews). Recommended for blemished skin, as a complement to retinol and salicylic acid. Sensitive skin score 0 - suitable, The high concentration may sting even the most reactive skin. Smoothes the skin's texture and tightens pores over time, according to numerous feedbacks. Disappointed reviews often claimed a rapid anti-acne action, whereas in fact it works slowly.
SVR Ampoule Hydra Vitamin B3
A French parapharmacy serum combining niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to moisturize, plump and protect against pigmentation spots. Sensitive skin score -0.5 - slight caution, but well tolerated. Perfect in the evening before the nourishing cream and retinol, according to feedback; texture a little thick and slightly sticky for some, but appreciated by most, even on combination skin.
Aroma-Zone Niacinamide Serum 10% + Copper
Serum concentrated at 10 % of niacinamide and copper, the best oriented selection imperfections (score 81,6), good value and refillable. Sensitive skin score -1.0 - slight caution. Diminishes blemishes and refines skin texture according to feedback; some users found no effect on blemishes or tolerated it poorly, a reminder that response to niacinamide varies from skin to skin.
For which skin types ?
Oily skin
Water-soluble, it can be found in non-greasy serums and lotions, perfect for oily skin. It reduces sebum, soothes redness and visibly tightens pores.
Sensitive skin
Neutral pH and very stable, it is well suited to reactive skin and is found in many moisturizers.
Dry skin
By stimulating the production of ceramides, it strengthens the skin barrier and reduces dryness deep down.
Side effects and combinations
Niacinamide is one of the safest active ingredients: it can even be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most studies have focused on concentrations below 5 %, so a higher concentration may, in rare cases, cause tingling or redness on sensitive skin. If this happens, we lower the concentration; but more often, a reaction comes from another ingredient in the product, not from niacinamide itself. The only drawback is that niacinamide is slow-acting, so you need at least two months to see results.
Together with retinol, it reduces side effects by reinforcing the skin barrier, making it invaluable even around the eyes. Contrary to an old rumour, the niacinamide + vitamin C combination is perfectly feasible according to recent studies.
Find the right niacinamide for your skin profile.
The BeautyDecoded application lets you scan any cosmetic product to visualize its suitability for your skin type and needs, based on INCI analysis.
Your questions about niacinamide
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Others associated guides
Information for educational purposes only. It does not replace a medical consultation and must be adapted to each individual. The compatibility scores generated by the application do not prejudge the individual tolerance of each skin type. Niacinamide is one of the best-tolerated active ingredients and can still be used during pregnancy, but high concentrations may cause tingling or redness in reactive skin. In case of skin pathology or doubt, dermatological advice is recommended. A tolerance test should be carried out before using the product for the first time.