Niacinamide Is the Brightening, Clearing Ingredient Derms Want You to Use

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is an ingredient found in nearly every skincare product, whether it’s a serum, moisturizer, or cleanser. It’s even a key ingredient in some of our favorite eye creams.

Maybe you’ve read reviews on TikTok from dermatologists raving about it, or you may have seen it on the ingredient lists of popular products (like Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum or Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Niacinamide Dew Drops).

What exactly does niacinamide do? This superstar ingredient is dermatologist-approved. Its benefits range from brightening and clearing the skin to reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Are you curious about the benefits of niacinamide and how to incorporate it into your personal skincare routine? Two board-certified dermatologists and the founder of a skincare brand explain everything you need to know about niacinamide.

Read on to learn more about the hidden benefits of vitamin B3 for your skin.

Niacinamide

Ingredient Type: Brightener

Main Benefits: Brightens skin, prevents signs of aging, reduces acne

Who’s it for: Generally speaking, anyone who wants radiant skin or wants to prevent aging.

How often to use: Morning and evening.

Best with: “When using vitamin B3, it’s recommended to combine it with other stable and potent antioxidants like camellia sinensis (green tea) catechins, quercetin, and tocopherol,” says Mun. It can also soothe irritation and redness caused by retinol. 1

Do not use with: Vitamin B3 is compatible with all other products.

What is niacinamide?

“When we think about the skincare benefits of niacinamide, we’re referring to a specific form of vitamin B3 (an amide) called niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide).

Niacinamide is an essential, water-soluble vitamin that the human body cannot synthesize. Therefore, we need to get it from our diet to reap its benefits,” explains Hermann.

The vitamin is also used in skincare products because, as Hermann emphasizes, our bodies can’t make it on their own. To reap the brightening benefits of niacinamide, it must be taken via dietary supplement or applied topically to the skin:

“Niacinamide is found in some topical formulas and can be applied in the morning or evening as a cream, usually after gentle cleansing.” Some of Byrdie HQ’s favorite serums also contain vitamin B3 (see below), which can be applied before or after your favorite night cream.

Benefits of Niacinamide

In a nutshell: It has an incredible regenerative effect. “Niacinamide helps restore cellular energy, repair damaged DNA, and reduce the immune suppression caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.”

Anti-Aging. Herman likens vitamin B3 to a fountain of youth, likening it to a “well-oiled machine” that fights off internal and external stressors that ultimately lead to skin damage and premature signs of aging, like discoloration and wrinkles.

Lightening. When it comes to brightening specifically, Herman explains, “Niacinamide has been shown to prevent the transfer of pigment from the skin, which can help reduce pigment spots.”

Reduces Redness. Other benefits Herman mentions include reduced redness (thanks to vitamin B3’s anti-inflammatory properties), moisture retention, a stronger skin barrier, and improved synthesis of healthy fats (important for radiant skin).

Safe for sensitive skin. “I recommend it to patients who have sensitive skin or other conditions like rosacea or eczema,” explains Nazarian.

It’s also found in sunscreens like Elta MD UV Clear, making it a good option for those who are concerned about skincare irritation or have trouble applying creams due to allergies. An oral version can also be used to treat acne—ideal when oral medications like antibiotics aren’t well tolerated.

Can Niacinamide Be Combined with Other Active Ingredients?

It’s less well known that most skincare products work better when combined with other ingredients. “Particularly when it comes to pigmentation, niacinamide is best combined with other ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, and soy, which work synergistically on pigment pathways to optimally help eliminate brown spots and discoloration,” says Herman.

Niacinamide/Niacinimide vs. Niacin

However, there is a common misconception about vitamin B3 and its (various) names: Niacinamide is a specific amide form (a specific chemical structure) of vitamin B3. It is not niacin, which is the acidic form of vitamin B3.

Niacin is more readily available in drugstores, but can occasionally have unpleasant side effects such as hot flashes, which niacinamide does not. Don’t like red face? Check your ingredient list and don’t assume it’s the same ingredient even if it doesn’t have the “-amide” symbol.

Possible side effects

Like ceramide, niacinamide helps hydrate the skin. “Niacinamide is a powerful ingredient that moisturizes and brightens the skin,” emphasizes Mun. However, if the concentration of vitamin B3 in skincare products is too high, it may cause skin irritation.

Therefore, it is recommended to use low concentrations of vitamin B3 (1-2%). Don’t overdose, as redness or (worse) dermatitis may occur.

How to choose a niacinamide product

To get the most out of vitamin B3, it is crucial to choose the right product. Herman explains that our skin is smart and works as a barrier—protecting our bodies from potentially harmful invaders.

As a result, not all topicals have the technology needed to penetrate the skin effectively.

“Any topical active ingredient must be able to penetrate the skin and work where it’s needed,” she says. If niacinamide successfully penetrates this barrier, it can work. Look for vitamin B3 products with scientific research, not just an attractive ingredient list.

Topical vs. Dietary Supplements

Topical niacinamide products are usually sold as liquid serums or moisturizers. Serums are designed to be applied in layers to increase the absorption and effectiveness of products applied over them.

Oral niacinamide is for individuals who are deficient in niacinamide and should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. Although niacin is found in food, it is not possible to take in excessive amounts through diet alone.

However, if you experience any side effects (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, etc.) while taking niacinamide supplements, you should consult your physician.

Application

If you use a topical niacinamide product, you should apply it in the morning. It is most likely found in products that have skin-lightening properties. If you have a serum, generally apply it after cleansing and before applying other products such as moisturizer and eye cream.

FAQ

Can I use niacinamide every day?

You can use niacinamide every morning and night. However, if you notice any skin irritation (which is uncommon), let your dermatologist know.

How does niacinamide whiten the skin?

“Niacinamide helps restore cellular energy, repair damaged DNA, and reduce the immune suppression caused by the sun’s UV rays,” Herman explains, noting that the ingredient also fights internal and external stressors that ultimately lead to discoloration and wrinkles.

Can Niacinamide Remove Dark Spots?

Since niacinamide is a dermatologist-approved brightening ingredient, it can be very effective in eliminating hyperpigmentation and evens out skin tone.

Is Vitamin C or Niacinamide Better?

It all depends on what you want to achieve with your skin. If you’re looking for a product that exfoliates and brightens, you should go with Vitamin C. However, if you’re looking for a product that moisturizes your skin, Niacinamide may be a better choice.

Is Niacinamide or Retinol Better?

It also depends on what you want to achieve. Niacinamide can moisturize and brighten your skin, but few products can surpass retinol in terms of boosting cell turnover. However, retinol requires a fairly long adjustment period, so it may take months or even years before you really see results.