What is Niacinamide?
A water-soluble vitamin and multitasking powerhouse. Strengthens skin barrier, regulates oil, reduces hyperpigmentation, and minimizes pores. Well-tolerated by most skin types with extensive research backing.
✅Key Benefits
- ✓Reduces hyperpigmentation by 35-68%
- ✓Minimizes pore appearance
- ✓Strengthens skin barrier (increases ceramides)
- ✓Regulates oil production
- ✓Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- ✓Anti-inflammatory (reduces redness)
- ✓Improves skin texture
- ✓Reduces TEWL by 24%
🎯Best For
All skin typesHyperpigmentationOily skinLarge poresSensitive skinRosacea
📋How to Use
Can be used AM and PM. Apply to clean skin before heavier products. Safe to use daily. Works well with almost all other ingredients. Gentle enough for sensitive skin.
⚗️RECOMMENDED CONCENTRATION: 2-5% (effective), 10% (optimal), 20% (may cause flushing)
⚠️Avoid Mixing With
- ✕Vitamin C (L-AA) in some people - may cause flushing
- ✕Generally very compatible
💚Pairs Well With
- ✓Retinoids
- ✓Vitamin C derivatives
- ✓Hyaluronic Acid
- ✓AHAs/BHAs
- ✓Peptides
- ✓Azelaic Acid
🚫Avoid If
- ⚠Rarely problematic - one of the gentlest actives
🔬Scientific Evidence
Over 150 studies. Proven to increase ceramide and free fatty acid synthesis by 67%. Inhibits melanosome transfer (reduces pigmentation). Matts et al. (2002) showed 10% reduces sebum by 27% in 8 weeks.
⚡Important Warnings
- !May cause flushing at high concentrations (10%+)
- !Rare: niacin flush (red, warm skin) - harmless
- !Start with 5% if sensitive
💡Fun Facts
- ★Also called vitamin PP (pellagra-preventing)
- ★The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% is cult favorite
- ★Works at pH 6 - no pH conflicts
- ★Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding