What Is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that comes from foods, such as meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, and grains. It is easily absorbed by the skin and keeps it healthy. Niacinamide is ideal for those who love lightweight ingredients as it does not dissolve in oil. It is more likely to be found in water-based serums and also features in many skin care products. However, niacinamide is not always hailed as a star ingredient, probably because it does all kinds of jobs rather than one easily-marketed targeted effect.

What Does Niacinamide Do?

Niacinamide improves cellular energy, cell turnover, and microcirculation, heals your skin, and protects it from environmental damage. It also has antibacterial properties that prevent infections caused by excess sebum. Niacinamide also unclogs pores and prevents unwanted hair growth and acne. Deficiency in vitamin B3 manifests in a lot of ways – and unhealthy-looking skin is one of them. You can maintain adequate B3 levels by consuming chicken, fish, red meat, salmon, tuna, kale, asparagus, and broccoli. For skin health in particular, the topical application of niacinamide has more significant benefits. Your body directly absorbs niacin, which targets specific issues internally. Niacinamide also helps improve facial skin appearance (1). Now that you know how niacinamide works wonders on your skin, let’s check out some products that can help you add it to your skincare routine.

Top 15 Niacinamide Products You Need To Try

1. Best Non-Toxic:Naturium Niacinamide Serum

4.4 Image: Naturium BUY ON AMAZON | $15.99 The Naturium Niacinamide Serum has a potent formula that contains 12% niacinamide and 2% zinc PCA. This efficiently improves uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, dark spots, and fine lines. The zinc PCA in the formula reduces excess shine, while hyaluronic acid plumps the skin and gives it a youthful appearance. It minimizes excess oil production and refines the skin texture. The pH level of this serum is appropriate and safe for use. Pros

Clinically effective Vegan Cruelty-free Gluten-free Paraben-free Non-toxic No artificial fragrances

Cons

May not suit oily skin.

2. Best Affordable:Nature’s Way Niacinamide Capsules

4.5 BUY ON AMAZON | $8.69 The Nature’s Way Niacinamide Capsules support cellular energy production. They promote the normal breakdown of fats and the release of energy from carbohydrates. You can take one capsule daily with food to see noticeable changes in your skin health and conditions prescribed. However, avoid this product if you are pregnant or undergoing treatment for any medical issues. Note: Do not consume these capsules unless prescribed by the doctor. Pros

Gluten-free Affordable

Cons

May cause heartburn

3. Best Allergen-Free:Thorne Niacinamide Dietary Supplement

4.5 BUY ON AMAZON | $21.0 The Thorne Niacinamide Dietary Supplement is beneficial for your skin and overall health. It supports restful sleep and takes care of your joint health. It also protects beta cells in the pancreas. The formulation is free of all harmful ingredients that make it one of the safest and purest options available. The supplements are also free of allergens like eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, dairy, yeast, shellfish, or fish. Note: Do not consume it unless prescribed by the doctor. Pros

Gluten-free Formulated with pure ingredients Allergen-free

Cons None

4. Best pH-Balanced:Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5%

4.4 BUY ON AMAZON | $16.0 The Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5% helps fade dark spots and improves the skin texture. The formula combines coconut fruit juice, phytonutrients, electrolytes, and amino acids that promote skin elasticity. This product is exclusively crafted and optimized to work with the physiological process of the skin. The clean formulation contains the highest-quality botanical, earth, and marine-based ingredients to keep the skin healthy. Pros

Vegan Cruelty-free Paraben-free No synthetic fragrances pH-balanced Tested for safety

Cons

Contains phenoxyethanol

5. Best Vegan:Joyal Beauty Vitamin B3 B5 Serum

4.3 BUY ON AMAZON | $13.95 This Vitamin B3 B5 Serum by Joyal Beauty contains hyaluronic acid and zinc that offers a fresh boost of hydration to your skin. It contains 5% niacin that evens out your skin tone and improves fine lines and wrinkles. Zinc is beneficial for those who have acne-prone and sensitive skin. This serum suits almost all skin types. Pros

100% vegan Suits all skin types

Cons None

6. Best Quick Absorbing:Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Brighten your skin with the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops. It is powered by niacinamide, which helps to even out your skin tone, reduces hyperpigmentation, and minimizes pore appearance. The vitamin-rich watermelon intensely hydrates your skin and fights free radical damage for a youthful appearance . In addition, moringa seed oil infused in the serum calms the skin. Check out the review of the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Dropson YouTube to know why it is one of the best ones out there. Pros

Absorbed quickly Paraben-free Alcohol-free Sulfate-free Mineral oiL-free Phthalate-free Synthetic dye-free Cruelty-free Vegan

Cons

Sensitive skin may need to do patch test

7. Best Hypoallergenic:CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM

CeraVe is a big name in the cosmetic industry, and here’s another product from their range that is a big hit. This facial moisturizing cream is best for your night-time routine. Along with 4% niacinamide concentration, it has other skin rejuvenating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. After cleansing and toning your face, apply this lightweight lotion and let it do its magic. You will start to see a difference in just a few weeks. If you want to know more about the merits of the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM, click on this YouTube video. Pros

Lightweight formula Rejuvenates your skin Non-comedogenic Maintains skin’s natural barrier Hypoallergenic Oil-free Fragrance-free

Cons None

8. Best For Discoloration:Dr. Jart+ Dermask Brightening Solution Ultra-Fine Microfiber Face Sheet Mask

If you are looking for a quick 20-minute rejuvenation routine that can help tone your skin evenly, brighten it, and decrease fatigue, here’s a mask with niacinamide that you need. It is mixed with other powerful antioxidants like glutathione and bisabolol that brighten your skin almost instantly by reducing pigmentation and discoloration. Use this mask a few times a month for remarkable results. Pros Brightens up your complexion

Reduces pigmentation Diminishes dark spots Offers youthful-looking skin

Cons None

9. Best Brightening:Biopelle KNR Serum

Biopelle Serum is packed with three of the most effective skin repairing agents – kojic acid, niacinamide, and retinol. These are mixed with peptides and other ingredients that brighten, repair, and even out skin complexion. KNR Serum is formulated with a patented Retinsphere® liposomal delivery technology that helps the serum penetrate skin easily and optimize retinol’s efficacy. Use it twice a day, and follow it up with sunscreen when you step out. Pros

Minimizes hyperpigmentation Protects skin against skin damage Prevents future skin damage Brightens skin tone

Cons None

10. Best Lightweight:First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

This is an ultra hydrating moisturizer. It specifically targets dehydrated, flaky skin, and other extreme conditions like eczema and rosacea. Apart from niacinamide, the cream contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, ceramide 3, and specially formulated antioxidant boosters that give instant relief. Pros

Lightweight Non-greasy texture Clinically-proven Suitable for all skin types Offers skin hydration Cruelty-free and gluten-free Vegan Free from artificial fragrances

Cons None

11. Best For Refining Pores:Glamglow – Instamud 60 Second Pore-Refining Treatment

Glamglow has been doing the rounds lately, and people love the results. This mask is formulated with niacinamide that works on shrinking pores. It also contains witch hazel that reduces inflammation, aloe vera that calms your skin, and bentonite and kaolin clays that detox your skin. All in all, this product clears your skin completely in just 60 seconds. For an honest review of the Glamglow – Instamud 60 Second Pore-Refining Treatment, check out this video. Pros

Helps in refining your pores Evens out your skin tone Reduces skin inflammation

Cons None

12. Best Moisturizing:Paula’s Choice BOOST 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Booster

Paula’s Choice Serum contains 10% niacinamide and is a skin health booster in the most dramatic sense. This ultra-light sheer liquid formula can be used as a stand-alone serum or followed up with other serums – depending on your skincare routine. It gets absorbed in just a few seconds and spreads easily. Pros

Reduces enlarged pores Treats skin issues Restores your skin tone Moisturizes roughness and dryness Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles

Cons None

13. Best Multipurpose:ONE THING NIACINAMIDE

One Thing Niacinamide has 10% niacinamide and is formulated with EWG green level ingredients. It comes with no added preservatives and is suitable for all skin types. The hypoallergenic formula makes it safe for sensitive skin as well. You can use this as a toner and a mask. It helps brighten the skin, regulate sebum production, and strengthen the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss. Pros

Multipurpose Ideal for sensitive skin Preservative-free Vegan

Cons

Drying

14. Best Dermatologist Recommended:The Ordinary Niacinamide 10%

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% serum reduces blemishes and controls breakouts. It contains zinc that controls sebum production, and hence prevents acne. If you have severe acne, use it along with other serums recommended by your dermatologist. But make sure you talk to your dermatologist about this new addition to your skincare routine. Pros

Reduces blemishes Controls breakouts Cures and prevents acne Minimizes the look of enlarged pores

Cons None

15. Best Hydrating:Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel

Biossance Squalane+Peptide Eye Gel is a weightless and hydrating under-eye gel that is gentle on the skin. Niacinamide is combined with other peptides that reduce puffiness and the dark color around your eyes, making you visibly fresher. Pros

Weightless formula Feels gentle on your skin Reduces under-eye puffiness Removes dark circles

Cons None Every skin needs a different nourishing approach. Although niacinamide is a proven ingredient to soothe the skin, it’s best to know about the factors to consider before investing in the a product to get better results. Given below is a buying guide to help select the best niacinamide products to fulfill your skin care needs.

How To Choose The Best Niacinamide Products For A Healthy Skin Barrier

Skin Type: Skin type is one of the most critical factors in choosing the best niacinamide product. The majority of niacinamide products suit all skin types. They are also suitable for sensitive, mature, and acne-prone because they have anti-inflammatory properties. Choose a solution that is non-comedogenic if you have oily, acne-prone skin. A product with additional hydrating and skin-plumping components like hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, and butter will benefit dry skin type. Those with sensitive skin issues should stick to hypoallergenic solutions that have passed dermatological testing standards.

Ingredients: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, zinc, glycerin, allantoin, essential oils, and botanical extracts in skincare products for hydration and nourishment. Additionally, search for antioxidants such as vitamins E, A, and C, as well as extracts of neem seeds, chamomile, and green tea leaves. In addition to niacinamide, these active components have antibacterial, anti-aging, and skin-renewal properties. Avoid substances that could hurt your skin, such as alcohol, parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and synthetic fragrances.

Texture: To avoid blotting, choose a lightweight texture that is easy to absorb. A rich, creamy texture is essential for a nourishing niacinamide formulation that heals and regenerates skin overnight. Choose a niacinamide product with the consistency you prefer depending on the target use and duration, to ensure your skin is sufficiently moisturized and hydrated.

Concentration: Niacinamide at a concentration of 5% is the recommended dosage because it is safe and most effective. Choose serums with niacinamide levels close to 5%. Although it takes them longer to produce the desired results, they are still safer than 10 or 12%. Niacinamide excess with moderate to severe adverse effects may result from higher dosages.

These are the best niacinamide products that you can buy online. This ingredient offers multiple skin benefits. Let’s take a look.

What Are The Benefits Of Niacinamide For The Skin?

Irrespective of your skin type, niacinamide offers relief to most of your skin problems. Studies have shown that niacinamide can act as an antioxidant, improve epidermal barrier function and skin elasticity, and reduce skin hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, redness/blotchiness, and skin yellowness (sallowness) (2). Skin care products with niacinamide have the following benefits:

Control Excess Oil Production

Niacinamide is said to regulate excess oil production. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an ideal solution for acne concerns.

Reduces Hyperpigmentation

Niacinamide helps in lightening dark spots while encouraging collagen production. According to a clinical study, 5% niacinamide can minimize hyperpigmentation in eight weeks (2).

Strengthens The Skin Barrier

Niacinamide renews your skin and works as a shield against moisture loss and dehydration. Hence, it is one of the best options for those with dry skin.

Improves Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Niacinamide promotes dermal collagen and protein production. This improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and prevents premature aging caused by dehydration, sun damage, and environmental aggressors (2).

Improves Acne

Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties, and when applied topically, it helps minimize acne and calm rosacea-prone skin (3). It also neutralizes the impact of free radical damage and keeps the skin healthy.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach. Her passion lies in trying out different beauty products that help the skin function properly. For this article, she spoke to dermatologists, read numerous online reviews, and put together a list of the best niacinamide products for the readers. In addition, Oyendrila considered various quality parameters and user requirements and selected products that are mostly chemical-free and rejuvenate dull skin. Which types of skin will benefit from niacinamide? Niacinamide is beneficial for all skin types. Does niacinamide work with vitamin C? Yes, niacinamide can be combined with vitamin C products. This will not irritate the skin. How long to use niacinamide to get results? It may take 8-12 weeks to deliver visible results. Are there any side effects of using niacinamide? Taking niacinamide supplements may cause heartburn, rash, dizziness, and upset the stomach. Topically, niacinamide does not cause any major side effects. What works best with niacinamide? Niacinamide is compatible with many products such as HA, AHA/BHA, peptides, retinol, and certain antioxidants. If used together, they can improve skin radiance and skin tone, and protect your skin from UV damage. Should I use niacinamide everyday? Yes, niacinamide is a gentle ingredient that can be used every day. Dermatologists recommend using niacinamide-based products in the morning as well as at night. Opt for lightweight formulas that your skin can absorb easily. What should you not mix with niacinamide? It is debatable whether niacinamide and vitamin C are compatible, but dermatologists suggest avoiding this combination. These ingredients can neutralize the effect of each other and create nicotinic acid, leading to redness and inflammation. What percentage of niacinamide is best? Two to ten percent of niacinamide is best for skin care products. Using more than that can cause skin sensitivity, such as irritation and redness.

Sources

Allantoin: What Is It And What Are The Skin Benefits? What Is the Right Order To Apply Skin Care Products? First-Aid Kits To Keep You Emergency-Ready Korean Skin Care Products