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Niacinamide

aka Nicotinamide, Vitamin B3, Nicotinic acid amide

The short answer

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 known for reducing the look of shine, evening out skin tone and helping the skin barrier hold up against irritation. Studies mostly used 2 to 5%, and there is little evidence that stronger 10 to 20% serums work any better.

Known for
Vitamin B3 that helps calm oil, even out tone and support a stronger skin barrier.
Suits
Oily skin
Helps with
Uneven toneBlemish-prone skinRedness-prone skin
Evidence
moderate

Updated 5 Oct 2026 · Sources

Check first

Caution: Can sting at 10%+
  • Very reactive skin: start with 2 to 5% rather than 10% or higher serums.
  • Stacking several niacinamide products, as the amounts add up.

What it goes with

Pairs well

  • Hyaluronic acidBoth are gentle and water-based. One helps with shine, the other adds hydration.
  • CeramidesBoth support the skin barrier, and niacinamide is reported to help skin make its own ceramides.
  • RetinolNiacinamide may help retinol feel more comfortable, though this has only been looked at in a small study.
  • Tranexamic acidA common pairing in brightening routines.

Keep apart

  • Avoid: Vitamin CA myth. The old warning comes from a 1944 lab test showing a colour change, not lost activity. If the combination stings, use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night.
  • Avoid: AHA (alpha hydroxy acids)Only an issue if your skin gets irritated. If it does, use them at different times of day.

How it works

Niacinamide is a building block for NAD+, a molecule skin cells use for energy, and it is involved in calming inflammatory signals inside cells. [1]

It is reported to increase the skin's own ceramide production, which helps the outer layer hold on to water and keep irritants out. [2]

For uneven tone, it is thought to reduce the transfer of pigment from pigment cells to the surrounding skin cells, which can help the look of dark spots over time. [3]

In trials, a 2% niacinamide moisturiser reduced facial shine over 4 to 6 weeks, and a 4% gel performed as well as a 1% clindamycin gel for moderate breakouts. [1]

How to use it

  • Strength: 2 to 5% covers the range used in studies. Higher isn't shown to be better.
  • When: morning, night or both. Trials usually used it every day, often twice a day.
  • Where in your routine: after cleansing and watery toners, before heavier creams.
  • Be patient: oil-control results were measured at 4 to 6 weeks.
  • In the morning, finish with SPF50+ sunscreen.
  • Australian climate tip: in humid summers the shine control may be what you notice most. In dry winters or air-conditioned offices, the barrier support matters more.

FAQ

Yes, for most people. The "don't mix" rule comes from decades-old lab tests that mixed the raw ingredients in water, and it isn't considered a problem with modern products used one after the other. If your skin stings, use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night. [6]

Products with niacinamide

Each links to Australian stockists, with the price range across shops.

Sources

General information only, not medical advice.