The Benefits of Niacinamide, Explained
Healthier, more hydrated skin is just one ingredient away.
Please do not ask me how to pronounce niacinamide, because I swear I say it differently (and incorrectly) every time. Tricky pronunciation aside, niacinamide is an iconic ingredient that's probably found in at least one of your skincare products (and if it’s not, you should get on that). For a more thorough look at this hero ingredient, we spoke to Dr. Marie Hayag, board-certified dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics, along with Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, celebrity cosmetic dermatologist, to answer all the questions you have about the benefits of niacinamide for your skin.
What is niacinamide?
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is, according to Dr. Hayag, "a water-soluble vitamin...it’s found in meat, fish, wheat, and in small quantities, vegetables.” Niacinamide is often found in skincare and cosmetic products, and works to improve your skin’s barrier to help its overall texture while targeting dark spots.
What are the benefits of niacinamide?
The science of it all is best explained by Dr. Hayag: “The health of the skin barrier is determined by the amount and structure of these components, and niacinamide increases the synthesis of free fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterol. Ultimately, this results in a healthier skin barrier and improved skin hydration." The production of these fatty acids is what creates strong and glowy skin.
Other skin-boosting benefits of niacinamide, according to Dr. Hayag and Dr. Frank, include:
- Boosting of collagen production
- Helping fade hyperpigmentation
- Sebum regulating and anti-inflammatory properties
- Minimizing of pores, lines, and wrinkles
How should I use niacinamide?
The best part? Almost everyone can benefit from this ingredient. Dr. Hayag warns that some irritation may occur, but should go away with repeated use; Dr. Frank suggests those with sensitive skin avoid over-using products with this ingredient because that slight irritation could become severe. Basically, you don’t want to overdo it.
However, if you have dry or acne-prone skin, you should really consider adding a niacinamide-specific moisturizer or serum to your routine. “Acne-prone skin benefits from niacinamide as a result of its anti-inflammatory and sebum regulating effects. Additionally, [it] helps provide the necessary ingredients for the skin barrier; it keeps moisture in our skin and alleviates dryness,” says Dr. Hayag.
What are the best niacinamide products?
While there's no single best way to add niacinamide to your routine, Dr. Frank recommends a daily regimen through using niacinamide in a serum or in topical form. “When niacinamide is combined with a moisturizer, it acts as a calming hydrating boost. It can also help brighten the skin by evening out skin tone and help with wrinkles due to its ability to provide collagen.”
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
You want to make sure you’re not over-using niacinamide-based products. So you don’t need both a serum and a moisturizer with this versatile ingredient—just pick one that works for you. If you're not sure where to start with products, check out our dermatologist recommendations.
“I like that it contains multiple ingredients that can brighten the skin, including niacinamide, kojic acid, and tranexamic acid,” says Dr. Hayag.
Recommended by Dr. Frank, this serum is ideal for those dealing with hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the skin. Niacinamide is the fourth ingredient in this serum, and it also contains tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E).
Alexis Gaskin is a Freelance Beauty Writer for Marie Claire who can often be found painting her nails to match every outfit. She covers beauty, skincare, and fat fashion and will get distracted by any and all Halsey-related content or anything glittery.
-
Meet the Cast of 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,' the New, Must-Watch Netflix K-Drama for Fans of Medical Shows
The series follows the inner workings of Hankuk National University Hospital, with several A-listers rounding out the ensemble.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Katie Holmes Pioneers an Unusual Shirt Styling Trick
It's unconventional, but it works.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Prince William Reveals the Hilarious, Blunt Responses George, Charlotte, and Louis Give Him About School
The Prince and Princess of Wales's kids certainly have a way with words.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The 13 Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Tested by Women Over 50
It's perfect for mature complexions.
By Siena Gagliano Published
-
Gray Hair Was the Hottest Accessory at the 2025 Golden Globes
Gray hair is chic, period.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
25 Brown Nail Designs To Instantly Elevate Winter's Hottest Polish Trend
Luxury at your fingertips.
By Emma Aerin Becker Published
-
20 Beauty Stocking Stuffers Guaranteed to Please Your Pickiest Family Members
Beauty editor-tested and approved.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
24 Luxury Beauty and Wellness Gifts for Your Pickiest Self-Care Obsessed Friends
Guaranteed to please even your pickiest friends and family.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
10 Winter Hair Color Trends Fashionable Women Love This Season
The season's top hair color trends are painfully chic.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
10 Winter Haircut Trends Stylish Women Are Wearing in 2024
It's time to get a little scissor happy.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
Drunk Elephant Recalls Three Best-Selling Skincare Products Following an Ingredient Mix-Up
Here's how to know if yours were compromised.
By Hanna Lustig Published