Niacinamide in skincare.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 — specifically nicotinamide, the amide form. It's water-soluble, stable across formulation pH, and one of the most-studied multi-active topical ingredients in skincare. Effective concentrations in over-the-counter products range from 2% to 10%; clinical research generally uses concentrations between 4% and 10%.
What it does
Reduces sebum production. Improves skin barrier function. Reduces transepidermal water loss. Inhibits melanin transfer (fading hyperpigmentation). Reduces appearance of pore size. Supports the skin's natural antioxidant defenses. Calms low-grade inflammation. The breadth of niacinamide's effects is part of why it's in so many products — few ingredients work across this many mechanisms.
The evidence
Strong. Multiple peer-reviewed clinical trials demonstrate niacinamide's effects on hyperpigmentation (Bissett et al., 2004), skin barrier (Tanno et al., 2000), and sebum (Draelos et al., 2006). At 5%–10% concentrations, the evidence base is comparable to other category-leading actives like vitamin C.
Who should use it
Combination, oily, and acne-prone skin. Anyone with hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory marks, or uneven skin tone. Compromised skin barriers (sensitive, post-procedure, eczema-adjacent). Effectively no contraindications — niacinamide is one of the most universally tolerable actives in skincare.
What it pairs with
Most actives. Niacinamide is famously easy to combine — pairs cleanly with hyaluronic acid, retinol (in fact may reduce retinol-induced irritation), AHAs and BHAs (despite outdated 'don't combine with vitamin C' folklore — modern formulations handle this), peptides, ceramides. The standard advanced routine often includes niacinamide as the supporting active across multiple steps.
What to buy in Australia
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — AU$12, the affordable benchmark. Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster — AU$56, the premium tier with cleaner formulation. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum (propolis + niacinamide) — AU$28, the K-beauty alternative.
Frequently asked questions.
- Can I use niacinamide every day?
- Yes. Niacinamide is one of the safest topical actives for daily — even twice-daily — use. No tolerance window required.
- Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?
- Yes, despite the outdated folklore. Modern formulations are stable and the two work well together. The historical concern was about specific old formulations of pure ascorbic acid converting niacinamide to nicotinic acid — not relevant to modern OTC products.
- How long until I see results from niacinamide?
- Texture and oil-balance: 2–4 weeks. Hyperpigmentation: 8–12 weeks. Pore appearance: 4–8 weeks.
- What's the best niacinamide concentration?
- 5%–10% is the evidence-supported range. Below 5% may not deliver visible benefit. Above 10% increases irritation risk without clear added benefit.