# Niacinamide

> Source: https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/niacinamide — updated 2026-09-25

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used in serums, moisturisers, sunscreens and tints. Studies associate it with a more even-looking tone, less visible redness and blotchiness, and support for the skin barrier. It is generally well tolerated, which is why it appears in so many everyday formulas.

- Also on labels as: Nicotinamide, Vitamin B3
- Type: Vitamin

## What it does

- Helps skin look more even in tone, including the look of blotchiness and redness
- Supports the skin barrier and helps limit water loss
- Appears in oil-control formulas for skin that looks shiny through the day

## Who it suits

Most skin types, including oily, combination and sensitive skin. It is a useful first active for people new to serums.

## How to use it

1. Use morning, evening or both; follow the product’s directions
2. Apply after cleansing and water-based steps, before moisturiser
3. Finish with sunscreen in the morning

## Take care

- Higher strengths (around 10%) can feel tingly or cause flushing on reactive skin — patch test first
- Stop if skin stings persistently, and ask a pharmacist if irritation continues

## What it pairs with

Pairs well with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and sunscreen. Older advice warned against using it with vitamin C; follow each product’s directions, as some brands still recommend keeping them in separate routines.

## Products in the catalogue that list it

- [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/the-ordinary-niacinamide-10-zinc-1)
- [Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Niacinamide SPF50+](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/beauty-of-joseon-relief-sun-rice-niacinamide)
- [La Roche-Posay 0.3% Retinol + Vitamin B3 Serum](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/la-roche-posay-retinol-b3-serum)
- [Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/round-lab-birch-juice-moisturizing-sun-cream)
- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/skin1004-madagascar-centella-hyalu-cica-water-fit-sun-serum)
- [COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/cosrx-ultra-light-invisible-sunscreen-spf50)
- [e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/elf-halo-glow-skin-tint-spf-50)
- [ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ilia-super-serum-skin-tint-spf-40)
- [Saie Slip Tint](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/saie-slip-tint)
- [Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation SPF 10](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/estee-lauder-double-wear-stay-in-place-foundation)
- [TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/tirtir-mask-fit-red-cushion)

## Questions

### What does niacinamide do for skin?

It is used to help skin look more even in tone and less red, and to support the skin barrier. A 2005 study in Dermatologic Surgery reported improvements in the appearance of fine lines, blotchiness and redness with topical niacinamide.

### Can I use niacinamide every day?

Yes, most formulas are designed for daily use, morning and evening. Start with one product and a lower strength if your skin is sensitive.

### Is niacinamide the same as vitamin B3?

Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is one form of vitamin B3. On ingredient lists it usually appears as “niacinamide”.

## Sources

- [Bissett et al., “Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance”, Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/)
- [DermNet — Nicotinamide](https://dermnetnz.org/topics/nicotinamide)

General information, not medical advice.