Overview of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) as a cosmetic ingredient for skin care, exploring its benefits, mechanisms, and applications in skincare products.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) in Skincare: Benefits and How It Works
Overview of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) as a cosmetic ingredient for skin care, exploring its benefits, mechanisms, and applications in skincare products.
Every few months, the beauty industry introduces a new “must-have” ingredient. Trends come and go, each claiming to deliver outstanding results. The latest ingredient in the spotlight is Niacinamide. It’s now in serums, moisturisers, and cleansers, praised as a remedy for everything from spots to wrinkles.
But what actually is Niacinamide? Does it really work as well as people say it does? With so many products calling it their lead ingredient, it’s natural to wonder if it’s just another trend or if there’s real science behind the claims.
This article clarifies what Niacinamide is, what research says about its effects on the skin, and how to use it effectively.
What is Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)?
Niacinamide, also known as Nicotinamide, is part of the vitamin B3 family. It consists of two water-soluble molecular forms: Niacin (Nicotinic Acid) and Niacinamide (Nicotinamide) [1].
Both Niacinamide and Niacin are forms of vitamin B3 but differ significantly in their effects on the body. Unlike Niacin, which can cause uncomfortable flushing and skin irritation, Niacinamide is bound with amino acids, preventing these unpleasant side effects. Niacinamide crosses the stratum corneum more efficiently than nicotinic acid and shows high tolerability in skincare formulations [2].
Niacinamide helps skin cells produce molecules needed for energy and basic cell functions. As skin ages, the levels of these molecules drop. Cells then have less energy to function properly. When Niacinamide is applied to the skin, it raises these levels again and helps cells produce the energy they need to function and repair themselves.
This small-molecule vitamin is naturally found in many dietary sources. These include root vegetables, yeast, fish, poultry, meat, milk, eggs, plants, seeds, and green vegetables.
Additionally, Niacinamide can be endogenously synthesised in the liver from the essential amino acid tryptophan.
The compound has become a key ingredient in many skincare products and cosmetics. Its proven benefits include reducing acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and melasma. It also improves skin barrier function and reduces visible signs of ageing. Applications range from anti-ageing and barrier enhancement to managing various dermatological conditions [3].
