Ingredient Guide

Niacinamide

Also known as: Nicotinamide, Vitamin B3

All skin typesEspecially oily and combination

What It Is

A water-soluble form of Vitamin B3 (niacin) that is widely used in skincare formulations.

What It Does

Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum production, fades hyperpigmentation, and minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores.

Best For

Uneven skin toneEnlarged poresExcess oilDull skinRedness

Benefits

  • Strengthens the skin barrier by boosting ceramide production
  • Reduces hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks
  • Minimizes pore appearance
  • Controls excess sebum
  • Anti-inflammatory — calms redness and sensitivity
  • Pairs well with most actives

When to Be Careful

  • Very high concentrations (>10%) may cause temporary flushing in sensitive skin
  • Can interact with vitamin C at certain pH levels — best used at different times
ItGirlies Ingredient Intelligence
Why This Gets Hype

Niacinamide became a skincare staple because it does multiple things well at once — reduces oil, fades marks, strengthens the barrier — and it plays nicely with almost every other active. For anyone overwhelmed by multi-step routines, it can replace several single-concern products.

What People Often Misunderstand

People assume more is always better. 5% niacinamide is well-studied and effective. The jump to 10% delivers more results for oily/congestion-prone skin but can cause temporary flushing in sensitive skin — the 10% version isn't simply better for everyone.

Best Routine Slot

After cleansing and toning, before moisturizer. Can be used morning or evening. Many people use it morning-only for daytime oil management.

Good Match For

Oily, combination, and uneven-tone skin. Works well with retinol, SPF, and barrier actives.

Proceed Carefully If…

Very sensitive or reactive skin should start at lower concentrations. The 10% The Ordinary version may be too strong if your barrier is already stressed.

Signs You May Be Overdoing It

Temporary flushing, redness, or a warm sensation shortly after application — usually at 10%+ concentrations on reactive skin.

Commonly Found In

SerumsTonersMoisturizersSunscreens

Products Containing Niacinamide

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
ILIA
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary
Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
The Ordinary
Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion
The Ordinary
Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
The Ordinary
Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum
The Ordinary
Multi-Active Delivery Essence
The Ordinary
Balancing & Clarifying Serum
The Ordinary

FAQs About Niacinamide

What percentage of niacinamide should I use?
Most studies support 2–10%. 5% is the sweet spot for most skin types — effective without the risk of irritation at 10%.
Can I use niacinamide with retinol?
Yes — they complement each other well. Niacinamide helps buffer retinol irritation and supports the barrier.
Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?
They can be used together, but for best stability, apply at different times or use formulas specifically designed to combine them.
Is 10% niacinamide too strong?
For oily and combination skin without sensitivity, 10% is generally fine. If you have reactive, dry, or barrier-compromised skin, start with a lower percentage first.
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