Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that supports healthy-looking skin. It was one of the original ingredients in The Ordinary’s first formulations, mostly due to its multifunctionality. While some ingredients address one or two skin issues, niacinamide can tackle several skin concerns, from dehydration to uneven skin tone.

Niacinamide can be delivered to the skin’s surface readily. It’s also bioavailable from topical application, which means it can be effectively absorbed and utilized by the skin to offer various skin benefits, such as:

• Strengthening the Skin Barrier: Niacinamide supports the skin’s natural ceramide content, which helps create a robust lipid barrier. A strong barrier protects the skin from environmental stressors and prevents moisture loss.
• Regulating Excess Sebum: Niacinamide balances excess oil, making it ideal for those struggling with oily or blemish-prone skin.
• Supports Cellular Turnover: By supporting skin cell renewal, niacinamide can contribute to brighter, more even-looking skin.
• Visibly Reducing Signs of Sensitivity: Niacinamide also soothes irritation-induced redness, making it a favourite among individuals prone to irritation.

Not every niacinamide serum is formulated the same. However, an effective niacinamide serum can powerfully support your skin in multiple ways.

1. Improves Skin Texture and Minimizes Appearance of Pores

Niacinamide serums can support the natural skin renewal process. This helps remove dead skin to improve the appearance of textural irregularities and reveal clearer, more radiant skin beneath.

2. Reduces The Look of Irriation-Induced Redness

Niacinamide can help visibly soothe irritation caused by triggers like environmental stressors.

3. Fades the Look of Dark Spots and Visibly Evens Skin Tone

Discolouration, such as sunspots, age spots, or post-blemish marks, can make skin appear uneven and dull. Multiple published studies have shown that niacinamide can target the look of uneven skin tone.

4. Reduces Signs of Congestion

Excess sebum is a common trigger for breakouts. Niacinamide serums help keep pores clear and reduce the amount of oil on your skin.

5. Strengthens the Skin’s Natural Barrier

A strong skin barrier is crucial for maintaining hydration and protecting against environmental aggressors. An effective niacinamide serum supports skin components that are essential to the integrity and function of the epidermal layer, such as ceramides and fatty acids.

With a fortified barrier, the skin retains more moisture and is better equipped to defend itself from environmental aggressors.

6. Hydrates and Plumps the Skin

Using a well-formulated niacinamide serum can help reduce transepidermal water loss and improve the maintenance of skin hydration. Niacinamide can also be combined with other hydrating ingredients, like ceramides or hyaluronic acid.

7. Targets Signs of Aging

Adding a niacinamide serum to your skincare regimen can support the skin’s natural collagen and help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

8. Enhances Radiance

Niacinamide serums will brighten and smooth the skin over time by promoting cell turnover. Regular use can significantly improve luminosity and the overall appearance of skin.

Niacinamide is available in a variety of forms, including serums, moisturizer, and powders. Selecting the right product is all about considering your unique skin concerns and tailoring your regimen to support them. Here are some of our most-loved niacinamide formulations and the main skin concerns they target.

Niacinamide formulas can be used in both your morning and evening routines. Apply them during the Treat stage (before oils), after cleansing (Prep) and before heavier moisturizers in the Seal step.

Due to its versatility, niacinamide also pairs well with other actives. It can be used in the same regimen as hyaluronic acid, which provides an extra boost of hydration, or retinol, which helps target signs of aging.

However, we do not recommend pairing niacinamide and direct vitamin C (also called L-ascorbic acid) within the same AM or PM routine. Instead, apply Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in the morning and Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% at night—just not together at the same time.

Be sure to patch test new products before use to avoid irritation. And remember, consistency is key. Using niacinamide daily for at least 4-8 weeks will help you see visible results.

Can Niacinamide Be Used With Other Actives?
Yes. Niacinamide is a highly stable ingredient and can be combined with actives like retinol, and exfoliating acids. The main ingredient to avoid pairing with niacinamide is direct vitamin C.

Is Niacinamide Suitable for Sensitive Skin?
Niacinamide helps visibly soothe irritation and other signs of sensitivity. Our niacinamide formulations that are suitable for sensitive skin include Soothing & Barrier Support Serum and Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion.

How Long Before I See Results?
Most people notice improvements in hydration and texture within a few weeks. Dark spots and fine lines may take longer to show significant improvement.

Is It Okay to Use Niacinamide Every Day?
Yes. Niacinamide is gentle and multifunctional, making it ideal for daily use, and formulations like Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% are formulated to boost skin brightness, improve skin smoothness, and reinforce the skin barrier over time.

Which is Better: Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide each have their own unique functions, which are quite complementary. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and plump the skin, while niacinamide supports skin barrier function, reduces excess oil, and helps brighten the skin. When used together, they provide a balanced approach to hydration and healthy-looking skin.

Build Niacinamide Into Your Regimen.
Niacinamide’s versatility and effectiveness make it a powerful addition to your skincare regimen. Whether you’re looking to achieve a brighter, more even-looking skin tone, reduce signs of congestion, or give your skin an overall healthier look and feel, niacinamide is game for it all.

Use our Regimen Builder to get personalized recommendations based on your skin type and concerns.