Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin used topically to support the skin barrier, regulate sebum, even tone, and reduce visible signs of aging. It is well tolerated across most skin types and concentrations of roughly 2–5%.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild transient flushing or warmth | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or in sensitive individuals; usually self-limiting. |
Stinging, tingling, or mild irritation | Uncommon | Often associated with high concentrations, compromised barrier, or combination with low-pH actives. |
Erythema or dryness | Rare | Generally resolves with reduced frequency or lower concentration. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | True sensitization is uncommon; patch testing can confirm. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.