Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier by boosting ceramide and lipid synthesis, while also helping to reduce hyperpigmentation, regulate sebum, and improve the appearance of pores. At 2% it is a well-tolerated, evidence-supported concentration used for general skin conditioning.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild transient irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Usually brief and more likely in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Facial flushing or warmth | Rare | More associated with high doses; topical low concentrations rarely cause this. |
| Erythema or redness | Rare | Typically resolves with discontinuation or reduced frequency. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; true sensitization is uncommon. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.