Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 used in skincare to support the skin barrier, regulate sebum, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve uneven tone and texture. It is generally well tolerated across most skin types and concentrations commonly range from 2% to 10%.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild transient flushing or warmth | Uncommon | More associated with niacin (nicotinic acid) than niacinamide, but occasionally reported. |
Skin irritation, stinging or redness | Uncommon | Typically with higher concentrations or sensitive skin; usually mild and transient. |
Dryness or tightness | Rare | Possible in sensitive individuals or with frequent use of high concentrations. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in isolated case reports; uncommon overall. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.