Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin derivative that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, and helps reduce hyperpigmentation and inflammation. It is widely used in topical formulations across a range of concentrations, commonly 2-5%.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild transient flushing or warmth | Uncommon | More often associated with oral niacin; possible with high topical concentrations. |
Skin irritation, redness, or stinging | Uncommon | Typically dose-dependent and more likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin. |
Dryness or tightness | Rare | Generally mild and resolves with reduced frequency. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in isolated case reports. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.