Niacinamide
Also known as: Vitamin B3
INCI: Niacinamide | Function: Multi-functional | Type: Water-soluble vitamin (B-complex)
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil production, reduces inflammation, and fades hyperpigmentation.
Key Skin Benefits
- + Strengthens skin barrier — increases ceramide production
- + Reduces hyperpigmentation and evens skin tone
- + Regulates sebum production
- + Anti-inflammatory
Pros
- + Extremely well-tolerated — all skin types
- + Stable across wide pH range
- + Compatible with most other actives
Cons
- − May flush at 10%+ concentrations
- − Slower results than AHAs/retinoids
- − 10%+ may pill under makeup
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Usage Areas | Face, Eye, Body |
| Product Type | Leave-On, Rinse-Off |
| Source | Synthetic |
| Natural Level | Semi-synthetic |
Safety Ratings
| Metric | Rating |
|---|
| Skin Sensitivity | 1/5 (very low) |
| Comedogenic Rating | 0/5 |
| EWG Score | 1/10 |
Regional Regulatory Limits
| Region | Leave-on % | Rinse-off % | Status |
|---|
| EU (CosIng) | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
| US (CIR/FDA) | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
| Japan (MHLW) | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
| ASEAN | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
| China (NMPA) | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
Typical Usage % by Product Type
| Product Type | Typical % |
|---|
| Serum | 2 - 5% |
| Brightening serum | 5 - 10% |
| Moisturizer | 2 - 4% |
References
- CIR (2005) — Safety Assessment. PMID: 16154955
- EWG Skin Deep — Score 1