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Niacinamide

What Niacinamide is & what it does

Vitamin B3, a well-studied multitasker that supports the skin barrier, helps even tone and the look of pigmentation, and calms visible redness. It is gentle and stable, making it a popular addition to daily SPF products.

What does Niacinamide do in skincare?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 with broad benefits: it supports the skin barrier, helps regulate oil, can visibly even tone and soften the look of pores, and adds antioxidant support. In a sunscreen it is a bonus active alongside UV protection.

Is Niacinamide safe?

Yes. Niacinamide is well tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, and is considered one of the gentler active ingredients. Reactions are uncommon.

What concentration of Niacinamide is effective?

Most studies use around 2 to 5%, with 4 to 5% a common sweet spot for visible benefits and good tolerance. Higher is not necessarily better and can feel mildly irritating on sensitive skin.

Is Niacinamide natural?

It is nature-identical but lab-made. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 found in foods, and the cosmetic version is synthesised to be pure and consistent. The molecule is exactly the same as the one in your diet.

Is Niacinamide safe to use during pregnancy?

Niacinamide is generally considered a pregnancy-friendly active and one many people are comfortable keeping in their routine while pregnant. It is gentle and well tolerated. As always, your doctor can confirm your full routine is right for you.

Sunscreens with Niacinamide

We rate 1883 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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