This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on August 24, 2026.
If you've spent any time scrolling skincare aisles or ingredient lists, you've probably noticed niacinamide showing up almost everywhere, and for good reason. This unassuming form of vitamin B3 has quietly become one of dermatology's most trusted ingredients, prized for doing a little bit of everything: calming irritation, evening out tone, minimizing the look of pores, and strengthening your skin's natural barrier. Better yet, it plays well with nearly every skin type, including sensitive skin that tends to react to more aggressive actives.
So what exactly is niacinamide, and why do dermatology experts keep coming back to it? Let's break down the science behind this multitasking ingredient—and how to work it into your routine.
What is niacinamide?
Vitamin B3, or niacinamide (pronounced nie-uh-sin-uh-mide), is the most versatile vitamin for the skin—and possibly the most tolerated by all skin types. Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, has been used in dermatology to improve skin health for years. It’s undergone clinical testing and established itself for being useful when applied topically—so it’s proven!
What are the benefits of niacinamide?
1. Improves Damage from Sun & Pollution Exposure
Niacinamide improves and moisturizes your skin barrier that’s been damaged by sun and pollution exposure. It does this by decreasing inflammation and irritation—two of the major culprits responsible for breaking down your barrier, leading to dull, unhealthy looking skin.
2. Keeps Skin Naturally Hydrated
Vitamin B3 helps your skin naturally produce ceramides, or fat molecules, ergo keeping it moist and plump. According to the British Journal of Dermatology, increasing ceramides can also prevent water loss. In short, ceramides ensure your skin is almost always hydrated.
3. Improves Texture & Tone
After performing a small study of 50 women, The International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that those who used 5% niacinamide twice a day experienced an improved appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as a decrease in the yellowing of their skin.
4. Decreases Hyperpigmentation & Skin Discoloration
The British Journal of Dermatology found that applying 5% Niacinamide twice a day for four weeks improved hyperpigmentation—aka, skin discoloration and uneven tone.
5. Improves Acne & Blemishes
The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy found that niacinamide improved acne by decreasing sebum production after 6 weeks. The International Journal of Dermatology and Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that topical application of niacinamide was just as effective in fighting acne as prescription strength Clindamycin antibiotic gel.
How do I incorporate niacinamide into my skincare routine?
Both creams and serums containing niacinamide have the potential to benefit your complexion. However, if given a choice, a serum is your best bet. Niacinamide can penetrate your pores better with a water-soluble serum. It’s tolerable enough to use twice a day, but if you choose to apply it only once, opt for nighttime. This way, the serum has a chance to sit untouched on the skin for a longer period of time with no interference from sun, pollution, make-up or sunscreen.
The Multitasker Night Serum
At Otto Skin Goods, we believe 7% is the perfect percentage of niacinamide. It’s incredibly effective without the chance of irritation. Our Multitasker Night Serum also contains a fruit acid complex to lightly exfoliate dead skin from the top layer of your skin, allowing the niacinamide to penetrate more deeply. Combined with Azelaic Acid and Gluconolactone, these ingredients help fight hyperpigmentation alongside calming and inflammatory-reducing vitamin B3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is niacinamide the same as vitamin B3?
Yes. Niacinamide is simply another name for vitamin B3. You'll often see the terms used interchangeably on skincare labels.
Can I use niacinamide every day?
Yes, niacinamide is gentle enough for daily use and is well tolerated by most skin types. Many people use it both morning and night, though applying it once a day (ideally at night) is also effective.
What percentage of niacinamide should I look for in a product?
Clinical studies commonly use a 5% concentration to show benefits like improved hyperpigmentation and texture. At Otto Skin Goods, we formulate our Multitasker Night Serum at 7%, which we've found delivers strong results while keeping the risk of irritation low.
Should I use a niacinamide cream or serum?
Both can benefit your skin, but a serum is generally the better choice. Because it's water-soluble, a serum allows niacinamide to penetrate the pores more effectively than a cream.
How long does it take to see results from niacinamide?
Timelines vary by concern. Studies have shown visible improvement in hyperpigmentation in as little as four weeks, and a reduction in acne-related sebum production after six weeks of consistent use.
Can niacinamide help with acne?
Yes. Research has found that niacinamide can reduce sebum production and improve acne, with some studies showing it performs comparably to prescription-strength Clindamycin, a common antibiotic gel used for acne.
Will niacinamide help with fine lines and wrinkles?
It can. A study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that participants using 5% niacinamide twice daily saw improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, along with reduced skin yellowing.
Can niacinamide be combined with other active ingredients?
Generally, yes. Niacinamide is known for playing well with other actives. For example, our Multitasker Night Serum pairs niacinamide with a fruit acid complex, azelaic acid, and gluconolactone to gently exfoliate and further target hyperpigmentation.
Is niacinamide safe for sensitive skin?
Niacinamide is considered one of the most tolerated ingredients across skin types, including sensitive skin, since it works by reducing inflammation and irritation rather than causing it.
