Snapshot
- Overview
- A vitamin B3 that fades dark spots, shrinks pores, and balances oil.
- Category
- Brightening, Hyperpigmentation, Barrier Support, Oil Control, Acne
- Type
- Antioxidant
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin widely used in skincare formulations, included to visibly refine uneven tone, minimize the look of pores, support barrier resilience, and balance surface oil production.
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Our take
Is Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) a Good Ingredient?
This is well-studied, with consistent clinical support for tone evening, barrier support, and oil-balancing, and it stays stable in water with generally low irritation across varied pH ranges, which is what earns it Great.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Helps reduce the look of blotchiness and dark spots while supporting a calmer, more resilient complexion, and aids in moderating surface shine and improving skin texture over time.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Widely found in serums and moisturizers, and also used in toners, cleansers, and sunscreens for daily routine layering.
Before you use it
Safety
Usually well tolerated; mild flushing or tingling can occur at higher concentrations or when layered with very acidic products. Patch test if sensitive and introduce gradually.
Learn more
Does niacinamide shrink your pores?
Niacinamide doesn’t shrink your pores but it can make them appear smaller. Pore size comes down to genetics and skin structure, and topicals can’t change that. However, it does help reduce oil production and calm inflammation which can make pores look smaller. This is why you’ll often see marketing language say “visibly reduces” or “reduces the appearance of” since it changes how they look.
Where does niacinamide go in a skincare routine?
Niacinamide works best after cleansing or using toner. Since it’s water-based use heavier moisturizers, serums, or SPF, which are often oil-based. A typical routine order looks like: cleanse, tone, niacinamide serum, moisturizer, sunscreen (AM) or a heavier cream/oil (PM). It layers well with most products/ingredients, so you don’t need to overthink it.
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What percentage of niacinamide should I use?
5% niacinamide concentration is a safe bet. This is the concentration used most of the studies on tone, redness, and oil control. Most skin types can tolerate it at this concentration.
Some brands push 10%, even 20% in products, but there isn’t much evidence that this is more effective than 5%. But higher concentrations can increase irritation signs such as tingling and redness. If your skin’s sensitive or you’re new to actives, start lower concentration, such as 2–4%. For everyone else, 5% is perfect.
Products with Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
