Skin-Credible Ingredient
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is one of the most versatile and well-researched skincare ingredients
It’s been touted as a ‘super’ skincare ingredient by the cosmetic industry, but not many are aware of how ‘Niacinamide’ really works. Well, it works by supporting the skin barrier, the outermost layer that protects against pollution, toxins, and moisture loss. By strengthening this barrier, niacinamide improves the skin’s ability to retain hydration while reducing environmental stress.
Making An Impact
On a cellular level, niacinamide helps regulate oil production, reduces inflammation, and minimises redness or blotchiness. It also plays a role in improving the synthesis of ceramides, essential lipids that keep skin smooth
and resilient. “For individuals struggling with acne, pigmentation, fine lines, or sensitivity, niacinamide offers a calming yet effective solution. Unlike harsher actives, it is generally well-tolerated across skin types, including sensitive skin. In short, niacinamide acts as a multitasker: repairing, balancing, and protecting your skin while complementing other active ingredients in your routine,” says Dr. Simrat Sandhu, cosmetic physician, Cosmetique.
Advantage Niacinamide
Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier that keeps moisture locked in, reduces redness, regulates oil production, and improves uneven skin tone and texture. “Niacinamide acts as a multitasker which hydrates, repairs, balances oil and is anti-inflammatory at the same time. Niacinamide offers several benefits. It improves elasticity and reduces fine lines by boosting collagen, helps skin hold water better and shrink enlarged pores, fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation by slowing pigment transfer, and reduces sebum production and inflammation,” says Dr. B.L. Jangid, dermatologist and hair specialist at SkinQure Clinic, New Delhi.
Dr. Priyanka Ratnapurollu, aesthetic physician & cosmetologist, Reaviva, adds, “Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) has exploded in popularity because it’s one of the few ingredients that works on almost all skin types and multiple concerns at once. From acne to ageing, hydration to pigmentation, niacinamide does it all, and it’s backed by science. Unlike trend-driven actives, it’s gentle, affordable, and easy to include in daily routines. That’s why you’ll find it in serums, moisturisers, sunscreens, and even cleansers.”
Choose Well
The best niacinamide product depends on your skin type and concern. “Serums are the most effective way to deliver niacinamide, as they allow better absorption. We have combined niacinamide with snail mucin, amplifying hydration, repair, and barrier strengthening. Niacinamide is trending because it is multifunctional and universally suitable. When paired with synergistic ingredients like snail mucin, its effectiveness is enhanced, making it a hero ingredient in modern skincare formulations, says Ashish Jawa, co-founder of Personal Touch Skincare. Vanshika Chachra, Founder, Aviva Beauty, adds, “For beginners/sensitive skin, use a cleanser, toner, or moisturiser with a low percentage of niacinamide. For oily acne-prone skin, use a cleanser (2-5% niacinamide) + serum (5-10% niacinamide); for pigmentation, look for serums or creams with 10% niacinamide; and for anti-ageing or barrier repair, choose a moisturiser with niacinamide + ceramides.”
Hyaluronic Acid vs Niacinamide
Comparing niacinamide with hyaluronic acid is not fair because they do completely different jobs. “Hyaluronic acid is all about hydration—it draws water into your skin to plump it instantly. Niacinamide is more about long-term improvement—repairing, strengthening, and correcting tone. If your skincare routine were a meal, hyaluronic acid would be like a refreshing drink that quenches your thirst immediately, while niacinamide would be the solid, nourishing food that keeps you healthy in the long run. The sweet spot is using them together: hyaluronic acid hydrates, and niacinamide locks in the benefits and builds resilience,” opines Gunjan Agarwal, co-founder of Xyst Skincare.
Be Watchful
Niacinamide is an extremely safe skincare ingredient. It seldom irritates, as stronger acids or retinoids do. Even in very high concentr ations (above 10 per cent), only some individuals will recognise flushing or sensitivity, but this is unusual as opposed to typical. “It is not suitable for all people. Highly reactive or allergy-prone or barrier-damaged skin-prone individuals need to be careful. Having an overall safe ingredient, niacinamide, it would be best to perform a patch test in advance and apply it with the help of a dermatologist, particularly when you already experience skin conditions,” says Dr. Manisha Mareddy, Founder, Jade Dermatology, Hyderabad. Niacinamide is one of the rare “all-rounder” skincare ingredients that suits nearly everyone. It can be safely layered with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and most antioxidants. However, it should be used carefully with strong exfoliating acids to avoid sensitivity.
Dr. Nirupama Parwanda, dermatologist & founder of Zolie Skin Clinic, adds, “If you are a beginner, start with a low concentration; start with 5%. Avoid layering it with strong acids, such as higher concentrations of AHAs and BHAs, that can irritate your skin. Also, niacinamide works even better when used in combination with other ingredients, so choose a serum or a cream which combines niacinamide with other active ingredients as well.”