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EC / List no.: 202-713-4
CAS no.: 98-92-0
Mol. formula: C6H6N2O
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. It's found in many foods including meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, and cereals.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is required for the function of fats and sugars in the body and to maintain healthy cells.
Niacin is converted to niacinamide when it is taken in amounts greater than what is needed by the body.
Unlike niacin, niacinamide doesn't help treat high cholesterol.
People use niacinamide to prevent vitamin B3 deficiency and related conditions such as pellagra.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is also used for acne, diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, aging skin, skin discoloration, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Do not confuse niacinamide with niacin, NADH, nicotinamide riboside, inositol nicotinate, or L-tryptophan.
These are not the same.
Likely Effective for
A disease cause by niacin deficiency (pellagra).
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) prescription products are US FDA approved for preventing and treating pellagra. It's sometimes preferred over niacin because it doesn't cause flushing, a side effect of niacin treatment.
Possibly Effective for Acne.
Applying a cream containing niacinamide seems to improve the appearance of skin in people with acne.
Diabetes.
Taking niacinamide by mouth might help slow the progression of type 1 diabetes.
But it doesn't seem to prevent diabetes.
High levels of phosphate in the blood (hyperphosphatemia). In people who need hemodialysis due to kidney failure and have high levels of phosphate, taking niacinamide by mouth seems to help decrease phosphate levels.
Nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Taking niacinamide by mouth seems to help prevent new skin cancer or precancerous spots from forming in people with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Osteoarthritis.
Taking niacinamide by mouth seems to improve joint flexibility and reduce pain and swelling in people with osteoarthritis.
Possibly Ineffective for
Brain tumor.
Taking niacinamide by mouth while undergoing chemotherapy doesn't seem to benefit people with brain tumors.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B-3, an essential nutrient.
A B-3 deficiency can lead to disorders of the skin, kidneys, and brain. Taking niacinamide can help prevent B-3 deficiency.
And there’s much more to this nutrient, especially when it comes to general skin health.
Although more research is needed, topical niacinamide may help treat certain skin conditions, including acne and eczema.
Read on to learn more about its benefits, what to look for in products, and more.
Is this the same thing as niacin?
Despite the similarities in names, niacinamide isn’t the same thing as niacin.
They’re two different types of vitamin B-3.
However, your body can make niacinamide from niacin supplements you’ve taken.
This happens when there’s an excessive amount of niacin in the body.
Tryptophan in the body can also be converted into niacinamide.
You should always talk to a doctor before taking vitamin B-3 or other supplements.
What benefits does niacinamide offer?
Overall, niacinamide can help build proteins in the skin and lock in moisture to prevent environmental damage.
Individual benefits include:
Immunity.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) helps build keratinTrusted Source, a type of protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy.
Lipid barrier.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) can help your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrierTrusted Source, which can, in turn, helps retain moisture. This is beneficial for all skin types, especially if you have eczema or mature skin.
Minimizes redness and blotchiness.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) reduces inflammationTrusted Source, which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Minimizes pore appearance. Keeping skin smooth and moisturizedTrusted Source may have a secondary benefit — a natural reduction in pore size over time.
Regulates oil.
The benefits of moisture retention aren’t just for those with dry skin types.
Niacinimide can also help regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevent your glands from going into overdrive.
Protects against sun damage.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
Treats hyperpigmentation.
Some research has found 5 percent niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots.
Benefits were seen after four weeks, but not beyond two months.
This benefit may be due to increased collagen production.
Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.
Research has also found that the same concentration was helpful in reducing some signs of sun damage that come with aging.
This includes fine lines and wrinkles.
Protects against oxidative stress.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins.
Treats acne.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules.
Over time, you may see fewer lesions and improved skin texture.
Are skin products preferable over food and supplements?
Eating a balanced diet is the best way to get micronutrients like vitamin B-3.
You should only take supplements under medical supervision to treat deficiency.
When it comes to general skin health, you may obtain some of the benefits of niacinamide from the foods that you eat.
Vitamin B-3 is found in:
eggs
cereals
green veggies
beans
fish
milk
However, there’s no way to guarantee that the nutrients in your diet are impacting your overall skin health.
The only way to ensure that niacinamide is targeting your skin care concerns is to use it topically.
Does the type of skin care product matter or when it’s used in your routine?
Many topical niacinamide products come in the form of serums.
Think of serums as extra treatments that address individual skin concerns outside of regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
Your niacinamide serum should be applied after toning but before moisturizing.
Some cleansers and creams also contain niacinamide.
This ingredient is also found in some face masks, which are rinsed off after each use.
Read each product label carefully and follow all instructions for use.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) sounds like a beauty brand’s chemistry-lab invention (just us?), but the increasingly popular skin-care ingredient is actually just a form of vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) benefits on the other hand?
Not so ordinary:
They include potentially improving all kinds of skin concerns, from acne to hyperpigmentation to signs of aging.
Although the word Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) may sound a little scary, it’s basically Vitamin B3, an essential nutrient for your skin. This is why Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) can help your skin look healthier.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) can be found in vitamin-rich foods, such as kale, mushrooms and almonds, which help take great care of your body from the inside, as well as in our skin care products to pamper it from the outside.
WHAT DOES NIACINAMIDE DO?
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is a true multitasker. From boosting hydration to protecting the skin from environmental damage, it offers a wide variety of benefits.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) penetrates your skin and helps renew your complexion from within.
SKIN BENEFITS OF NIACINAMIDE
Although Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) may be less talked about than the wonder ingredient of the decade, retinol, its benefits are just as significant.
Here are some of the most amazing skin benefits of Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide):
Increases the skin’s ability to maintain hydration.
Niacinamide strengthens your skin’s moisture barrier to improve its ability to hold on to moisture.
Your skin is less likely to dry out and will stay hydrated for longer.
If dry skin is a concern for you, check out our guide on how to tackle dry skin.
Improves skin texture.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) helps reduce the size of your pores while keeping your skin moisturised.
Rejuvenates the eye area.
The skin around your eye is extremely delicate, and this is where usually the first signs of skin ageing appear.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) can help with these skin concerns and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for younger-looking eyes.
Helps with dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)’s is a true multitasker, it can also help lighten dark spots and the marks of hyperpigmentation.
Aids surface skin cell regeneration for younger-looking skin.
By locking in moisture, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) provides your skin with the moisture it needs for natural skin cell turnover to take place properly.
Helps with oily skin.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) helps regulate sebum production and this can help control oily skin.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is vitamin B3, also known as nicotinamide, and can be used as an acne treatment that is available over the counter, without having to see a doctor or nurse.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) can be found in topical treatments that are applied directly to the skin.
Oral niacinamide supplements may also prove helpful in the treatment of acne.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is a skincare ingredient worthy of your attention and your skin will love you for using it.
Among a handful of other amazing skincare ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C, niacinamide is a standout because of its versatility for almost any skincare concern and skin type.
As many of you know about us, but for those who don’t, the conclusions we make about any ingredient are always based on what the published research has shown to be true, and the research about niacinamide for skin unanimously demonstrates how special it is.
New research keeps showing it’s one of the most exciting skincare ingredients around.
What is niacinamide?
Also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinamide, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimise enlarged pores, tighten lax pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened surface.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) also reduces the impact of environmental damage because of its ability to improve skin’s barrier (its first line of defense), plus it also plays a role in helping skin to repair signs of past damage.
Left unchecked, this type of daily assault makes skin appear older, dull and less radiant.
Why you should use niacinamide
For those wondering, what is niacinamide good for?
You might have gathered that we’re very impressed with all that niacinamide can do for skin when applied via skincare products like toners, serums, and highly concentrated leave-on treatments.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is uniquely compatible with any of the products in your skincare routine, including those that contain retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHA, vitamin C, and all types of antioxidants.
You can use multiple niacinamide-containing products in your routine, and it will still be non-sensitising as this ingenious B vitamin is well tolerated by all skin types.
It’s even suitable for use by those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
What does niacinamide do for your skin?
Other helpful benefits of niacinamide or vitamin B3 for skin are that it helps renew and restore the surface of skin against moisture loss and dehydration by helping skin improve its natural production of skin-strengthening ceramides.
When ceramides become depleted over time, skin is left vulnerable to all sorts of problems, from persistent patches of dry, flaky skin to increasingly becoming extra-sensitive.
If you struggle with dry skin, topical application of niacinamide has been shown to boost the hydrating ability of moisturisers so the skin's surface can better resist the moisture loss that leads to recurrent dry, tight, flaky skin.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) works brilliantly with common moisturising ingredients like glycerin, non-fragrant plant oils, cholesterol, sodium PCA, and sodium hyaluronate.
How does niacinamide help pores?
Great question, although the answer here isn’t certain.
Simply put, research hasn’t come to a full understanding about how this B vitamin works its pore-reducing magic, but it does!
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) seems that niacinamide has a normalising ability on the pore lining, and this influence plays a role in keeping debris from getting backed up, which leads to clogs and rough, bumpy skin.
As the clog forms and worsens, the pores stretch to compensate, and what you’ll see is enlarged pores.
By helping things get back to normal, niacinamide use helps pores return to their normal size.
Sun damage can cause pores to become stretched, too, leading to what some describe as "orange peel skin".
Higher concentrations of niacinamide can help visibly tighten pores by shoring up skin’s supportive elements.
For those wondering ‘what does niacinamide do for breakouts?’
We are pleased to tell you that research shows that a concentration of 2% (or more) is highly effective to help red blemishes fade more quickly (the redness left by spots).
This means products containing niacinamide are a good choice for those with acne-prone skin.
How does niacinamide help discolourations and uneven skin tone? Both of these concerns stem from excess melanin (skin pigment) showing on skin’s surface.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) in concentrations of 5% and greater works via several pathways, to keep new discolourations from appearing.
At the same time, it also helps break up existing discolouration so your skin tone looks more even.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and discolouration-reducing ingredients work well together, such as all forms of vitamin C, licorice, retinol, and bakuchiol.
How to use niacinamide?
Using niacinamide is as easy as finding great skincare products that contains it along with other beneficial ingredients like antioxidants, skin-restoring agents, and other skin-replenishing ingredients.
This multi-ingredient approach to skincare is important because despite the niacinamide benefits being impressive, it’s not the only ingredient skin needs to look and feel its best.
Think of it like your diet, as healthy as kale is, if kale was all you ate, you’d soon become malnourished because your body needs more than one healthy food to maintain itself.
The same is true for skin, the body’s largest (and most exposed) organ!
For best results, use leave-on niacinamide products and apply them to cleansed skin twice daily.
That might mean you apply a toner with niacinamide immediately after cleansing to rehydrate and replenish skin.
Our 10% Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) Booster can be used on its own (much like another vitamin B serum for the face) or mixed into your favourite moisturiser, based on personal preference.
Experiment to see what works best for your skin!
Do you experience persistent skin concerns such as visibly stretched pores, pores that have become lax or a rough, bumpy skin texture? Try niacinamide in a unique concentration of no less than 20%.
The Clinical Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) 20% Treatment visibly reduces stretched and enlarged pores, smoothes rough (orange-peel) skin texture and minimises bumps caused by accumulated sebum.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) reveals a smoother, more refined skin texture.
You can use niacinamide-containing products around your eyes, too.
Some might find applying a moisturiser or eye cream with niacinamide helps improve the look of under eye circles, helps soften the appearance of crow’s feet, not to mention enables this delicate area to retain skin-smoothing moisture and resist loss of firmness.
How long does niacinamide take to work?
Generally speaking, you should start to see results after 2-4 weeks of twice daily usage (depending on the severity of your skin concerns and how concentrated your niacinamide product is).
Ongoing use is required for continued improvement.
Results will continue to improve over time but do not expect your skin to be completely “poreless” – that isn’t possible for any skincare product (not to mention, your skin needs its pores for many vital functions).
What you can expect is pores that look smaller, skin tone that looks more even, visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and an overall healthier glow.
There’s no reason to wait to add niacinamide to your skincare routine.
This wonderfully versatile B vitamin brings many topical benefits to improve skin’s appearance, so it appears more even, brighter, and younger.
As with any great skincare ingredient, it’s important to be diligent about protecting skin daily with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater.
This allows you to get maximum benefit from niacinamide and other proven skin savers.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin), a water-soluble B vitamin.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and nicotinic acid are the two types of vitamin B3 that can be topically applied.
To date, researchers aren’t sure if they have the same benefits, but niacinamide is more commonly used in skincare, and has been more studied, because it does not cause side effects like flushing.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) products pep up your skin and restore your balance. Suitable for any skin type, niacinamide is an active that can minimise pores and balance oil production.
Even better, it supports your skin’s natural barrier, which helps it to retain moisture.
Giving you all the options for any skin concern and through the day to night, our niacinamide creams and serums give you the active’s benefits along with a concentrated dose of specially formulated natural ingredients for your skin.
We pair perfect duos like niacinamide and vitamin C to help you to fight breakouts and even out your skin tone, and with hyaluronic acid to up your skin’s hydration.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) (Vitamin B3), known for its skin brightening properties, reveals a more even and refined skin tone, by inhibiting melanosome transfer to keratinocytes and controlling sebum production for a clearer appearance with reduced blemishes.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) also promotes a youthful appearance, stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. It’s found in many foods including meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, and cereals.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is required for the function of fats and sugars in the body and to maintain healthy cells.
Niacin is converted to niacinamide when it is taken in amounts greater than what is needed by the body.
Unlike niacin, niacinamide doesn’t help treat high cholesterol.
People use niacinamide to prevent vitamin B3 deficiency and related conditions such as pellagra.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is also used for acne, diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, aging skin, skin discoloration, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Do not confuse niacinamide with niacin, NADH, nicotinamide riboside, inositol nicotinate, or L-tryptophan. These are not the same.
About Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Helpful information
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is registered under the REACH Regulation and is manufactured in and / or imported to the European Economic Area, at ≥ 1 000 to < 10 000 tonnes per annum.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is used by consumers, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.
Consumer Uses
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is used in the following products: cosmetics and personal care products, air care products, perfumes and fragrances, polishes and waxes and washing & cleaning products.
Other release to the environment of Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is likely to occur from: indoor use as processing aid.
Article service life
ECHA has no public registered data on the routes by which Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is most likely to be released to the environment. ECHA has no public registered data indicating whether or into which articles the substance might have been processed.
Widespread uses by professional workers
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is used in the following products: cosmetics and personal care products, pharmaceuticals, air care products, polishes and waxes, washing & cleaning products and laboratory chemicals.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is used in the following areas: health services.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is used for the manufacture of: .
Other release to the environment of Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is likely to occur from: indoor use as processing aid.
Formulation or re-packing
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is used in the following products: cosmetics and personal care products, pharmaceuticals, air care products, polishes and waxes, washing & cleaning products and laboratory chemicals.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
Release to the environment of Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures.
Uses at industrial sites
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is used in the following products: cosmetics and personal care products, air care products, pharmaceuticals, polishes and waxes and washing & cleaning products.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is used in the following areas: health services and formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) is used for the manufacture of: chemicals, and food products.
Release to the environment of Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) can occur from industrial use: as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), of substances in closed systems with minimal release, as processing aid and in processing aids at industrial sites.
Manufacture
Release to the environment of Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance.
IUPAC NAMES:
3-(Aminocarbonyl)pyridine
3-Aminopyridine
3-PYRIDINECARBOXAMIDE
3-Pyridinecarboxamide
3-pyridinecarboxamide
3-Pyridinecarboxyamide
niacinamide
Nicotinamid
Nicotinamide
nicotinamide
Nicotinamide
Pyridin-3-carbamid
Pyridine-3-carboxamide
pyridine-3-carboxamide
Pyridine-3-carboxylic acid amide
SYNOYNMS:
nicotinamide
niacinamide
98-92-0
3-Pyridinecarboxamide
pyridine-3-carboxamide
Nicotinic acid amide
vitamin PP
Papulex
Aminicotin
Amixicotyn
Nicobion
Nicotylamide
Nikotinamid
Savacotyl
Benicot
Dipegyl
Endobion
Hansamid
Pelmine
Nicotinic amide
Delonin amide
Pelonin amide
Vi-Nicotyl
Austrovit PP
Inovitan PP
Nicosylamide
Nicotilamide
Nicotililamido
Amnicotin
Niacevit
Nicamina
Nicamindon
Nicofort
Nicomidol
Nicotamide
Nicovitina
Nicovitol
Nicozymin
Niocinamide
Niozymin
Niamide
Nicasir
Nicogen
Nicota
Nicotol
Nicovit
Niko-tamin
3-Carbamoylpyridine
Nicotine acid amide
Nandervit-N
Pyridine-3-carboxylic acid amide
Vitamin B
Niavit PP
Nicosan 2
Nicotine amide
beta-Pyridinecarboxamide
Nikotinsaeureamid
Nicotinamidum
Nicotylamidum
Mediatric
Nicotinsaureamid
Pyridine, 3-carbamoyl-
3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid amide
m-(Aminocarbonyl)pyridine
Acid amide
Factor pp
Nicotinamida
Nicovel
Vitamin B (VAN)
Pelmin
Amid kyseliny nikotinove
Witamina PP
PP-Faktor
Amide PP
Nicotinsaureamid [German]
Nikotinsaeureamid [German]
Amid kyseliny nikotinove [Czech]
Nicotinamidum [INN-Latin]
Nicotinamida [INN-Spanish]
NAM
Nictoamide
b-Pyridinecarboxamide
Niacinamide [USP]
3-(aminocarbonyl)pyridine
.beta.-Pyridinecarboxamide
Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide (USP)
Niacinamide;Nicotinic acid amide;Vitamin B3
Niacinamide [USAN]
Enduramide
CAS-98-92-0
B3, Vitamin
Vitamin B 3
B 3, Vitamin
3 Pyridinecarboxamide
SR-01000721872
Nicotinsaureamid Jenapharm
EINECS 202-713-4
Jenapharm, Nicotinsaureamid
Niacinamid
Niacotinamide
Nicotinamid
nicotin-amide
Nicotinsaeureamid
3-Amidopyridine
DEA No. 1405
Nicotinamide,(S)
Vitamin B3 amide
3-yridinecarboxamide
Nicotinamide [INN]
Mediatric (Salt/Mix)
niacin - Vitamin B3
Niacin (as niacinamide)
Niacinamide(Vitamin B3)
EC 202-713-4
SCHEMBL2926
Nicotinamide (JP17/INN)
Nicotinamide-(amide-[15N])
Nicotinamide, niacin, vitamin B3
Pharmakon1600-01505397
Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) solution
Nicotinamide 1.0 mg/ml in Methanol
Nicotinamide, >=98.5% (HPLC)
Nicotinamide, >=99.5% (HPLC)
Nicotinamide, >=98% (HPLC), powder
Nicotinamide, puriss., 99.0-101.0%
SY024804
Nicotinamide 10 microg/mL in Acetonitrile
Nicotinamide, tested according to Ph.Eur.
Niacinamide, meets USP testing specifications
Nicotinamide (Niacinamide), analytical standard
Nicotinamide, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, >=98%
Niacinamide;Nicotinic acid amide;Vitamin B3; Vitamin PP
Nicotinamide, British Pharmacopoeia (BP) Reference Standard
A186B02E-6C70-4E54-9739-79398D439AAA
Nicotinamide, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Niacinamide, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
Niacinamide, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
Nicotinamide, BioReagent, suitable for cell culture, suitable for insect cell culture
Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) solution, 1.0 mg/mL in methanol, ampule of 1 mL, certified reference material
