Niacin (Nicotinic Acid)

INCI: Niacin

Also known as: Vitamin B3 acid

BrighteningactivesyntheticAnecdotal evidencePregnancy safe

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

0/5

Irritancy

3/5

Best applied

Effective range

0.1%–1%

How It Works

The acidic form of Vitamin B3. Causes transient flushing topically and orally due to vasodilation, less skin-friendly than niacinamide.

Vasodilates capillaries via prostaglandin D2 release, useful in rosacea-targeted research but limits cosmetic appeal.

pH Range

5.0–7.0

Benefits

Vasodilator
Same downstream B3 effects as niacinamide

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

Niche pellagra researchHyperlipidemia (oral)

Best For

All skin types

Avoid If

Rosacea (causes flushing)

Layering Order

4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.1%–1%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Meat, fish, mushrooms, fortified grains.

Skin Signals When You Need It

Pellagra dermatitis

For Estheticians & Professionals

Almost always niacinamide is the better choice; niacin flush is undesirable cosmetically.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Niacin (Nicotinic Acid).

2 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial

4% niacinamide significantly reduced sebum production and inflammatory acne lesions.

Draelos ZD, Matsubara A, Smiles K
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006

View Study →

Randomized Controlled Trial

Niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, reducing hyperpigmentation by up to 35%.

Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J et al.
British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

View Study →

Pairs Well With

Works in isolation, no specific synergies noted.

Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility