Niacinamide is one of the most versatile ingredients in skincare. It is well studied, easy to use and works with nearly everything else in a routine.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) is a form of vitamin B3. It is water-soluble and stable, which makes it easy to formulate into serums, gels and even makeup.
What It Does for Skin
Helps tone look more even. A 2002 study in the British Journal of Dermatology found that topical niacinamide reduced the look of hyperpigmentation and helped skin look lighter in treated areas. The researchers linked this to reduced transfer of pigment within the skin.
Supports a smoother, more resilient look. In a 2005 study in Dermatologic Surgery, women using a 5% niacinamide moisturizer for 12 weeks saw improvements in the look of fine lines, blotchiness, texture and yellowing compared with the untreated side.
Supports the skin barrier. A 2000 study in the British Journal of Dermatology found that niacinamide increased the production of ceramides and other lipids in the outer skin layer, which helps skin hold onto moisture.
Helps pores look smaller. Niacinamide is widely used to help skin look smoother and pores look more refined.
Where You'll Find It at True Colour Beauty
The Niacinamide Gel Moisturizer is a lightweight daily gel built around it.
The Exosome & Niacinamide Serum pairs it with apple-derived exosomes and prebiotics.
It also brings skincare benefits to makeup in the Tinted Moisturizer and the Bronzing Moisturizer. See everything in the Niacinamide collection.
How to Use It
Apply niacinamide products after cleansing, morning, evening or both. It layers well with hyaluronic acid, peptides, bakuchiol, exfoliating acids and vitamin C. Finish the morning routine with sunscreen.
What the Research Doesn't Say
Clinical results come from specific concentrations used consistently for weeks. Niacinamide helps over time, not overnight, and it does not replace sunscreen for keeping tone even.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?
Yes. Older concerns about combining them don't reflect how modern formulas are made.
Is niacinamide good for oily skin?
Yes. It is a popular choice for oily and combination skin and helps pores look smaller.
How long until I see results?
Studies typically measure changes over 8 to 12 weeks of regular use.
Are True Colour Beauty products cruelty-free?
Yes. True Colour Beauty is Leaping Bunny certified.
One Vitamin, Many Benefits
Niacinamide helps skin look smoother, more even and more resilient. Explore the True Colour Beauty skincare collection.
Sources
Hakozaki T, et al. The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. Br J Dermatol. 2002;147(1):20-31.
Bissett DL, et al. Niacinamide: a B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):860-865.
Tanno O, et al. Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier. Br J Dermatol. 2000;143(3):524-531.
