PoreIQHydrate & soothe · Vitamins
Niacinamide
A gentle, multitasking form of vitamin B3 that supports the skin barrier, helps balance oil and evens out the look of tone.
- Also listed as
- Vitamin B3, Nicotinamide
- Best for
- All skin types, including sensitive · Oily skin and visible pores · Dullness and uneven tone
- When to use
- AM/PM
- Pairings
- 8 combinations checked
What it is
Niacinamide is water-soluble and well tolerated by most skin types. It helps the skin make ceramides, which strengthens the barrier, and is often used for shine, the look of enlarged pores and dull or uneven tone.
Benefits
- Supports a healthy skin barrier
- Helps control visible shine
- Evens the look of skin tone and redness
Watch-outs
- High concentrations (10% and up) can cause redness or tingling in some people
- Results build slowly over several weeks
How to use it
Use morning, evening or both, after cleansing and before heavier creams. 2–5% is effective for most people.
Can you mix niacinamide with…
- Niacinamide + Glycolic AcidUse with cautionThey can be used together, but on sensitive skin the combination may cause temporary flushing.
- Niacinamide + RetinolWorks well togetherNiacinamide supports the skin barrier and is well tolerated, so it can help offset some of the dryness retinol causes.
- Niacinamide + Vitamin CWorks well togetherAn old myth says they cancel each other out.
- Niacinamide + Salicylic AcidWorks well togetherA popular combination for oily and acne-prone skin: salicylic acid clears pores, niacinamide helps with shine and the barrier.
- Niacinamide + Hyaluronic AcidWorks well togetherBoth are gentle and suit all skin types.
- Niacinamide + Azelaic AcidWorks well togetherA gentle combination for redness, breakouts and uneven tone.
- Niacinamide + Tranexamic AcidWorks well togetherTwo gentle brighteners that are often formulated together.
- Niacinamide + Benzoyl PeroxideWorks well togetherNiacinamide can help with the dryness and redness that benzoyl peroxide may cause.
Frequently asked questions
What does niacinamide do for skin?
A gentle, multitasking form of vitamin B3 that supports the skin barrier, helps balance oil and evens out the look of tone.
Is niacinamide good for oily skin?
Yes. It is one of the most common picks for oily and combination skin because it helps balance visible shine without drying the skin out.
What percentage of niacinamide should I use?
Many studies use 2–5%. Higher strengths are not always better and can be more irritating.
Related guides
- How to Find Your Skin Type at Home (The 30-Minute Bare-Face Test)
- Skincare Routine Order: What to Apply First (AM and PM)
- How to Get Rid of Blackheads (and When They Are Just Sebaceous Filaments)
- How to Start Using Retinol Without Irritation (Beginner Schedule)
Similar ingredients
General cosmetic information, reviewed against public guidance such as the American Academy of Dermatology. Patch test new products. For medical concerns, see a dermatologist. Last updated 2026-10-22.