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Ingredient dictionary

Niacinamide

Also listed as: Vitamin B3, Nicotinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used in skincare and haircare to help with oil, redness, uneven tone and the skin barrier. It is on the label of 179 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Niacinamide does

  • Helps balance the look of oily skin
  • Helps calm the look of redness
  • Helps even out the look of skin tone
  • Supports the skin's protective barrier

Niacinamide is the amide form of vitamin B3, also called nicotinamide. Most cosmetic niacinamide is made through chemical processes, and the vitamin also occurs naturally in foods such as meat, fish and whole grains. Skin cells use it in the chemistry that keeps them working well.

Formulators like niacinamide because it dissolves easily in water, mixes well with many other ingredients, and stays stable in most formulas. On skin it feels light and smooth, and it rarely feels greasy. You will find it in cleansers, lotions, sunscreens and shampoos, which is why it appears on so many labels.

Good for

Suits people with oily, uneven or sensitive-looking skin, and anyone who wants a gentle, everyday ingredient.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is niacinamide the same as vitamin B3?

Yes, niacinamide is one form of vitamin B3. Niacin is another form. Niacinamide is the one most often used in skincare because it is gentle and does not usually cause the flushing that some people link with niacin.

Can niacinamide be used with vitamin C?

Many formulas use both together, and cosmetic chemists generally consider the pairing workable. If your skin feels irritated, try using them at different times of day, or check with a dermatologist for personal advice.

Products with Niacinamide

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