Niacinamide has become the most sought-after active ingredient in skincare — and for good reason. Versatile, well-tolerated, scientifically validated, it suits almost all skin types and addresses several issues at once. Here's everything you need to know.
Also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, niacinamide is a water-soluble active ingredient naturally present in many foods and cosmetic products. In skincare, it acts on several fronts simultaneously — making it one of the most interesting active ingredients to integrate into a daily routine, whether minimalist or more comprehensive.
6 Proven Benefits of Niacinamide
Inhibits melanin transfer to the skin's surface. Reduces dark spots and gradually evens out skin tone.
Regulates sebum production and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, particularly noticeable on oily and combination skin.
Stimulates natural ceramide production, strengthening the skin barrier and reducing water loss.
Anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and irritation, ideal for sensitive and couperose-prone skin.
Evens out surface texture, which improves how light reflects on the skin. Progressive glow effect.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and improves skin elasticity through its action on protein synthesis.
Niacinamide and Skin Types
Ideal. Regulates sebum, refines pores, reduces shine. Recommended concentration: 5 to 10%. Compatible with acne treatments.
Very suitable. Balances oily areas without drying out dry areas. Evens overall skin tone.
Complementary. Strengthens the skin barrier and reduces water loss. Combine with a rich moisturizer. Concentration: 2 to 5%.
Compatible and beneficial. Anti-inflammatory, it soothes redness and strengthens the barrier. Start with a low concentration (2%) and gradually increase.
Excellent anti-aging complement. Improves elasticity, evens skin tone, reduces age spots. Combine with bakuchiol for a synergistic effect.
Which Active Ingredients to Combine Niacinamide With?
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Bakuchiol
- Peptides
- Ceramides
- SPF50
- Centella Asiatica
- Azelaic Acid
- Pure Vitamin C (space out morning/evening)
- AHA/BHA (apply at different times)
- Retinol (possible but monitor)
Niacinamide + Bakuchiol: The ultimate radiance duo. These two active ingredients work in remarkable synergy — niacinamide evens out skin tone and refines pores, while bakuchiol stimulates cell renewal and firms. Together, they offer a complete and gentle anti-aging action, perfectly suited for sensitive skin.
How to Incorporate Niacinamide into Your Routine
Niacinamide is easy to integrate: it can be used morning and evening, is compatible with most active ingredients, and requires no acclimation period. A few simple rules:
- Apply after cleanser, before moisturizer
- Start with 5% if you're new, gradually increase to 10%
- Always finish with SPF50 in the morning
- If you use Vitamin C in the morning, reserve niacinamide for the evening
Radiance & Evenness Serum
The Natural Lift Bakuchiol Serum 30ml combines bakuchiol and peptides in a clean K-Beauty formula. For a complete action on skin radiance and evenness, it pairs perfectly with a niacinamide treatment in your evening routine.
→ Discover the Bakuchiol SerumDaily SPF50
Niacinamide works on dark spots — SPF prevents them from reforming. These two steps are essential for a consistently even complexion. Our Tinted Mineral SPF50 Sunscreen Stick 12g naturally complements any niacinamide routine.
→ Discover the SPF50 StickFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see the effects of niacinamide?
Initial improvements — reduced redness, less visible pores — appear within 2 to 4 weeks. Skin tone evening and dark spot reduction take 6 to 8 weeks of consistent routine. Niacinamide is not an immediate miracle active — it's a foundational active that gradually transforms skin quality.
Can niacinamide irritate the skin?
Rarely — it's one of the best-tolerated active ingredients in skincare. Very high concentrations (above 15-20%) can cause temporary redness in some individuals. In practice, 5-10% formulas are very well tolerated by sensitive skin.
Can niacinamide be used during pregnancy?
Yes, niacinamide is considered safe during pregnancy. Unlike retinol (not recommended) and some acids, vitamin B3 poses no known risk. It remains one of the few anti-dark spot and anti-aging active ingredients recommended during pregnancy, along with bakuchiol and hyaluronic acid.
Niacinamide is not a trend. It is one of the most scientifically documented skincare ingredients — versatile, gentle, and effective in the long term.
K-Beauty inspired skincare, formulated by an ECOCERT COSMOS Natural certified manufacturer, vegan and dermatologically tested.
See the Héori Radiance Routine