Niacin
Vitamin B3 in acid form. It helps even out tone and support the skin barrier. Well tolerated at cosmetic levels.
Evidence by route
Topical application
A vitamin active. Safe at cosmetic levels.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Niacin (nicotinic acid) is a form of vitamin B3. INCI: Niacin. It should not be confused with niacinamide: in skincare it is niacinamide that is studied and that works, while niacin has its own profile. In a formula niacin plays a conditioning role. Its quirk is a vasodilating action: at a sufficient concentration it can cause transient redness and a warm sensation (flushing), which is unwelcome for redness-prone and rosacea-prone skin. Topical clinical data on a standalone skincare effect of niacin are limited. Pregnancy safety. At cosmetic concentrations topical use is systemically negligible and there is no evidence of harm. For rosacea-prone skin, decide on care together with a dermatologist. Tolerance. Allergen potential is low, but transient flushing is possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is Niacin safe during pregnancy?
Niacin is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Niacin for?
Niacin suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Niacin and what does it do in cosmetics?
Vitamin B3 in acid form.
What's the INCI name for Niacin?
The INCI name is Niacin. It may also appear as: Nicotinic Acid.
See Niacin in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Explore by category
Ingredients in the same category
Niacinamide, Nonapeptide-1, Oligopeptide-68, Palmitoyl Grapevine Shoot Extract, Rice Ferment Filtrate, Arbutin, Cysteamine, Hexylresorcinol
Published: · updated: