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What's niacinamide? The brightening, calming ingredient your skin will love
Written byJodi M Johnson
Reviewed byH&B Regulatory Affairs
This one ingredient does it all – brightens, calms, hydrates and smoothes. Niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide) deserves a spot in your skincare routine and on your bathroom shelf
Our top picks
Mineral hybrid sunscreen
Q+A
Q+A Niacinamide SPF50 Balancing Daily Facial Sunscreen 50ml
£15.00
Rich in vitamin A
UpCircle
UpCircle Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide 55ml
Online Only
£17.59
RRP £21.99
Unclogs pores
Q+A
Q+A Niacinamide Daily Toner 100ml
£8.50
If there’s one skincare ingredient quietly climbing the ranks to must-have status, it’s niacinamide. Also spelt as, nicotinamide, this multi-tasking form of vitamin B3 is the kind of overachiever every beauty routine needs.
Whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive or somewhere in between, niacinamide knows how to play nice (and get results). Think fewer breakouts, a smoother texture and a glow that looks like you actually got eight hours of sleep.
So, if you haven’t made space for this powerhouse in your beauty regimen yet, it might be time to clear a spot on the shelf.
What’s niacinamide?
You might’ve heard of niacin or vitamin B3, but did you know it has two main forms – nicotinic acid and niacinamide.
And what makes niacinamide really exciting is what it can do for your skin. It’s often found in formulas designed to support the skin barrier, reduce the look of redness and leave skin feeling calm and hydrated.
What’s more, it tends to play well with other ingredients, making it easy to slot into your current routine without a fuss.
Beauty benefits of niacinamide
When applied to the skin, niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier, meaning it reduces moisture loss and helps your skin stay hydrated and healthy looking.1
Even better, it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and even help protect your skin from negative effects and sun-related damage. It can also soothe skin.1
Thanks to these benefits, niacinamide is a star ingredient in many skincare products – especially those targeting dryness, aging, uneven skin tone and blemish-prone skin.1
Our best niacinamide products
If your skin’s been feeling a little out of sorts – congested or just plain stressed – Q+A’s Niacinamide Daily Toner might just be your new skincare sidekick.
This skin-loving vitamin can’t be made by your body, but your skin absolutely loves it! Think of it as your go-to for refining pores, balancing and evening out your skin tone.
But Q+A didn’t stop there. This toner is packed with skin-loving extras. You’ve got hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate, and aloe vera (hello vitamins A and E) to soothe and calm. The result? A refreshing daily toner that gently removes impurities while keeping breakouts and redness in check.
It’s vegan-friendly, suitable for all skin types and basically the skincare equivalent of a deep breath. Your pores will thank you. Simply apply a few drops to a cotton pad and gently apply to your skin to help remove makeup and skin impurities.
Let’s face it, finding an SPF that actually feels good on your skin can be a challenge. That’s where Q+A’s Niacinamide Balancing Daily Sunscreen steps in and saves the day.
With SPF 50 and powerhouse PA++++ protection, this sunscreen means serious business when it comes to shielding your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. But the magic doesn’t stop at sun defence – it’s also packed with skincare benefits you’ll notice long after your beach day ends.
Formulated with niacinamide (a go-to for smoothing texture, tackling shine and minimising pores), this sunscreen helps your skin stay balanced and calm throughout the day. And thanks to soothing aloe vera, it gives stressed-out or oily complexions a much-needed moment of zen.
This hybrid mineral formula is ultra-light, fast-absorbing and refreshingly non-greasy. No heavy residue, no sticky finish and no white cast. Just a smooth, hydrated, protected glow that feels as good as it looks.
Your evening skincare routine just found its MVP. Q+A’s Niacinamide Night Cream is the perfect way to end your day and give your skin a well-deserved moment of TLC.
This gentle, unscented cream is packed with ingredients your skin will absolutely love. Niacinamide helps restore your natural skin barrier while evening out tone and tightening the look of pores. Hyaluronic acid steps in with hydration support, leaving your skin feeling plump, smooth and oh-so-nourished by morning.
But here’s where it gets even more interesting: it’s made with repurposed blueberries. Yep, those same antioxidant-rich powerhouses you toss in your smoothie are now working overtime in your skincare. Naturally rich in pro-retinol (a gentler version of vitamin A), this extract helps soften the appearance of fine lines and brighten areas affected by pigmentation.
Dermatologically approved and designed for all skin types, this night cream is your ticket to a calmer, healthier-looking complexion while you sleep. Because who doesn’t want to wake up to better skin?
If your skin’s been feeling a little overwhelmed (think dull, tired or prone to breakouts) it might be time to call in some reinforcements.
Designed with stressed-out complexions in mind, this lightweight serum brings together some seriously skin-loving ingredients. Niacinamide is the star of the show, working hard to visibly shrink pores, smooth tone and give your skin that balanced, healthy glow.
But that’s not all. It’s powered by Q+A’s SuperGlow Extract, a blend full of antioxidants that helps brighten and protect, like a little shield against daily stressors. And with allantoin in the mix, your skin gets a soothing, hydrating hug with every drop.
The result? A calmer, clearer and more radiant complexion, all in one simple step. Perfect for anyone who wants a little more glow in their skincare routine.
Q+A’s Niacinamide Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser is here to smooth things over, literally.
This clever cleanser combines the best of both worlds: gentle exfoliation and skin-soothing actives, all in one easy step. It’s especially great for skin that’s feeling stressed, congested or prone to breakouts.
The magic lies in its natural exfoliators, it uses jojoba esters – tiny, smooth spheres that polish away dead skin cells without scratching or stripping. So you get that clean, refreshed feeling minus the damage.
Niacinamide joins the party to help calm redness, even out tone and keep blemishes in check, while the formula works to balance moisture levels for skin that feels soft, clear and happy.
Gentle enough to use regularly and effective enough to make a real difference, this is your new go-to for that just-right exfoliation glow.
How to use niacinamide in your skincare routine
Look for serums or moisturisers that contain 5-10% niacinamide, as that tends to be the sweet spot for results without irritation. At around 5%, niacinamide is proven to be highly effective for improving skin tone, reducing the look of pores, calming and helping the skin barrier. Going up to 10% can offer a bit of an extra support, especially for oily or blemish-prone skin, but beyond that, more isn't always better.
Higher concentrations (like 15% or 20%) may sound more powerful, but they’re not necessarily more effective – and they’re more likely to cause redness, dryness or sensitivity, particularly if your skin is already reactive.
So, sticking to that 5–10% range gives you all the benefits of niacinamide without overwhelming your skin in the process.2
Niacinamide is gentle enough to use morning and night, keeping you glowing throughout the day and while you snooze.
After cleansing (and toning, if that’s your thing), apply your niacinamide serum. It absorbs fast and layers like a dream.
Then seal in the goodness with a hydrating moisturiser and don’t forget your daily sunscreen. (Pro tip: niacinamide and SPF = a dream team). End the day with a little pamper and your night cream. Stay consistent and wake up with calmer, healthier-looking skin.
Niacinamide is one of those rare ingredients that suits almost every skin type:
- if you have oily or blemish prone skin, it helps regulate oil production and reduce breakouts
- combination skin benefits from its balancing effects, while those with mature skin love it for smoothing texture and softening fine lines
Niacinamide pairs beautifully with a range of ingredients, making it a true team player in your skincare routine. When combined with hyaluronic acid it helps to hydrate the skin while strengthening its barrier, giving you a plump, healthy glow.
Zinc and niacinamide are a dream duo for oily or blemish-prone skin, working together to calm and regulate excess oil.
And if you're using retinol, niacinamide can help buffer potential irritation, making your routine gentler while still delivering those anti-aging benefits.
FAQs
Yes, niacinamide is generally very good for delicate skin – as long as it's used at the right concentration and in a gentle formulation. It’s soothing and calming for the skin barrier and hydrates gently without being heavy.
We recommend you do a patch test first though, as even gentle ingredients can surprise you, especially if you're using a new product.
Look for fragrance-free and alcohol-free formulas with niacinamide and avoid combining it immediately with strong exfoliants or actives like pure vitamin C or high-percentage AHAs, BHAs or retinoids, unless you're sure your skin can handle it.
Yes, you can absolutely use niacinamide every day – and for many people, it's one of the few skincare ingredients that actually works better with consistent daily use.
Niacinamide typically starts showing results within two to four weeks, with improvements in hydration and reduced redness. More noticeable changes like smoother texture and faded dark spots can take six to eight weeks of consistent use.
Yes, niacinamide can help with spots by calming the skin and reducing redness. It also helps fade post-spot marks and even out skin tone over time. Gentle and well-tolerated, it’s a great daily addition for clearer, more balanced skin.
Niacinamide is generally very versatile, but it can sometimes cause irritation when used with high concentrations of vitamin C, strong acids (like AHAs or BHAs) or retinol – especially if your skin is sensitive.
It’s not unsafe, but layering too many actives at once can be too much for some skin types. If in doubt, use them at different times of day.
The final say
It’s easy to see why niacinamide has earned its place as a true beauty staple. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dullness, uneven tone or just want to give your skin a daily dose of balance and calm, this multitasking ingredient has your back (and face).
With so many great products out there, from lightweight serums to soothing creams and even SPF, there’s a niacinamide pick for every skin type and routine.
And if you’re looking for more ways to refresh or support your skincare and beauty routine, we’ve just dropped the latest beauty products to try right now.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Gehring W. Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology [Internet]. 2004 Apr;3(2):88–93. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/
2. Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J, Chhoa M, Matsubara A, Miyamoto K, et al. The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. The British Journal of Dermatology [Internet]. 2002 Jul 1;147(1):20–31. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12100180
