Topical vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

Why use a vitamin B3 moisturiser?

Niacinamide is an ingredient in many moisturisers and serums. We recommend a vitamin B3 moisturiser primarily for moisturising the skin, with possible additional benefits for the appearance of pigmentation and redness.

Small clinical studies support these benefits. Results depend on the formulation and how your skin responds; they are not guaranteed for every product or person.

How to use it

Follow the product instructions or the advice given at your consultation. Introduce new skincare products gradually and stop using a product if it causes persistent irritation.

Apply sunscreen separately according to its label. Do not mix a niacinamide serum or moisturiser into sunscreen.

If redness or pigmentation is persistent or changing, seek an assessment rather than assuming skincare alone will address it.

Evidence

A 12-week trial comparing a 5% niacinamide formulation with its moisturising base found improvements in pigmentation and red blotchiness. The findings relate to the tested formulation.

Bissett et al., 2005: controlled trial of topical niacinamide.