Niacinamide: what it is, what it's for, and how to use it in your routine

A Biovardi guide · Updated on 3 October 2026.

Looking for a niacinamide serum? Serum is one format for using the ingredient; its usefulness depends on the complete formula. It is not automatically better than a cream that already contains it.

You open the bathroom cabinet looking for a simple routine and find three products containing niacinamide. One promises radiance, another mentions pores and the third highlights 10%. The question is no longer whether the ingredient is fashionable: what do you need, and what fits with the products you already use?

What is niacinamide, and what are its benefits?

Look for Niacinamide in the ingredient list. It is also called nicotinamide. This guide concerns topical use: a cosmetic serum is not equivalent to a vitamin B3 supplement.

Niacinamide for hydration and the skin barrier

The barrier helps limit water loss. Tanno and colleagues investigated how nicotinamide supports the synthesis of ceramides and other lipids and observed improvements in barrier function. This supports considering it for a comfortable routine; it does not mean every irritated skin will tolerate every serum. Read the research on lipids and barrier function.

Niacinamide for dark spots and uneven tone

It may help reduce the appearance of some hyperpigmented areas. Hakozaki and colleagues studied niacinamide formulas and observed changes after four weeks under trial conditions. This does not demonstrate that it erases every spot or that every commercial product delivers the same results. Read the pigmentation study.

If dark spots are your concern, sun protection belongs in the routine. A lesion that appears, changes, bleeds or worries you needs medical assessment, rather than a cosmetic recommendation.

Niacinamide for oily skin, shine and visible pores

In trials with a 2% moisturiser, Draelos and colleagues found improvements in measurements of surface oil, with differences between the groups studied. It is more accurate to describe a possible help with shine than to promise complete sebum control. Pores do not open and close like doors; their visibility can change, but no serum removes them. Read the 2% niacinamide trial.

Niacinamide for fine lines and skin texture

Bissett and colleagues compared a 5% formula with its vehicle on opposite sides of the faces of 50 women over 12 weeks. They found improvements in several visible signs of photoageing. This is evidence for a particular formula and population, not a guarantee of rejuvenation for everyone. Read the 12-week clinical trial.

2%, 5% or 10% niacinamide? Understanding the percentage

Two 5% serums can feel different. Texture, fragrance, other actives and frequency matter. Adding the percentages of your cream and serum does not give a meaningful combined concentration.

How to use niacinamide: morning and evening order

Its position depends on the product type. A serum usually goes before cream; if your moisturiser contains niacinamide, you do not need another step just to repeat it.

Toner is optional. Use the manufacturer's recommended amount and let the product settle before the next step. Read more in our morning and evening skincare guide.

Before first use: test the cosmetic on a small area. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests observing the response for 7–10 days before wider application. A home test cannot rule out every reaction. Remove the product and stop using it if discomfort occurs. How to test a new cosmetic, according to the AAD.

What should you avoid mixing with niacinamide?

There is no universal list of prohibited ingredients based on the word niacinamide alone. Compatibility between two finished products depends on their formulas and instructions. Introducing them separately helps you assess tolerance.

If you need to separate actives initially, use one in the morning and another at night where the instructions allow. Cantabria Labs describes these combinations; individual tolerance remains decisive.

What to choose for your skin and your goal

• Uneven tone: consider the whole formula and sun protection. One well-chosen product simplifies the routine.
• Fine lines and texture: a combination with bakuchiol may interest you, without assuming it replaces a prescribed retinoid.
• Shine: prioritise a comfortable texture, rather than the highest concentration.
• Dry skin: do not expect a light serum to always replace moisturiser.
• Very reactive skin: check fragrance and other ingredients. Niacinamide does not guarantee suitability during a flare-up.

If your routine already works: check the labels you own. A third product with the same ingredient may add complexity without meeting a new need.

Buying a niacinamide serum: two Biovardi options

These options serve different purposes. We compare their declared formulas and sizes; these are not the results of a comparative trial conducted by Biovardi.

Swipe the table sideways to see both serums.

Comparison of composition and purposes declared by the brands, not measured efficacy between products. Check product pages for current prices and availability.

UMOA Royal Bakuchiol: 5% niacinamide and care for fine lines

According to the brand, it combines 5% niacinamide, 1.5% bakuchiol and lactobionic acid. An option for caring for the appearance of lines and tone in one serum. It contains fragrance, which matters if your skin reacts to it.

UMOA advises shaking and applying two or three drops before cream, avoiding the eye area. Always follow the packaging instructions.

View UMOA serum with 5% niacinamide

Shipping only to mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands.

Dafna's Unify: vitamin C and niacinamide for uneven tone

It combines vitamin C and niacinamide in a formula focused on the appearance of dark spots and radiance. We do not assign a niacinamide percentage the brand has not disclosed. Check the complete INCI if you avoid fragrance or specific ingredients.

It may suit you if uneven tone is your priority and you prefer both actives in a single product. Include sun protection in your routine.

View Unify serum for uneven tone

Shipping only to mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands.

Frequently asked questions

How long does niacinamide take to work?

The cited trials assess changes over several weeks: four for some pigmentation measures and up to twelve for signs of photoageing. These are not guaranteed timelines for your product. Compare your skin under the same lighting and avoid introducing several actives at once.

Can I use it every day?

Many formulas are intended for daily use. Follow the label and observe your skin's response. Twice-daily use is not compulsory if once suits you better.

What happens if I go into the sun after applying it?

Niacinamide is not considered photosensitising, but it is not sunscreen. Use sun protection appropriate to your exposure and consider the other actives in the formula.

Can niacinamide irritate skin or cause breakouts?

A cosmetic may cause discomfort even when its main ingredient is generally well tolerated. Stop if burning, redness or a breakout develops after introducing it. Do not assume you must endure a reaction for it to work; seek advice if it is severe or persists.

Should I rinse off niacinamide serum?

A leave-on serum stays on the skin. A cleanser or mask containing niacinamide may have different directions: the format and label take priority.

Which is better, retinol or niacinamide?

It depends on your goal and tolerance. Niacinamide can support the barrier and improve the appearance of tone; retinol belongs to the retinoid family and is used for texture, pigmentation and signs of ageing. They are not equivalent, and you do not need to start both. Retinol has its own precautions and may irritate. Avoid retinoids during pregnancy, and do not replace a prescribed treatment with a cosmetic serum. See the AAD guide to retinol and retinoids.

Does it treat acne or rosacea?

It may be part of a care routine, but choosing a cosmetic is not the same as treating a disease. If you have persistent acne, rosacea or a prescribed treatment, adapt your routine with your healthcare professional.

Sources and how we prepared this guide

Content prepared with AI assistance and checked against the linked sources. We distinguish ingredient trials from each manufacturer's declared product characteristics. We have not conducted our own trial or extrapolated laboratory results to the selected products.

• Tanno et al., 2000: lipids and the skin barrier.
• Hakozaki et al., 2002: pigmentation.
• Draelos et al., 2006: 2% niacinamide and sebum.
• Bissett et al., 2005: 5% niacinamide over 12 weeks.
• AAD: testing skin care products.
• UMOA: Royal Bakuchiol composition and usage.
• Dafna's: Unify formula and purpose.