What the science says about Niacinamide

• Most studies found niacinamide helped acne
• It often cleared acne about as well as clindamycin when put on the skin
• Some studies found it helped reduce red, sore spots and pimples
• Some evidence is still uncertain because some studies found no clear difference

17 studies

1. 1.

   Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne.

   The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·2020Meta-analysis216 participantsNeutral

   In a large review of clinical trials, niacinamide put on the skin showed no clear difference from clindamycin in people stopping treatment or having side effects, but acne clearing was not measured.

   PubMed 32356369DOI

2. 2.

   Evidence-based topical treatments (azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulfur, zinc, and fruit acid) for acne: an abridged version of a Cochrane systematic review.

   Journal of evidence-based medicine·2020Systematic review3,880 participantsNeutral

   In a large review of 3880 people with acne, the effects of nicotinamide put on the skin were uncertain, and no study measured self-rated acne improvement.

   PubMed 33034949DOI

3. 3.

   Rapid and Visible Efficacy of a Dermocosmetic in Acne Patients With Fair Skin Phototypes: Results of a Randomized Split-Face Study.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2026RCT16 participantsPositive

   In a 15-day split-face trial of 16 people with acne, a cream with niacinamide used together with other ingredients reduced pimples, blackheads and whiteheads more than no treatment.

   PubMed 41487026DOI

4. 4.

   Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2024RCT150 participantsPositive

   In a 56-day clinical trial of 150 people with mild to moderate acne, a cream containing niacinamide used with other ingredients improved acne about as well as benzoyl peroxide.

   PubMed 37941097DOI

5. 5.

   Distinct skin microbiome modulation following different topical acne treatments in mild acne vulgaris patients: A randomized, investigator-blinded exploratory study.

   Experimental dermatology·2023RCT45 participantsNeutral

   In a 3-month clinical trial of 45 people with mild acne, niacinamide was used with other ingredients in a cream-gel, but the abstract does not report its acne-clearing results.

   PubMed 36841971DOI

6. 6.

   A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide.

   Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD·2023RCT100 participantsMixed

   In a 100-person study, a skin product with niacinamide used together with other ingredients matched benzoyl peroxide results at 3 months and then helped reduce acne coming back.

   PubMed 38051857DOI

7. 7.

   A retrospective assessment and comparison of the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide; the combination of topical niacinamide, gallic acid, and lauric acid; and the combination of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin in acne vulgaris.

   Dermatologic therapy·2020RCT90 participants4% niacinamidePositive

   In an 8-week study of 90 people with acne, a cream with niacinamide used together with gallic acid and lauric acid improved acne.

   PubMed 32390309DOI

8. 8.

   Cosmetic benefits of a novel biomimetic lamellar formulation containing niacinamide in healthy females with oily, blemish-prone skin in a randomized proof-of-concept study.

   International journal of cosmetic science·2020RCT132 participants4%Positive

   In a clinical trial of 132 women with oily, blemish-prone skin, a 4% niacinamide cream used for 8 weeks reduced blemishes more than no moisturizer.

   PubMed 31461548DOI

• All 3 studies that tested it on its own found it helped with signs of aging
• Studies found it improved the look of wrinkles and made skin seem firmer
• Studies also found it helped dark spots and reduced redness and yellowing
• One study found it helped skin hold more water and lowered water loss through the skin
• Used with another ingredient, it improved dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and firmness more than niacinamide alone

9 studies

1. 1.

   Topical Formulation with Niacinamide Combined with 5 MHz Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing: A Double-blind, Randomised, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study.

   Current medicinal chemistry·2025RCT67 participantsPositive

   In an eight-week study of 67 women, a niacinamide formulation improved skin hydration and reduced water loss and oil; users also reported firmer, more elastic skin and fewer wrinkles.

   PubMed 39171587DOI

2. 2.

   Enhancing Facial Rejuvenation Outcomes With a Novel Retinaldehyde-Based Cream: A Comparative Randomized Intra-Individual Study.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2025RCT66 participantsPositive

   In a three-month study of 66 people, a cream with niacinamide and two other ingredients made skin look smoother, firmer, and more even than the untreated side.

   PubMed 41312593DOI

3. 3.

   Superior even skin tone and anti-ageing benefit of a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide.

   International journal of cosmetic science·2022RCTPositive

   In a 12-week study, niacinamide used with another ingredient improved dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin firmness more than niacinamide alone.

   PubMed 34958693DOI

4. 4.

   Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2021RCT25 participants2%Positive

   In a 3-week study of 25 people after laser treatment, a cream with niacinamide and stem cell medium improved signs of aging more than a placebo cream.

   PubMed 33103316DOI

5. 5.

   Randomized, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled, split-face study to evaluate the effects of topical application of a Gold Silk Sericin/Niacinamide/Signaline complex on biophysical parameters related to skin ageing.

   International journal of cosmetic science·2015RCT40 participantsPositive

   In an 8-week study of 40 women, a niacinamide-containing complex improved skin moisture, skin barrier, elasticity, and surface texture compared with a placebo.

   PubMed 25940759DOI

6. 6.

   A randomized, controlled comparative study of the wrinkle reduction benefits of a cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate product regimen vs. a prescription 0.02% tretinoin product regimen.

   The British journal of dermatology·2010RCT196 participants5%Positive

   A niacinamide skin-care routine improved eye-area wrinkles more than prescription tretinoin after 8 weeks and caused fewer signs of irritation.

   PubMed 20374604DOI

7. 7.

   Efficacy of anti-aging products for periorbital wrinkles as measured by 3-D imaging.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2009RCTPositive

   In women with wrinkles around their eyes, products containing niacinamide made the skin look smoother and reduced the appearance of deeper wrinkles.

   PubMed 19735523DOI

8. 8.

   Facilitating facial retinization through barrier improvement.

   Cutis·2006RCTPositive

   With tretinoin, a niacinamide moisturizer helped facial skin adjust better than a moisturizer without vitamins.

   PubMed 17121065

• All 5 studies that tested it on its own found it helped fade dark spots
• On its own, it reduced facial darkening and made skin look lighter than a placebo
• It also improved dark spots linked with sun damage in one clinical trial
• Used with other ingredients, it faded patches more than niacinamide alone or the other ingredient alone
• The side effects were similar and mild in the study that reported them

20 studies

1. 1.

   Topical treatment for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a systematic review.

   The Journal of dermatological treatment·2022Systematic review1,853 participantsNeutral

   In a large review of many clinical trials in 1853 people, niacinamide was listed among topical treatments for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, but no separate result for it was reported.

   PubMed 34525885DOI

2. 2.

   Topical Treatments for Melasma: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

   Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD·2019Systematic reviewNeutral

   In a large review of many clinical trials, niacinamide was listed as a skin treatment for melasma, but the abstract gave no separate result for how well it worked or its side effects.

   PubMed 31741361

3. 3.

   Safety and efficacy of niosomal and conventional tranexamic acid/niacinamide vs. hydroquinone creams in melasma: A randomized, double-blind, case-controlled clinical trial.

   Scientific reports·2025RCT99 participants2%; 4%Positive

   In a 3-month trial of 99 people with melasma, creams with niacinamide and tranexamic acid worked as well as hydroquinone and had fewer side effects and less relapse.

   PubMed 41315336DOI

4. 4.

   A Novel Dermocosmetic Routine Containing Vitamin B3 and 2-Mercaptonicotinyl Glycine Significantly Improves Melasma After 3 Months of Daily Use.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2025RCT91 participantsPositive

   In a 6-month trial of 91 women with melasma, a niacinamide routine improved dark patches, quality of life, skin moisture, radiance, and fine wrinkles, with better side effects than Kligman triple.

   PubMed 41036635DOI

5. 5.

   The effects of supramolecular nicotinamide combined with supramolecular salicylic acid on chloasma.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2024RCT28 participants10%Positive

   In a trial of 28 people with chloasma, niacinamide used with salicylic acid worked better than salicylic acid alone, with similar mild side effects.

   PubMed 38111320DOI

6. 6.

   Supramolecular salicylic acid combined with niacinamide in chloasma: a randomized controlled trial.

   Clinical and experimental dermatology·2024RCT300 participants10%Positive

   In a 16-week trial of 300 people with chloasma, niacinamide used with salicylic acid improved dark patches more than a placebo, with few side effects.

   PubMed 38618759DOI

7. 7.

   Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Topical Formulation Containing Epidermal Growth Factor, Tranexamic Acid, Vitamin C, Arbutin, Niacinamide and Other Ingredients as Hydroquinone 4% Alternatives to Improve Hyperpigmentation: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Split Face Study.

   Journal of cosmetic science·2020RCT18 participantsPositive

   In a 1-month split-face trial of 18 people, a niacinamide-containing cream improved facial dark patches more than hydroquinone and caused less irritation.

   PubMed 33022197

8. 8.

   Reduction in facial hyperpigmentation after treatment with a combination of topical niacinamide and tranexamic acid: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial.

   Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)·2014RCT42 participants2%Positive

   In an 8-week trial of 42 women, a cream with Niacinamide and tranexamic acid reduced uneven facial pigmentation more than a placebo cream.

   PubMed 24033822DOI

Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.

• The one study that tested it on its own found it helped the skin barrier
• It lowered water loss through the skin
• It increased the thickness of the outer skin layer

17 studies

1. 1.

   Skin barrier repairing and anti-aging effects evaluation of a comprehensive topical regimen incorporating niacinamide, Pro-Xylane, and panthenol after PicoWay laser: a randomized controlled study.

   Lasers in medical science·2026RCT88 participantsPositive

   In a 112-day clinical trial of 88 women after laser treatment, a niacinamide-containing skin care regimen improved water loss through the skin and skin hydration more than standard care.

   PubMed 42686896DOI

2. 2.

   Efficacy of a Topical Formulation on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in Individuals With Xerosis: A 28-Day Randomized, Split-Leg, Untreated-Controlled Trial.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2026RCT35 participantsPositive

   In a 28-day trial of 35 people with dry skin, a niacinamide-containing moisturizer improved skin hydration and reduced water loss through the skin versus untreated skin.

   PubMed 42108609DOI

3. 3.

   Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Serum Containing Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Vitamin C, and Hydroxy Acid Compared to 4% Hydroquinone in the Management of Melasma.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2025RCT60 participants5%Positive

   In a 5-month clinical trial of 60 women with melasma, a serum with 5% niacinamide and other ingredients improved skin barrier function more than 4% hydroquinone.

   PubMed 40062688DOI

4. 4.

   Topical Formulation with Niacinamide Combined with 5 MHz Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing: A Double-blind, Randomised, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study.

   Current medicinal chemistry·2025RCT67 participantsPositive

   In a clinical trial of 67 women with aged skin, a niacinamide formula improved skin hydration and lowered water loss through the skin over 8 weeks.

   PubMed 39171587DOI

5. 5.

   Mitigation of ultraviolet-induced erythema and inflammation by para-hydroxycinnamic acid in human skin.

   International journal of cosmetic science·2025RCT5%Neutral

   In a 2-week study in female volunteers, niacinamide used together with p-hydroxycinnamic acid helped protect the skin barrier after UV damage, but niacinamide was not tested on its own.

   PubMed 39138602DOI

6. 6.

   Efficacy of ceramides and niacinamide-containing moisturizer versus hydrophilic cream in combination with topical anti-acne treatment in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A split face, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2024RCT40 participantsNeutral

   In an 8-week split-face trial of 40 people with acne, a moisturizer with niacinamide and ceramides improved skin barrier measures, but not more than hydrophilic cream.

   PubMed 38299457DOI

7. 7.

   Scalp application of antioxidants improves scalp condition and reduces hair shedding in a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

   International journal of cosmetic science·2021RCTPositive

   In a 24-week clinical trial in men and women with thinning hair, a scalp regimen with niacinamide and other ingredients lowered water loss through the skin more than a placebo shampoo.

   PubMed 34424558DOI

8. 8.

   Cosmetic benefits of a novel biomimetic lamellar formulation containing niacinamide in healthy females with oily, blemish-prone skin in a randomized proof-of-concept study.

   International journal of cosmetic science·2020RCT132 participants4%Positive

   In a clinical trial of 132 women with oily, blemish-prone skin, a 4% niacinamide moisturizer helped skin hold more water than no moisturizer.

   PubMed 31461548DOI