Peer-reviewed research on Niacinamide, summarised in plain language. Every study links to its record on PubMed so you can read it yourself.
Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne.
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews2020Meta-analysis216 participantsNeutral
In 216 people with acne, niacinamide showed no clear advantage over clindamycin, and the review did not report how well it cleared acne.
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 medicine2020Systematic review3,880 participantsNeutral
In a review of 3880 people with acne, nicotinamide had no reported results for how well it cleared acne.
Rapid and Visible Efficacy of a Dermocosmetic in Acne Patients With Fair Skin Phototypes: Results of a Randomized Split-Face Study.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2026RCT16 participantsPositive
In a 15-day study of 16 people with acne, a cream with niacinamide and other ingredients reduced pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads more than untreated skin.
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 dermatology2024RCT150 participantsPositive
In a 56-day study of 150 people with acne, a cream containing niacinamide improved acne about as well as benzoyl peroxide.
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 : JDD2023RCT100 participantsNeutral
In a 100-person study, a niacinamide-containing skin product matched benzoyl peroxide results during treatment and helped prevent acne from coming back over 3 months.
Efficacy of a retinoid complex plus anti-inflammatory component cream alone or in combination with prebiotic food supplement in adult acne: A randomized, assessor-blinded, parallel-group, multicenter trial on 184 women.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2022RCT184 participantsPositive
In a 12-week trial of 184 women with adult acne, niacinamide used with other oral ingredients was linked to better clearing of red, sore spots than the cream alone.
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 therapy2020RCT90 participants4% niacinamidePositive
In an 8-week study of 90 people with acne, a cream with 4% niacinamide used with 2 other ingredients improved acne.
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 science2020RCT132 participants4%Positive
In a study of 132 women with oily, blemish-prone skin, a 4% niacinamide moisturizer reduced blemishes more than no moisturizer after 8 weeks.
Characteristics of premenstrual acne flare-up and benefits of a dermocosmetic treatment: a double-blind randomised trial.
European journal of dermatology : EJD2017RCT32 participantsPositive
In a 32-person study over one menstrual cycle, a skin treatment with niacinamide lowered acne-related red, sore spots more than a placebo.
Topical 4% nicotinamide vs. 1% clindamycin in moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris.
International journal of dermatology2013RCT80 participants4%Positive
In an 8-week trial of 80 people with moderate inflammatory facial acne, 4% niacinamide improved acne about as well as clindamycin, with no major side effects.
Topical clindamycin 1% vs. linoleic acid-rich phosphatidylcholine and nicotinamide 4% in the treatment of acne: a multicentre-randomized trial.
International journal of cosmetic science2011RCT4%Positive
In a 12-week trial in people with acne, 4% niacinamide used with phospholipids worked slightly better than clindamycin overall.
Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris.
International journal of dermatology1995RCT76 participants4%Positive
In a study of 76 people with inflammatory acne, 4% niacinamide gel used for 8 weeks worked about as well as clindamycin gel.
The Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Versus Topical Nicotinamide 4% in Treatment of Acne Vulgaris.
Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine2025Clinical trial20 participants4%Positive
In a 20-person split-face study, niacinamide 4% cream improved inflammatory acne, but IPL improved it more.
A new topical biotechnological phytocomplex for truncal mild-moderate acne restores skin microbiota balance.
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)2024Clinical trial43 participantsPositive
In an 8-week study of 43 people with truncal acne, a lotion with niacinamide used with other ingredients improved acne severity and red, sore spots.
New clinical approach in facial mild-moderate acne: Re-stabilization of skin microbiota balance with a topical biotechnological phytocomplex.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2024Clinical trial44 participantsPositive
In an 8-week study of 44 people with mild to moderate acne, a skin gel with niacinamide used with other ingredients reduced acne severity and spots.
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2024Clinical trial30 participantsPositive
In a 56-day study of 30 people with oily skin, a niacinamide-containing cream improved acne.
Novel nicotinamide skin-adhesive hot melt extrudates for treatment of acne.
Expert opinion on drug delivery2018Clinical trial10%Positive
In people with acne, 10% niacinamide in a skin stick reduced total acne spots more than a niacinamide gel.
Efficacy and tolerability of topical 0.2% Myrtacine® and 4% vitamin PP for prevention and treatment of retinoid dermatitis in patients with mild to moderate acne.
Giornale italiano di dermatologia e venereologia : organo ufficiale, Societa italiana di dermatologia e sifilografia2012Clinical trial164 participants4% vitamin PPPositive
In a 28-day study of 164 people with acne, a cream with niacinamide and Myrtacine lowered acne severity more than a simple moisturizer.
The Nicomide Improvement in Clinical Outcomes Study (NICOS): results of an 8-week trial.
Cutis2006Clinical trial198 participantsPositive
In an 8-week study of 198 people with acne or rosacea, an oral niacinamide combination improved patient-rated acne appearance and red, sore spots.
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.
Products we have confirmed contain Niacinamide, from their ingredient lists.
We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more