Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a powerful and versatile ingredient that has become a favorite in skincare worldwide. It calms redness, strengthens the skin barrier, balances sebum production and evens out the skin tone – all without irritating. In this guide, we go through what niacinamide does, why it works and how you use it for stronger, clearer and more balanced skin. If you want to get started right away, you can find our entire range in the collection niacinamide (vitamin B3).
What are B vitamins and why are they important for the skin?
Did you know that there are as many as eight different types of B vitamins? All play an important role in our health, but some of them have also become real stars in skincare – especially vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and vitamin B5 (panthenol).
They help the skin retain moisture, reduce irritation and improve the skin's texture. In this guide, we focus mostly on niacinamide, but also look at how it interacts with vitamin B5.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) – skincare's multitasker
Niacinamide, also called vitamin B3, is a multifunctional ingredient with impressive properties. It strengthens the skin's protective barrier, improves elasticity and has a calming, moisturizing effect. What makes niacinamide so popular is that it addresses several different skin concerns at the same time – and is also well tolerated by basically all skin types.
Benefits of niacinamide
- Reduces the visibility of enlarged pores
- Evens out pigmentation and skin tone
- Reduces fine lines
- Calms inflammation and redness
- Improves skin texture and glow
- Strengthens the skin barrier by increasing the skin's own production of ceramides
This is one of the most versatile ingredients in modern skincare – and also well tolerated by most skin types.
Niacinamide regulates sebum and reduces pores
One of niacinamide's most appreciated properties is the ability to balance the skin's sebum production. When the skin produces too much sebum, pores easily become clogged and look larger, which often leads to a shiny complexion and breakouts. Niacinamide helps to normalize the sebum flow, which makes the pores look smaller and cleaner over time. This makes the ingredient especially popular for those with oily skin or acne-prone skin.
Niacinamide calms redness and strengthens the barrier
Niacinamide has a documented calming, anti-inflammatory effect and is a great choice for redness and rosacea. At the same time, it strengthens the skin barrier by stimulating the skin's own production of ceramides – the lipids that keep moisture in and environmental irritants out. A stronger barrier means less moisture loss, less sensitivity and a skin that can withstand more. Therefore, niacinamide works just as well for sensitive skin as for oily and combination skin.
Who is niacinamide suitable for?
Almost everyone! It is especially suitable for:
- Oily or acne-prone skin
- Dry and sensitive skin
- Skin with pigmentation and uneven tone
- Skin with visible pores
Recommended products with niacinamide
Facial cleanser from Neutriherbs is a gentle but effective facial cleanser that helps to reduce the visibility of pigmentation, uneven skin tone and melasma. With niacinamide and natural extracts, it cleanses the skin deeply without drying it out, providing a clearer, more even and radiant skin. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Niacinamide serum from Skinroller is a powerful serum that evens out the skin tone, reduces visible pores and calms acne-prone skin. The formula with 10% niacinamide and 2% zinc helps to fade pigmentation, balance the skin and reduce inflammation, resulting in a clearer, more even and more balanced skin. See the full selection in the collection niacinamide (vitamin B3).
Vitamin B5 (panthenol) – moisture, balance and healing
Vitamin B5, also known as panthenol, is another favorite in the skincare routine. It is found naturally in all the body's cells and is best known for its moisture-retaining properties. Together with niacinamide, it becomes a powerful duo for a calm, hydrated and resilient skin.
Benefits of vitamin B5
- Attracts moisture and helps the skin retain moisture
- Makes the skin soft, supple and balanced
- Is calming and anti-inflammatory
- Supports the skin's natural healing process
Vitamin B5 is therefore especially good for sensitive, dry or irritated skin – but suits all skin types.
How do you combine niacinamide with other ingredients?
One of the best things about niacinamide is that it is easy to combine with other active ingredients such as:
- Hyaluronic acid – for extra moisture and a plumped complexion
- Zinc – for acne-prone skin
- Retinol – for anti-aging, without compromising the barrier
- Vitamin C – for extra glow and a more even pigment
- PHA or BHA acids – for exfoliation, without drying out
Tip: Start with low concentrations if you are new to active ingredients and work your way up. A simple rule of thumb is to apply the products in order from thinnest to thickest consistency.
How to use niacinamide in your routine
Niacinamide is gentle enough to use both morning and evening. Apply your serum to clean, slightly damp skin after cleansing and any toner, and lock it in with a moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with sun protection – it protects the results you are building up, especially if you are also working against pigmentation. Be consistent: niacinamide gives the best results when used daily over time.
Frequently asked questions about niacinamide
Can I use niacinamide every day?
Yes. Niacinamide is one of the few active ingredients that can be used both morning and evening, every day. It is mild and builds up the skin's barrier best when used continuously.
How long does it take before you see results?
Many see improvement within 2–4 weeks, especially on redness and skin texture. Results on pigmentation and enlarged pores often take longer – expect 8–12 weeks of regular use.
Can niacinamide cause irritation?
Niacinamide rarely causes irritation, but too high a concentration (over 10%) can sometimes cause a tingling sensation. Choose a product adapted to your skin type and start with a lower concentration if you have sensitive skin.
Which concentration of niacinamide is best?
For most skin types, 5–10% niacinamide provides the best balance between effect and tolerance. Higher concentrations do not necessarily give better results and can increase the risk of a tingling sensation in sensitive skin.
Can you combine niacinamide and vitamin C?
Yes. The old myth that they "cancel out" each other is not true with modern, stable formulations – they work fine together and provide an extra boost of glow and a more even pigment.
Why we love niacinamide
Niacinamide is a superstar in the skincare world. It is mild, effective and works for most people. Whether you want to work against pigmentation, fine lines, redness or just strengthen the skin barrier, this is an ingredient worth investing in. Explore our full selection in the collection niacinamide (vitamin B3).
If you want to read more about niacinamide click here
Take care,
Matilda
Authorized Skin Therapist Skinroller
Article written by Matilda, Authorized Skin Therapist Skinroller.
Last updated 2026-06-10
