What does niacinamide do?

Everything you need to know about niacinamide

In 2020, it seemed like just about everyone was adding a vitamin C serum to their skincare routine. But now there is a new vitamin that is promising the glow-worthy benefits of vitamin C — and more.

This brightening and hydrating ingredient is vitamin B3, otherwise known as niacinamide. If you want to brighten your skin, prevent signs of aging and reduce acne, niacinamide should become a staple in your skincare cabinet.

Vitamin B is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is not made in the body, so you must extract it from either the food you eat or added supplements. Niacinamide is also one of the most important vitamins when it comes to skincare. If you are deficient of niacinamide, it can lead to dermatitis or skin redness — this correlation is how the importance of B3 for skin was first discovered.

Over the decades, scientists have learned the importance of Vitamin B3 in your diet and its additional benefits when used as a topical on your skin. It is a multitasker when it comes to skin, and it helps strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture. It can also help reduce pigmentation and visibility of pores by evening out the skin tone and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Side effects of niacinamide