Is Niacinamide Good for Acne? Benefits and How to Use It

If you have been searching for an ingredient to help with acne, you have probably come across niacinamide. This vitamin B3 derivative has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. But is niacinamide actually good for acne, or is it just another overhyped ingredient?

The answer is yes, niacinamide is genuinely beneficial for acne-prone skin. It addresses multiple factors that contribute to breakouts, from excess oil to inflammation. Let us explore exactly how it works and how to use it effectively.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin). It is a water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for various cellular functions. In skincare, it has become a star ingredient due to its versatility and tolerability.

Unlike some active ingredients that can be harsh or irritating, niacinamide is gentle enough for most skin types while still delivering noticeable results. It does not cause photosensitivity, so you can use it both morning and night.

Key Properties

Water-soluble
Stable in formulations
Well-tolerated by most skin types
Can be combined with most other ingredients
Non-comedogenic (rating of 0)

How Niacinamide Helps Acne

Niacinamide targets acne through multiple mechanisms:

1. Regulates Sebum Production

Excess oil is a major contributor to acne. When your sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores, creating the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria.

Studies have shown that 2% niacinamide can reduce sebum production by up to 23% after four weeks of use. This helps keep pores clear and reduces the shiny appearance of oily skin.

2. Minimizes Pore Appearance

While you cannot actually shrink your pores (their size is largely genetic), you can minimize their appearance. Niacinamide helps by:

Reducing oil that stretches pores
Improving skin elasticity around pores
Smoothing skin texture

3. Reduces Inflammation

Acne is fundamentally an inflammatory condition. The redness, swelling, and pain associated with pimples are all signs of inflammation.

Niacinamide has proven anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators, helping to calm existing breakouts and reduce redness.

4. Strengthens Skin Barrier

A compromised skin barrier can worsen acne by:

Allowing irritants to penetrate
Increasing water loss
Triggering compensatory oil production

Niacinamide boosts the production of ceramides, the lipids that form your skin barrier. A stronger barrier means more resilient skin.

5. Fades Post-Acne Marks

The dark spots left behind after acne heals (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) can be just as frustrating as the acne itself. Niacinamide inhibits melanin transfer to skin cells, helping these marks fade faster.

Scientific Evidence for Niacinamide and Acne

Niacinamide is not just anecdotally effective; it has real scientific backing:

Study	Concentration	Duration	Results
Draelos et al. (2006)	2%	4 weeks	23% reduction in sebum
Shalita et al. (1995)	4% gel	8 weeks	Comparable to 1% clindamycin
Navarrete-Solis et al. (2011)	4%	8 weeks	Significant improvement in hyperpigmentation
Khodaeiani et al. (2013)	4% gel	8 weeks	82% improvement in acne severity

The study comparing 4% niacinamide to 1% clindamycin (a prescription antibiotic) is particularly impressive. Both showed similar effectiveness, but niacinamide does not carry the risk of antibiotic resistance.

What Concentration of Niacinamide is Best?

Niacinamide is available in concentrations ranging from 2% to 20%. Here is what you need to know:

Concentration	Best For	Notes
2-5%	General skin health, beginners	Gentle, minimal irritation risk
5-10%	Acne, oil control, hyperpigmentation	Sweet spot for most people
10-20%	Stubborn concerns	May cause irritation in some

For acne, 4-5% niacinamide is often the sweet spot. This concentration is effective without the irritation risk that can come with higher percentages.

More is not always better. Some people experience flushing, irritation, or even breakouts from very high concentrations (15-20%). If you are new to niacinamide, start with a lower concentration.

How to Use Niacinamide for Acne

When to Apply

Niacinamide can be used both morning and evening. It does not cause sun sensitivity, so daytime use is perfectly safe.

Application Order

In your routine, apply niacinamide:

After cleansing
After toner (if using)
Before heavier serums or moisturizers
Before sunscreen (morning)

Sample Routine

Morning:

Gentle cleanser
Niacinamide serum
Moisturizer
Sunscreen

Evening:

Gentle cleanser
Niacinamide serum
Acne treatment (retinoid, benzoyl peroxide)
Moisturizer

Can You Combine Niacinamide with Other Actives?

One of niacinamide's biggest advantages is its compatibility with other ingredients:

Safe Combinations

Ingredient	Benefit of Combining
Hyaluronic acid	Hydration + oil control
Retinoids	Reduces retinoid irritation
Vitamin C	Brightening (despite old myths)
Salicylic acid	Enhanced acne-fighting
Azelaic acid	Redness + acne control
Zinc	Boosted oil control

The Niacinamide + Vitamin C Myth

You may have heard that niacinamide and vitamin C cannot be used together. This is based on outdated science from the 1960s using conditions not found in modern skincare (high heat, different forms of the ingredients).

In reality, these two ingredients can be used together safely. Some people prefer to use them at different times of day, but this is preference, not necessity.

Using with Acne Treatments

Niacinamide pairs well with prescription and over-the-counter acne treatments:

With retinoids: Niacinamide can buffer irritation from retinoids while enhancing their benefits.
With benzoyl peroxide: Safe to use together; apply niacinamide first, let dry, then benzoyl peroxide.
With salicylic acid: Complementary mechanisms for fighting acne.

Potential Side Effects

Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience:

Flushing

Niacinamide is related to niacin (vitamin B3), which can cause flushing. While niacinamide is much less likely to cause this than niacin, some people may experience temporary redness, especially with higher concentrations.

Irritation from High Concentrations

Concentrations above 10% may cause:

Redness
Itching
Burning sensation
Paradoxical breakouts

If you experience these, switch to a lower concentration.

Breaking Out When Starting

Some people experience a "purge" when starting niacinamide. However, true purging is more associated with cell-turnover ingredients like retinoids. If you break out from niacinamide, it may be:

Reaction to other ingredients in the product
Concentration too high
Product not suitable for your skin

How Long Until You See Results?

Niacinamide requires consistent use for best results:

Concern	Expected Timeline
Oil reduction	2-4 weeks
Acne improvement	4-8 weeks
Pore appearance	4-8 weeks
Hyperpigmentation	8-12 weeks

Be patient and consistent. If you do not see improvement after 8-12 weeks, the concentration may need adjustment, or niacinamide may not be the right ingredient for your specific concerns.

Niacinamide vs. Other Acne Ingredients

How does niacinamide compare to other acne-fighting ingredients?

Ingredient	Mechanism	Irritation Potential	Best For
Niacinamide	Oil control, anti-inflammatory	Low	Mild-moderate acne, oily skin
Salicylic acid	Exfoliation, pore clearing	Moderate	Blackheads, whiteheads
Benzoyl peroxide	Kills bacteria	Moderate-High	Inflammatory acne
Retinoids	Cell turnover	High	All acne types, anti-aging
Azelaic acid	Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory	Low-Moderate	Acne + rosacea

Niacinamide is not a replacement for proven acne treatments like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide in moderate to severe acne. However, it is an excellent supporting ingredient that can enhance results and improve skin health overall.

Choosing a Niacinamide Product

When shopping for niacinamide, consider:

For Acne-Prone Skin, Look For:

4-5% niacinamide concentration
Oil-free formula
Additional beneficial ingredients (zinc, hyaluronic acid)
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic

Beneficial Partner Ingredients:

Zinc: Enhances oil control and has anti-inflammatory properties
Hyaluronic acid: Adds hydration without heaviness
Centella asiatica: Soothing and healing
Adenosine: Anti-aging benefits

Forms Available:

Serums: Highest concentration, targeted treatment
Moisturizers: Lower concentration, all-in-one convenience
Toners: Lightweight, easy to layer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can niacinamide make acne worse?

For most people, no. However, some may react to high concentrations or other ingredients in the formula. If you break out, try a lower concentration or different product.

Is niacinamide better than salicylic acid for acne?

They work differently and can be used together. Salicylic acid is better for clearing clogged pores; niacinamide is better for oil control and calming inflammation.

How long should I use niacinamide?

Niacinamide is safe for long-term use. Many people use it indefinitely as part of their maintenance routine.

Can I use niacinamide if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, niacinamide is generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin. Start with a lower concentration (2-4%) to test tolerance.

Should I use niacinamide before or after moisturizer?

Apply niacinamide serum before moisturizer. The general rule is thinnest to thickest consistency.

The Bottom Line

Niacinamide is one of the most effective and well-tolerated ingredients for acne-prone skin. It tackles multiple acne-contributing factors simultaneously: excess oil, inflammation, compromised barrier, and post-acne marks.

With a comedogenic rating of 0 and proven scientific backing, niacinamide deserves a place in most acne-fighting routines. It works well with other treatments and rarely causes irritation when used at appropriate concentrations.

For best results, choose a product with 4-5% niacinamide, use it consistently for at least 8 weeks, and combine it with other proven acne treatments as needed.

Want to find products with the ideal niacinamide concentration for your skin? Use SCRNE to scan ingredient lists and instantly identify niacinamide concentration and other key ingredients in your skincare products.

Sources

Gehring, W. "Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 3, no. 2, 2004, pp. 88-93. PubMed
Draelos, Z. D., et al. "Niacinamide-containing facial moisturizer improves skin barrier and benefits subjects with rosacea." Cutis, vol. 76, no. 2, 2005, pp. 135-141. PubMed
Hakozaki, T., et al. "The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer." British Journal of Dermatology, vol. 147, no. 1, 2002, pp. 20-31. PubMed
Bissett, D. L., et al. "Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance." Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 31, no. 7 Pt 2, 2005, pp. 860-865. PubMed
Khodaeiani, E., et al. "Topical 4% nicotinamide vs. 1% clindamycin in moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris." International Journal of Dermatology, vol. 52, no. 8, 2013, pp. 999-1004. PubMed