Niacinamide: the quiet workhorse of skincare
Less hype than vitamin C, but almost everyone tolerates it. Here's how niacinamide fits into your routine — with products we like.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is the ingredient we most often recommend to people who don’t know where to start. It does a little of everything, and almost no one reacts to it.
What it does
It strengthens the skin barrier, calms redness, regulates oil, and can make pores look smaller over time. A 5% solution is enough for most people.
A great budget option is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc , a classic for a reason.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The famously cheap niacinamide serum. 10% is on the high side, so it's best for oily, congestion-prone skin a few times a week.
Link coming soonHow to use it
After cleansing, before moisturizer, morning or night. It plays nicely with most other ingredients — including vitamin C, despite old myths to the contrary.
Looking for more options? See our roundup of the best niacinamide products on a budget.
Frequently asked questions
What does niacinamide do?
It strengthens the skin barrier, calms redness, regulates oil, and can make pores look smaller over time. A 5% solution is enough for most people.
Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?
Yes. The old warning that they cancel each other out is a myth for the forms used in modern products. You can layer them or use one in the morning and one at night.