Niacinamide
skin health, particularly for acne, rosacea, and melasma
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 involved in essential cellular processes, recognized for its potential dermatological benefits without causing the typical 'niacin flush'.
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Evidence Summary
The current understanding of niacinamide's benefits is largely based on a combination of in vitro studies, animal models, and a limited number of human clinical trials, often with small sample sizes or specific populations. While promising, a comprehensive body of high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials is needed to establish definitive efficacy for many of its proposed uses.
Last reviewed · Jun 2026
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How to use
Always consult a qualified clinician.Editorial guidance
- Known allergy to niacinamide or vitamin B3 derivatives
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Suggested dosage
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Active medicinal compounds
Safety
Safety warnings
Avoid if
- Known allergy to niacinamide or vitamin B3 derivatives
Reported side effects
- Mild skin irritation (topical)
- Redness (topical)
- Itching (topical)
- Mild nausea (oral, high doses)
- Stomach upset (oral, high doses)
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Evidence ecosystem
Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.
Overall grade (B)
The current understanding of niacinamide's benefits is largely based on a combination of in vitro studies, animal models, and a limited number of human clinical trials, often with small sample sizes or specific populations. While promising, a comprehensive body of high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials is needed to establish definitive efficacy for many of its proposed uses.
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Meta-Analyses(1)
Pooled analyses across multiple human trials.
The Impact of Antioxidants on Vitiligo and Melasma: A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis.
Speeckaert R, Bulat V, Speeckaert MM, van Geel N · Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) · 2023
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during melanogenesis make melanocytes particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, influencing their survival and melanin synthesis. Oxidative stress, significantly present in vitiligo and recently also detected in melasma, triggers inflammatory cascades and melanogenesis, making antioxidants a promising therapeutic avenue. A systematic search was conducted on Embase and Pubmed to study the efficacy of antioxidants for treating vitiligo and/or melasma. Meta-analysis was performed to assess the difference in Melasma Severity Index (MASI) scores between baseline and follow-up. Various antioxidants like polypodium leucotomos, ginkgo biloba, catalase/superoxide dismutase, and vitamin E have potential in vitiligo. For melasma, vitamin C, silymarin, and niacinamide were among those showing promise in reducing pigmentation, with vitamin C displaying significant effects in meta-analysis. Different antioxidants improve both vitiligo and melasma, with an i
Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
Systematic Reviews(2)
Structured reviews of the full body of evidence (incl. Cochrane).
Interventions for preventing the progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
St Pierre K, Cashmore BA, Bolignano D, Zoccali C, Ruospo M, Craig JC · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2024 · n=8016
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the leading inherited cause of kidney disease. Clinical management has historically focused on symptom control and reducing associated complications. Improved understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in kidney cyst growth and disease progression has resulted in new pharmaceutical agents targeting disease pathogenesis and preventing disease progression. However, the role of disease-modifying agents for all people with ADPKD is unclear. This is an update of a review first published in 2015. We aimed to evaluate the benefits and harms of interventions to prevent the progression of ADPKD and the safety based on patient-important endpoints, defined by the Standardised Outcomes in NephroloGy-Polycystic Kidney Disease (SONG-PKD) core outcome set, and general and specific adverse effects. We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplants Register of Studies up to 13 August 2024 through contact with the Information S
Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High QualityAre Natural Ingredients Effective in the Management of Hyperpigmentation? A Systematic Review.
Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM · The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology · 2018
BACKGROUND: Hyperpigmentation disorders are commonly encountered in dermatology clinics. Botanical and natural ingredients have gained popularity as alternative depigmenting products. OBJECTIVE: We sought to review clinical studies evaluating the use of different natural products in treating hyperpigmentation so clinicians are better equipped to educate their patients. Specific ingredients reviewed include azelaic acid, aloesin, mulberry, licorice extracts, lignin peroxidase, kojic acid, niacinamide, ellagic acid, arbutin, green tea, turmeric, soy, and ascorbic acid. METHODS: Systematic searches of PubMed and SCOPUS databases were performed in March 2016 using the various ingredient names, "melasma"and "hyperpigmentation." Two reviewers independently screened titles, leading to the selection of 30 clinical studies. RESULTS: Review of the literature revealed few clinical trials that evaluated the treatment of hyperpigmentation with natural ingredients. Despite the limited evidence-based
Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality
Randomized Human Trials(1)
Controlled human studies with random assignment.
Rocio J, Pittet JC, Sachdev M, Kovylkina N, Deloche Bensmaine C, Passeron T · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025
Melasma is a common skin condition that remains challenging to treat. Hydroquinone at 4% (HQ4%) is a frequently prescribed depigmenting compound that has been associated with potential side effects. This study assessed the benefit in melasma of an anti-hyperpigmentation serum (Serum B3 containing 5% niacinamide, 1% tranexamic acid, 0.2% of a stabilized form of vitamin C, and different hydroxy acids) compared to HQ4%. In a single-site, investigator-blind, randomized study, 60 females aged between 20 and 50 years with facial melasma received Serum B3 for 5 months (Group 1) or HQ4% for 3 months followed by Serum B3 for an additional2 months (Group 2). Endpoints were Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), modified MASI (mMASI), Investigational Global Assessment, erythema, clinical cutaneous parameters, and safety. Subjects assessed quality of life (QoL) and cosmetic acceptability. Confocal reflecting microscopy was performed. A significant (p < 0.0
Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality
Observational Studies(2)
Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.
Emerging topical therapies for melasma: a comparative analysis of efficacy and safety.
Suliman RS, Alhuwayshil J, Almuflehi AA, Al Zaghir AK, Alateqi HA, Mohamedin HE · The Journal of dermatological treatment · 2025
Melasma, a prevalent acquired hypermelanosis, significantly impacts psychological well-being. It presents as irregular, bilateral patches of brown or gray skin discoloration and currently lacks a curative treatment. Management focuses on controlling disease progression and preventing further hyperpigmentation through photoprotection, topical and oral medications, and dermatological procedures such as chemical peels, lasers, and microneedling. This review draws upon extensive literature from PubMed and Google Scholar to critically evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of topical treatments for melasma, highlighting both established and emerging agents. The Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) was used as the primary outcome measure to assess treatment effectiveness. Among chemical agents, thiamidol demonstrated comparable efficacy to hydroquinone with a better tolerability profile in multiple randomized studies. Tranexamic acid and metformin showed similar MASI score improvem
Observational StudyPubMedLow QualityTopical Treatments for Melasma: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Austin E, Nguyen JK, Jagdeo J · Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2019
Background: Melasma is an acquired skin disease characterized by symmetric hyperpigmentation on sun-exposed areas, particularly on the face. Recently, there has been tremendous scientific interest in novel, safe, and effective topical agents to manage melasma. Objective: To evaluate topical treatments for melasma and provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical use and further research. Methods: We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on topical agents for the treatment of melasma on March 4th, 2019 using PRISMA guidelines. Clinical recommendations were based on the American College of Physicians guidelines. Results: After screening, we identified 35 original RCTs using azelaic acid, cysteamine, epidermal growth factor, hydroquinone (liposomal-delivered), lignin peroxidase, mulberry extract, niacinamide, Rumex occidentalis, triple combination therapy, tranexamic acid, 4-n-butylresorcinol, glycolic acid, kojic acid, aloe vera, ascorbic acid, dioic
Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality
Clinical Trial Registries(3)
Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).
DNA Methylation in Malar Melasma and Its Change by Sunscreen, Retinoic Acid and Niacinamide.
n=28 · NCT03392623 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED
BACKGROUND: Malar melasma has a chronic and recurrent character that may be related with epigenetic changes.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Qualityn=68 · NCT07121439 · NOT_YET_RECRUITING · NOT_YET_RECRUITING
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination serum containing Melasyl™, 10% Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and HEPES when used as a moisturizer after QS-Nd:YAG 1064 nm low-fluence laser treatment for melasma and post-acne hyperpigmentation. The study aims to answer the following main questions: * Does the combination serum reduce hyperpigmented lesions after laser treatment for melasma and post-acne hyperpigmentation? * Does the serum improve skin hydration following laser therapy for melasma? * Is the combination serum safe for use after laser treatment, without causing irritation or adverse effects? Participants will be female patients aged 18-60 years, clinically diagnosed with melasma or post-acne hyperpigmentation (skin types IV and V), who visit the Dermatology \& Venereology Outpatient Clinic for QS-Nd:YAG 1064 low-fluence laser treatment. All participants will have undergone a 2-week priming period using either 2% hydroquinone cream or the test serum prior to laser treatment. Written informed consent is required. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the test serum or 2% hydroquinone cream based on a coded allocation. The product will be applied twice daily after facial cleansing, and sunscreen will be used 15 minutes before outdoor activities. Treatment lasts for 2 weeks, with participants recording application times and any adverse effects in a diary. Evaluations-including facial photography, mMASI, mexameter, dermoscopy, Wood's lamp, and PAHPI-will be conducted at baseline and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-laser. Erythema and subjective assessment (VAS) will be performed 15 minutes after the laser procedure.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Qualityn=157 · NCT03093181 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED
This study is designed to evaluate the cosmetic benefit provided by twice daily application of a developmental moisturising cream with niacinamide for 8 weeks in healthy female participants with sensitive, oily, blemish-prone skin.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
Limitations: A significant limitation is the lack of extensive, well-designed, placebo-controlled human clinical trials for many of the conditions niacinamide is suggested to help. Studies often vary in dosage, formulation (topical vs. oral), duration, and outcome measures, making direct comparisons and broad conclusions challenging. There is also a need for more research into optimal dosages and long-term effects.
This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.
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