Niacinamide

INCI Name

Niacinamide

Botanical Name

None

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 widely used in skincare for its multi-functional benefits. It strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil, brightens, and reduces signs of aging, making it one of the most versatile and well-researched actives.

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Primary Function
Active
Add'l Function
Antioxidant
Scent Profile
Odorless
Is It Natural?
Synthetic (Naturally Identical)
Formulate with Confidence

Botanical Building Blocks for Every Blend

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Skin Type Suitability

All
Oily
Blemish-Prone
Mature
Sensitive
Combination
Normal
Baby/Child Safe
Considered Safe for Babies
Considered Safe for Teens
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Typical Product Use

Skin conditioning, brightening agent, antioxidant, barrier support, sebum regulation

Product Type(s):

Serum
Cream
Lotion
Toner
Mask

Typical Usage Range:

2–5% in most formulations; up to 10% in targeted serums

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Supportive Qualities

Improves skin barrier function, reduces transepidermal water loss, brightens skin tone, reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, regulates sebum, minimizes redness, traditionally valued as vitamin B3 for nutritional and dermatological benefits

Primary Components:

Nicotinamide (vitamin B3)

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Important to Know

Generally safe; may cause flushing or mild irritation at concentrations above 5–10% in sensitive skin

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Sourcing Tips

Preferred Extraction Method:

Chemical synthesis (commonly from 3-cyanopyridine or nicotinic acid)

Look for pharmaceutical- or cosmetic-grade niacinamide; stable in a wide pH range (5–7 is optimal for skin)

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More information*

Explore additional safety and regulatory data from trusted external sources:

Cosmetics Info
Cosmetic Ingredient Review
EWG's Skin Deep
INCIDecoder
SkinSAFE
SpecialChem

*The ingredient details on this page are intended for general educational use and should not be considered exhaustive. Additional properties, uses, or safety considerations may be available from other sources. Root & Ritual Apothecary is not affiliated with Cosmetics Info, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), INCIDecoder, SkinSafe, EWG Skin Deep, or SpecialChem. External links are provided solely for informational purposes; Root & Ritual does not control or guarantee the accuracy, methodology, or conclusions of third-party sources, including consumer rating systems such as EWG.