Niacinamide
Also known as: Vitamin B3, nicotinamide
What It Does
A versatile ingredient that brightens, strengthens the skin barrier, controls oil, and minimizes pores. Works well with almost everything.
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, is one of the most versatile and well-tolerated active ingredients in skincare. It brightens, strengthens the skin barrier, controls oil, minimizes pores, and has anti-inflammatory properties. This multifunctional nature makes it a staple in both Japanese and global skincare formulations.
Unlike ingredients that block melanin production, niacinamide works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. This means it stops pigment from spreading through the skin rather than preventing its creation. It also strengthens the ceramide barrier, regulates sebum production, and stimulates collagen synthesis.
In Japan, niacinamide recently gained expanded quasi-drug approval. It was already approved for brightening, but in 2018 it became one of the few ingredients approved for wrinkle improvement claims as well. This dual approval makes it uniquely valuable in the Japanese market. You will find it in everything from affordable drugstore serums to high end treatments, typically at concentrations of 2 to 10 percent.
Inhibits melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, preventing pigment spread. Strengthens ceramide barrier, regulates sebum, stimulates collagen, and reduces inflammation.
The Japanese Context
Holds dual quasi-drug approval in Japan for both brightening and wrinkle improvement. One of the few ingredients with multiple approved efficacy claims.
Best For
How It's Used
Typical concentration: 2 to 10%, with 5% being most common
Ingredient Interactions
Side Effects and Cautions
Extremely well tolerated. Rare flushing or redness in high concentrations. Safe for sensitive skin.
Products With Niacinamide
Aqualabel
Cica Serum Treatment Lotion - 170ml
Where to buy →
Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Aging Care Firming Lotion - 170ml
Where to buy →Hada Labo
Hada Labo Gokujyun Wrinkle Care Cream
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Hakutsuru
Japanese Sake Moisturizing Skincare Lotion - 500ml
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Kose
Kose Infinity Intensive Wrinkle Serum
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Lululun
Lululun Hydra AZ Mask
Where to buy →Sana
Sana Nameraka Honpo Wrinkle Cream N
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Sana
SANA Wrinkle Turn Concentrate Blemish & Wrinkle Serum
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SK-II
SK-II GenOptics Infinite Aura Essence
Where to buy →SK-II
SK-II GenOptics Spot Essence
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Kose
KOSE CoenRich Q10 Whitening Hand Cream
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Kose
KOSE CoenRich Whitening Medicated Hand Cream
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SK-II
SK-II SKINPOWER Advanced Cream
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SK-II
SK-II SKINPOWER Essence
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SK-II
SK-II SKINPOWER Advanced Airy Cream
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Sana
Sana Soy Milk Pure White Lotion
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BCL
BCL Momo Puri Niacinamide & Peach Ceramide Water
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Shiseido
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
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Shiseido
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream
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Shiseido
SHISEIDO Essence Skin Setting Powder
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SK-II
SK-II Skin Power Advanced Cream
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Momopuri
Momopuri BC Niacinamide Moist Barrier Serum Mask
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Grace One
Grace One Wrinkle Care White Moist Essence
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Quality 1st
Quality 1st Derma Laser Super NMN 100 Mask
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FAS
FAS The Black Day Cream SPF50+ PA++++
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ORBIS
ORBIS Wrinkle Bright UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++
Where to buy →Shiseido
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched
Where to buy →Shiseido
Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Cream Enriched
Where to buy →Shiseido
Shiseido Vital Perfection LiftDefine Radiance Serum
Where to buy →Shiseido
Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream
Where to buy →Kikumasamune
Kiku-Masamune Sake Lotion Glossy Moist
Where to buy →
Shiseido
Shiseido Men Total Revitalizer Cream
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SK-II