From the Guidelines
Niacinamide is not recommended for facial treatment due to insufficient evidence supporting its effectiveness for acne treatment, as stated in the most recent guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris 1. The use of niacinamide for facial treatment is a topic of interest, but the current evidence does not support its use for acne treatment.
- The guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris, published in 2024, found that available evidence is insufficient to develop a recommendation on the use of topical or oral niacinamide for acne treatment 1.
- While niacinamide has been studied for its potential benefits in skin care, including reducing inflammation and improving uneven skin tone, its effectiveness for facial treatment is not well established.
- A study published in 2017 found that oral nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, reduced the incidence of actinic keratosis and keratinocyte carcinoma in immunocompetent patients, but its effectiveness in organ transplant recipients is unclear 1.
- However, this study is not directly relevant to the use of niacinamide for facial treatment, and the most recent guidelines do not support its use for acne treatment.
- Therefore, niacinamide is not recommended for facial treatment due to insufficient evidence supporting its effectiveness.
From the FDA Drug Label
Active Ingredient Niacinamide 5% Do not use on damaged skin. Use only as directed.
The use of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) for facial treatment is not explicitly stated in the provided drug labels.
- The labels provide information on the active ingredient and usage instructions, but do not specify the intended use for facial treatment. 2 2
From the Research
Benefits of Niacinamide for Facial Treatment
- Reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmented spots and red blotchiness 3, 4
- Improvement in the appearance of skin wrinkles and yellowing (sallowness) 3, 4
- Enhancement of skin elasticity 3
- Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antipruritic, and anticancer properties 5, 6, 7
- Improvement in skin texture and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles 3, 4
Mechanisms of Action
- Inhibition of the nuclear poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) 5
- Control of the NFκB-mediated transcription of signalling molecules 5
- Contribution to NAD+ synthesis, redox reactions, and energy production in cutaneous cells 7
- Influence on human DNA repair and cellular stress responses 7