A form of vitamin B3 that calms redness, steadies oil production, and helps fade dark marks.
Niacinamide is one of the few ingredients that genuinely earns the word 'multitasker'. It supports the skin's production of ceramides, which strengthens the barrier over time; it interrupts the transfer of pigment to skin cells, which gradually softens post-acne marks; and it moderates sebum, which is why oily skin often looks less shiny after a few weeks. It is well tolerated at the concentrations used in most serums, and it plays nicely with almost everything else.
Higher is not better. Above roughly 10% some people get flushing, and there is no evidence of extra benefit.
You may have read that these cancel each other out. In modern formulations they do not.
The old warning came from 1960s research using raw, unstable forms at high heat. Layer them freely.
Fading dark spots and post-acne marks
Different causes need different treatment, and one of them is not pigment at all.
Skincare during pregnancy and breastfeeding
What to stop, what is fine, and what to use instead. Confirm anything with your own clinician.
Ingredient conflicts: what's real and what's repeated
Some combinations genuinely cause problems. The most famous one does not.
How to read an ingredient list
The order tells you more than the marketing on the front of the bottle.
skinfrndly is educational and is not medical advice. Recommendations are generated from the answers you gave and general dermatological guidance — they cannot account for your full history. For persistent or severe skin conditions, or before starting anything new during pregnancy, speak to a doctor or dermatologist.