What should you know about vitamin B3 for the face?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used in leave-on facial products such as serums, moisturisers, and creams. It is different from niacin, another form of vitamin B3 that can cause flushing when taken as a supplement. On the skin, niacinamide is used to support the outer barrier, which helps reduce moisture loss and makes skin less reactive to everyday exposure.

People may choose it for dull-looking or uneven skin tone, excess shine, visible redness, enlarged-looking pores, or a weakened-feeling barrier. It does not replace sunscreen, treatment for an active skin disease, or assessment of a new or changing facial mark. Results depend on the product, the rest of your routine, and whether the ingredient suits your skin.

Apply the product to clean, dry skin according to its label, then follow with a moisturiser if your skin feels dry. Introduce one new product at a time so you can identify the cause of a reaction. A small test area can help you decide whether the product is tolerable before applying it across your face; stop if burning, swelling, or a worsening rash develops.

Keep the rest of your routine simple while your skin adjusts. Use gentle cleansing and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, particularly when your concern is uneven tone. Avoid layering several potentially irritating products at once, such as strong exfoliants or prescription treatments, unless a clinician has explained how to combine them. Niacinamide can be found in the material guide for [Niacinamide](/materials/niacinamide/).

Stop using the product and seek prompt medical advice if facial swelling, blistering, marked pain, wheezing, or trouble breathing occurs. Arrange a dermatology review when irritation keeps returning, a rash spreads, or the skin does not settle after you stop the suspected product. A clinician can distinguish contact dermatitis, acne, rosacea, eczema, and other conditions that may need a different plan.

Do not rely on niacinamide alone for a sore, bleeding, crusted, or changing spot. New facial pigmentation or a persistent lesion deserves an examination, especially when its appearance is changing.

Ask whether niacinamide fits your skin condition, which products should be kept separate from it, and what signs would mean you should stop. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, using prescription creams, or have a history of facial reactions, share that information before changing your routine.