A vitamin-B3 derivative that's in everything. Here's what a controlled trial actually measured.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is one of the most common actives in skincare. The appeal is that it's well tolerated and has real clinical data behind several of its claims.
In a 12-week double-blind, split-face trial, 50 women applied a 5% niacinamide formula to one side of the face and a vehicle control to the other. Compared with control, the niacinamide side showed measurable improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing). [1]
What this means in practice: 5% is the concentration with trial support for these appearance benefits. Lower concentrations are common and may still help, but the appearance data above is specific to that study's formulation and duration. A split-face trial in 50 people is a useful signal, not a guarantee for every skin type.
References
- Niacinamide: A B Vitamin that Improves Aging Facial Skin Appearance — Dermatologic Surgery, 2005