Ingredients / Niacinamide

Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 derivative with a broad evidence base for barrier support, oiliness, hyperpigmentation, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Understanding evidence levels
In VitroCell or tissue culture experiments — no human or animal data.
Ex VivoSkin model or tissue experiments — not in living humans.
Animal StudyResults in animals only — may or may not translate to humans.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study — preliminary results.
Controlled TrialControlled human study (often randomized) — stronger evidence.
Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.
Meta-AnalysisStatistical pooling of results from multiple studies.
GuidelineProfessional guidance or consensus statement from a dermatology society.

Research findings(51)

Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: July 28, 2026

Injectable Hydrogel May Help Repair Osteoporotic Tendon-Bone Damage

Researchers studied an injectable hydrogel made from Zein, a plant-based protein, to see if it could help repair damaged tendon-bone connections in people with osteoporosis. In lab experiments and animal studies, the hydrogel showed promise in promoting bone and tissue growth. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.

Why it matters: This research may have implications for understanding how to promote tissue repair and regeneration in the skin, although the study focused on tendon-bone connections.

This study was conducted in lab experiments and animal models, and its findings have not been tested in humans. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in people with osteoporosis or other conditions.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.WrinklesPublished: July 5, 2026

Niacinamide and Co-enzyme Q10 Gel May Help Improve Skin Appearance

Researchers studied a gel containing Niacinamide and Co-enzyme Q10 to see if it could improve skin hydration, elasticity, and appearance. They found that this gel may be more effective than a standard gel in improving skin hydration, elasticity, and reducing redness. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Why it matters: This study may help us understand how to improve skin appearance and reduce signs of aging, but it's essential to note that individual results may vary.

This study was conducted on a small group of healthy female volunteers and had a short duration of 12 weeks. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to see if they apply to other populations.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.Sensitive SkinPublished: July 1, 2026

Expert Insights on Managing Sensitive Skin Syndrome

Researchers studied sensitive skin syndrome (SSS) to develop expert-driven recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and care. They found that SSS is a distinct medical condition requiring systematic evaluation. A combination of pharmacological and dermocosmetic strategies may help improve outcomes.

Why it matters: Understanding SSS may help individuals better manage their symptoms and improve their skincare routine.

This study is a systematic review of existing literature and expert opinions, and its findings are based on the integration of clinical experience and emerging evidence.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.AcnePublished: July 1, 2026

Serum May Help Improve Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Researchers studied a serum containing lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide for treating melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. The serum was applied to the faces of 30 women with mild to severe melasma or PIH for 16 weeks. The study found significant improvements in hyperpigmentation, skin tone, and tactile roughness.

Why it matters: This study may help skincare understanding by providing insights into the treatment of melasma and PIH, which are common disorders of hyperpigmentation.

This study had a small sample size of 30 women, and the majority of participants self-identified as Black or African American with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.WrinklesPublished: June 1, 2026

Combination Therapy May Help Reduce Facial Aging Signs

A small study using a split-face design found that a combination of a topical serum and a multi-technology facial device may improve signs of facial aging, such as wrinkles and laxity. The serum contained hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and Matrixyl. Researchers found that the treated side with the device showed greater improvement in wrinkle reduction and a five-year decrease in TruSkin age. However, the study had a small sample size and short duration.

Why it matters: This study may contribute to our understanding of how to improve the efficacy of transdermal delivery of anti-aging compounds.

Small sample size (one participant), short duration (12 weeks), and lack of long-term follow-up.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.WrinklesPublished: May 29, 2026

Nicotinamide May Help Prevent Skin Cancer and Reduce Signs of Aging

Researchers studied nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, to see if it could help prevent skin cancer and reduce signs of aging. They found that it may improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and protect against certain types of skin cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Why it matters: Understanding how nicotinamide affects skin health could lead to new ways to prevent skin cancer and reduce signs of aging.

Current evidence is heterogeneous and more long-term, skin-focused clinical trials are needed to better define efficacy, safety, optimal dosing strategies, and patient selection.

PubMed
Ex VivoSkin model or tissue experiments. Not in living humans.Skin Barrier DamagePublished: May 17, 2026

Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate May Harm Human Skin Barrier

Researchers studied how sodium dodecyl sulfate, a common household cleaning product, affects human skin. They found that even brief exposure can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased permeability and oxidative stress. This damage may be reversible with antioxidants like N-acetylcysteine and nicotinamide.

Why it matters: Understanding how household products affect skin health may help individuals take preventive measures to protect their skin.

This study used ex-vivo human skin and did not involve human subjects directly. The effects of sodium dodecyl sulfate were studied in a controlled lab setting, and the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine and nicotinamide were assessed in both lab cultures and ex-vivo skins.

PubMed
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.WrinklesPublished: May 17, 2026

New Nanotechnology May Help Treat Skin Photoaging

Researchers developed a self-powered nanophotosystem that uses chloroplasts to rejuvenate mitochondria and revitalize senescent fibroblasts in the skin. This may help alleviate skin photoaging, a condition caused by cellular senescence and UV radiation. The nanophotosystem was tested in lab experiments and showed promising results.

Why it matters: This research may lead to new light-driven therapies for skin photoaging, a common concern for people with fair skin or those who spend a lot of time outdoors.

This study was conducted in lab experiments and animal models, and its results may not translate directly to human skin. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.AcnePublished: May 15, 2026

Chitosan may help with skin recovery and hair growth

Researchers studied chitosan, a substance found in some skincare products, for its potential benefits in aesthetic dermatology. They found that chitosan hydrogels may support skin recovery after laser treatments and improve the effectiveness of certain skincare ingredients. A small study also suggested that chitosan may help with hair growth. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Why it matters: Understanding the potential benefits and limitations of chitosan in skincare may help individuals make informed decisions about their treatments.

Limited by small study sizes and heterogeneity in formulations. More standardized clinical trials are needed to define its role in aesthetic protocols.

PubMed
In VitroCell or tissue culture experiments. No human or animal data.WrinklesPublished: April 11, 2026

Nicomenthyl in Emulsions May Help Prevent Skin Photoaging

Researchers studied a new way to deliver a skincare ingredient called nicomenthyl in emulsions stabilized by hyaluronic acid. They found that this delivery method may help increase the ingredient's effectiveness in preventing and treating skin photoaging. In lab experiments, the emulsions helped restore healthy skin appearance and protected against UV damage.

Why it matters: This study may help improve our understanding of how to effectively deliver skincare ingredients to prevent skin photoaging.

This study was conducted in lab experiments using human skin cells and does not involve human subjects. The results may not translate directly to real-world skincare applications.

PubMed
Ex VivoSkin model or tissue experiments. Not in living humans.Skin Barrier DamagePublished: March 24, 2026

Niacinamide skin permeation may be influenced by pH levels

Researchers studied how different pH levels affect the way niacinamide, a common skincare ingredient, passes through the skin. They found that a neutral pH may increase niacinamide's permeation, but more research is needed to understand this effect. The study also looked at how pH changes the skin's electrical properties and how it affects the conversion of niacinamide into another compound.

Why it matters: Understanding how pH affects niacinamide's skin permeation may help skincare product developers create more effective products.

This study used full-thickness human skin and 3D reconstructed epidermal tissue models in lab experiments, and its findings may not directly apply to real-world skincare products or individual skin types.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.HyperpigmentationPublished: March 23, 2026

Topical NAD Skinbooster May Help Reduce Melasma

Researchers studied a new treatment for melasma, a skin condition causing dark patches, using a topical NAD booster applied after microneedling sessions. A small study found that this treatment reduced the severity of melasma in 36 Korean women over 21 weeks. The treatment was well-tolerated, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Why it matters: This study may contribute to the development of new treatments for melasma, a common skin condition affecting many people.

This study was a small case series with a limited sample size and short duration. Further research is needed to confirm its findings and establish the treatment's long-term safety and efficacy.

PubMed