Collection: Skincare Products Containing Niacinamide

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 and is one of the most researched and frequently recommended active ingredients in skincare by dermatologists. Also known as nicotinamide, this vitamin derivative plays a role in essential skin processes, ranging from cellular renewal and energy production to DNA repair and barrier strengthening. Its compatibility with many actives, including retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA, makes it the ultimate "joker card" in skincare routines.

Since it cannot be stored by the body, niacinamide can be obtained both from food (meat, fish, nuts, legumes) and skincare products. It is generally used in cosmetic formulations at concentrations between 2% and 10%; levels of 5% and above provide significant results in blemish treatment and tone evening.

The NewLab Niacinamide-Containing Products

The NewLab offers niacinamide technology in various concentrations and product forms to provide a comprehensive skincare experience. Niacinamide is featured as an active ingredient in 8 of our products, ranging from serums to cleansers, and from toners to sunscreens.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – Anti-Acne Pore-Refining Face Serum

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Face Serum is the product with the highest niacinamide concentration in our collection. While 10% niacinamide supports the skin's collagen and hyaluronic acid production, 1% Zinc PCA is ideal for excessively oily and acne-prone skin due to its sebum-regulating effect. It reduces the appearance of pores, strengthens the skin barrier, and protects the skin from environmental factors. Since it does not create sun sensitivity, it can be safely used during the summer months.

Brightening Face Serum for Blemished Skin – Niacinamide 5% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

Niacinamide 5% + Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum is specifically formulated to even out and brighten skin tone. While 5% niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, 2% alpha arbutin reduces the appearance of dark spots. Supported by licorice root extract, peptide complex, and hyaluronic acid, the formula deeply moisturizes the skin while protecting it against free radicals.

Anti-Acne & Sebum Control Face Cleanser

Anti-Acne & Sebum Control Face Cleanser combines the power of salicylic acid (BHA), niacinamide, and botanical extracts. It gently cleanses excess oil and blackheads while providing deep hydration and maintaining the sebum balance. By purifying pores and preventing blockages, it removes dead cells to provide a smoother and brighter appearance.

Anti-Acne & Sebum Control Purifying Toner

Anti-Acne & Sebum Control Purifying Toner restores the skin's pH balance after cleansing and prepares it for subsequent skincare steps. With niacinamide and its active ingredients, it tightens pores, balances sebum production, and soothes the skin.

Anti-Acne and Anti-Blemish SPF 30 BB Cream

SPF 30 BB Cream functions as both skincare and makeup with its niacinamide-containing, sun-protected formula. It evens out skin tone while providing protection against UV rays. It can be used safely even on acne-prone skin and helps prevent the formation of blemishes.

Anti-Acne and Anti-Blemish Sunscreen SPF 50

SPF 50 Sunscreen combines the active power of niacinamide with sun protection in its high-SPF formula. With its antioxidant properties, it protects the skin from UV damage while preventing blemish formation. Thanks to its lightweight structure, it does not clog pores.

Underarm Whitening Roll-On

Underarm Whitening Roll-On lightens darkening in the underarm area and evens out skin tone with its trio of arbutin, niacinamide, and licorice root extract.

Double-Phase Skin Cleansing Set

Double-Phase Skin Cleansing Set deeply purifies your skin with its niacinamide-containing cleansing routine and increases the absorption of skincare actives.

With regular use of niacinamide, visible improvement in pore and shine control is observed in the first 2 weeks, and in blemishes, tone unevenness, and fine lines within 4-8 weeks.

Benefits of Niacinamide for the Skin

Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Niacinamide contributes to the strengthening of the skin barrier by increasing the production of ceramides and fatty acids in the skin. A strong barrier prevents moisture loss, increases resistance to external factors, and makes the skin look healthier.

Reduces the Appearance of Pores: It helps pores look tighter by regulating the amount of sebum produced by oil glands. By reducing blockages in the pores, it prevents the formation of blackheads.

Removes Blemishes and Evens Skin Tone: It alleviates hyperpigmentation by regulating melanin transfer. It provides effective results on sunspots, post-acne marks, and age spots. Clinically significant improvement in blemish treatment has been observed at concentrations of 5% and above.

Fights Acne and Pimples: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory property, it reduces the formation of pimples and the inflammation of existing ones. By balancing sebum production, it controls oiliness and prevents the formation of new acne. It also helps fade post-acne marks.

Anti-Aging Effect: It supports collagen and elastin production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With its antioxidant properties, it limits the damage caused to cells by free radicals. A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2004 showed that 12 weeks of 5% niacinamide use provided significant improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes.

Moisturizes the Skin: It supports the skin's hydration from the lower layers by accelerating the formation of beneficial fatty acids and ceramide components. Hydrated skin becomes more elastic and resistant to external damage.

Soothes Sensitive Skin: It reduces redness and calms the skin with its anti-inflammatory effect. It can be safely used even on rosacea-prone skin.

Niacinamide vs. Retinol: Which One to Choose?

Retinol is a powerful vitamin A derivative, particularly effective on wrinkles and signs of aging, but it can cause side effects such as irritation, peeling, and sun sensitivity. Niacinamide, on the other hand, shows anti-aging effects as powerful as retinol while causing much less irritation. Interestingly, niacinamide can soothe the sensitivity caused by retinol on the skin—therefore, when both are used in the same routine (at different times or as retinol over niacinamide), the tolerance for retinol increases. For those with sensitive skin and those new to acid actives, niacinamide is a much safer starting point.

Niacinamide vs. Vitamin C: Can They Be Used Together?

For a long time, it was said that "niacinamide and vitamin C should not be used together"; however, current research shows that these two actives can be safely used together in modern formulations. Both actives provide brightening and antioxidant protection, but they work through different mechanisms. While niacinamide regulates melanin transfer, vitamin C suppresses melanin production—when used together, a synergistic brightening effect emerges. Nevertheless, the safest application is to use vitamin C in the morning routine and niacinamide in the evening routine.

Niacinamide vs. Alpha Arbutin: Blemish Removal Comparison

Alpha arbutin removes blemishes by directly suppressing melanin production, while niacinamide evens out skin tone by regulating melanin transfer. When used together, these two different mechanisms provide a much stronger brightening effect. The NewLab's Niacinamide 5% + Alpha Arbutin 2% Serum offers this powerful combination in a single product.

Which Skin Type Is It Suitable For?

Niacinamide is the most versatile of skincare actives and can be used safely on almost all skin types:

• Oily and combination skin: It controls shine by balancing sebum production and reduces the appearance of pores. The 10% concentration Niacinamide + Zinc serum is ideal for these skin types.
• Acne-prone skin: It reduces pimple formation with its anti-inflammatory effect and fades existing acne marks. Its effect is strengthened when combined with zinc.
• Blemished skin and skin with tone unevenness: It alleviates hyperpigmentation and reduces the appearance of sun and acne spots. The Niacinamide + Alpha Arbutin serum directly targets blemishes.
• Sensitive skin: It reduces sensitivity by strengthening the skin barrier. It soothes redness and is safe even on rosacea-prone skin.
• Mature skin: It supports collagen production, targeting fine lines and wrinkles.
• Dry and dull skin: It increases ceramide production, strengthening the moisture barrier and revitalizing the skin.
• Normal skin: It provides protective care, supporting the overall health and radiance of the skin.

How to Use Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is one of the rare actives that can be used in both morning and evening routines. Correct application steps:

1. Cleanse your skin with a face cleanser.
2. Prepare the skin's pH balance by applying toner.
3. Take 2-3 drops of niacinamide serum and gently massage into the face and neck area.
4. Wait a few minutes for the serum to be absorbed.
5. Apply moisturizer.
6. Don't forget to use sunscreen in your morning routine.

Concentration guide: If you are using niacinamide for the first time, start with products between 2-5%. Once your skin gets used to it, you can switch to 10% concentration. For sensitive skin, every-other-day use is recommended at the beginning.

Tip: The effect of niacinamide is enhanced in acne treatment when used with zinc. When combined with hyaluronic acid, its hydration capacity increases. When used with alpha arbutin, its blemish-removing effect is multiplied.

Best Combinations with Niacinamide

• Zinc: The perfect duo for sebum balancing and acne treatment. The Niacinamide + Zinc formulation is very effective, especially for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid: While niacinamide strengthens the barrier, hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration. Together, they increase the skin's water-retention capacity.
• Alpha Arbutin: Blemish removal through two different mechanisms — synergistic brightening effect.
• Retinol: Niacinamide increases tolerance by reducing the irritation caused by retinol. Applying niacinamide before retinol is a safe combination.
• Peptides and Ceramides: Supports barrier strengthening and anti-aging effects.
• Salicylic Acid: Can be used in the same routine as niacinamide; a 15-30 minute wait between them is recommended.

Caution: Since niacinamide and pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) work best at different pH levels, separating them into morning and evening routines is preferred over direct simultaneous application. In modern formulations like The NewLab's stabilized vitamin C serum, this issue has been largely overcome.

Things to Consider When Using

• Concentration selection: Start with 2-5% for sensitive skin. For more serious issues (blemishes, acne), you can go up to 10%.
• Sun protection: Although niacinamide does not make the skin more sensitive to the sun, using sunscreen in your skincare routine is always important.
• Allergic reaction: While rare, if you feel redness or stinging upon first use, reduce or stop usage.
• Usage with AHA/BHA: They can be used in the same routine, but it is safer to wait 15-30 minutes between applications.
• Storage: Store products in a cool, dry place away from light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does niacinamide do?

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) strengthens the skin barrier, reduces the appearance of pores, balances sebum production, evens out skin tone, lightens the appearance of blemishes, and supports collagen production. With its anti-inflammatory property, it reduces acne formation and soothes the skin. It can be used safely on all skin types.

How long does it take for niacinamide serum to show results?

Improvement in pore appearance and shine control may be noticeable in the first 2 weeks. Regular use for 4-8 weeks is recommended for visible results in blemishes, tone unevenness, and wrinkles. Maximum effect is observed at 12 weeks.

What should the percentage of niacinamide on the face be?

2-5% is sufficient for general care. 5% and above is recommended for blemish treatment and tone evening, and 10% concentration (with zinc) is suggested for pore and acne control. For sensitive skin, the safest method is to start with a low concentration and increase it according to skin tolerance.

How many times a day should niacinamide be used?

It can be used twice a day, morning and evening. Since niacinamide does not create sun sensitivity, daytime use is safe. For sensitive skin, starting once a day is recommended.

Which products should Niacinamide not be used with?

Niacinamide is compatible with most actives. The only thing to watch out for is not applying it at the same time as pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) — as they work at different pH levels, their effectiveness may decrease. It is recommended to separate them by using Vitamin C in the morning and Niacinamide in the evening. It can be safely combined with retinol, AHA, BHA, hyaluronic acid, and peptides.

Is Niacinamide good for acne?

Yes, niacinamide is an effective active ingredient in acne treatment. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces acne formation, balances sebum production, and helps fade post-acne marks. This effect is enhanced when used with zinc.

Does Niacinamide lighten spots?

Yes, at concentrations of 5% and above, niacinamide regulates melanin transfer, lightening sun spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. When used with alpha arbutin, its spot-fading effect is significantly increased.

Does Niacinamide tighten pores?

Yes, niacinamide helps pores appear tighter by regulating sebum production. A formulation of 10% niacinamide + 1% zinc is the most effective combination for pore tightening.

Can Niacinamide be used on sensitive skin?

Yes, niacinamide is one of the safest actives for sensitive skin. It strengthens the skin barrier, reduces sensitivity, calms redness, and is well-tolerated even by rosacea-prone skin. Starting with a low concentration (2-5%) is recommended.

Build Your Niacinamide Routine with The NewLab

At The NewLab, we produce our niacinamide-containing products with concentrations based on dermatological research and formulas with optimized pH balance. With our 8 different products, you can benefit from the power of Vitamin B3 at every step of your skincare routine, from cleansing to sun protection.

Create your complete niacinamide routine with our Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum for pore and acne control, Niacinamide 5% + Alpha Arbutin 2% Serum for spot treatment, and our cleanser, toner, and sunscreen for comprehensive care. All our products are delivered to your door with free shipping.