Niacinamide
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Niacinamide (Nicotinamide / Vitamin B3 amide) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,930 participants, researched for Skin Health, Acne Reduction, Glucose Metabolism and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Skin Health
StrongAcne Reduction
ModerateGlucose Metabolism
ModerateNeuroprotection
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Skin Health
To assess the efficacy of niacinamide on hyperpigmentation and overall skin appearance.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess the efficacy of niacinamide on hyperpigmentation and overall skin appearance.
Dose
5% topical niacinamide
Participants
40 Asian women with facial hyperpigmentation
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Topical niacinamide significantly reduced hyperpigmentation and improved overall skin tone. Melanin transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes was inhibited.
How They Measured It
Chromameter measurements, dermatologist assessments of skin evenness and tone
To compare niacinamide cream to hydroquinone cream for skin lightening.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, active-controlled
Purpose
To compare niacinamide cream to hydroquinone cream for skin lightening.
Dose
4% niacinamide cream vs 4% hydroquinone cream
Participants
27 women with facial hyperpigmentation
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Both niacinamide and hydroquinone significantly reduced hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide was better tolerated with fewer side effects, making it a suitable alternative for skin brightening.
How They Measured It
Mexameter (melanin index), clinical photography, subject assessment
Acne Reduction
To evaluate oral niacinamide supplementation for inflammatory acne vulgaris.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate oral niacinamide supplementation for inflammatory acne vulgaris.
Dose
750 mg/day oral niacinamide
Participants
76 adults with moderate acne vulgaris
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Oral niacinamide significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesion counts compared to placebo. Anti-inflammatory properties were considered the primary mechanism.
How They Measured It
Lesion counts (inflammatory and non-inflammatory), IGA scale
To compare topical niacinamide gel with clindamycin gel for acne vulgaris.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled trial
Purpose
To compare topical niacinamide gel with clindamycin gel for acne vulgaris.
Dose
4% topical niacinamide
Participants
76 patients with acne vulgaris
Duration
8 weeks
Results
4% niacinamide gel was as effective as 1% clindamycin gel in reducing acne lesion counts. As niacinamide carries no risk of antibiotic resistance, it represents a valuable alternative.
How They Measured It
Acne lesion counts, Global Acne Assessment Score
Glucose Metabolism
To evaluate niacinamide for beta-cell preservation in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate niacinamide for beta-cell preservation in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.
Dose
25 mg/kg/day niacinamide
Participants
80 children and adolescents with new-onset type 1 diabetes
Duration
12 months
Results
Niacinamide significantly preserved C-peptide levels (indicator of endogenous insulin production) compared to placebo. Insulin dose requirements were lower in the niacinamide group at 12 months.
How They Measured It
C-peptide levels, insulin dose requirements, HbA1c
To review the evidence for niacinamide in prevention and treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review the evidence for niacinamide in prevention and treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Dose
Various (typically 1-3 g/day)
Participants
Multiple trials reviewed
Duration
Various
Results
Niacinamide has demonstrated beta-cell protective effects via PARP inhibition and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Evidence for prevention of type 1 diabetes in high-risk individuals is suggestive but larger trials are needed.
How They Measured It
Review of clinical trials and mechanistic data
Neuroprotection
To assess niacinamide supplementation for cognitive outcomes in Alzheimer's disease.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled pilot trial
Purpose
To assess niacinamide supplementation for cognitive outcomes in Alzheimer's disease.
Dose
1,500 mg/day niacinamide
Participants
27 patients with mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease
Duration
24 weeks
Results
Preliminary data suggested stabilisation of cognitive scores with niacinamide. The supplement was well tolerated. Larger confirmatory trials are warranted.
How They Measured It
MMSE, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive (ADAS-Cog)
To investigate niacinamide on tau pathology and neurodegeneration in an Alzheimer's model.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate niacinamide on tau pathology and neurodegeneration in an Alzheimer's model.
Dose
200 mg/kg niacinamide
Participants
3xTg-AD transgenic mice
Duration
4 months
Results
Niacinamide treatment restored cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's model mice, reduced phosphorylated tau levels, and improved spatial learning. Results support niacinamide as a candidate neuroprotective agent.
How They Measured It
Tau phosphorylation markers, spatial memory (Morris water maze), histology
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Niacinamide research
There are currently 10 peer-reviewed studies on Niacinamide (Nicotinamide / Vitamin B3 amide), involving 1,930 total participants. Research covers Skin health, Acne reduction, Glucose metabolism and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Niacinamide has been researched for: Skin health, Acne reduction, Glucose metabolism, Neuroprotection. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 7 out of 10 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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