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NIACINAMIDE
EXPLAINED: WHAT PERCENTAGE ACTUALLY WORKS FOR YOUR SKIN

Niacinamide has become a staple in skincare routines around the world. Known for its versatility and gentle profile, it is praised for brightening skin, regulating oil production, and supporting a healthy barrier. Despite its popularity, many people are unsure about the right percentage to use or how strong a formula should be to see results.

In this guide, we will break down what niacinamide does for your skin, explain the effectiveness of different concentrations, and offer guidance on choosing a serum or cream that works for your skin type.

At 1.62, we focus on clean, EU-grade pharmaceutical ingredients to ensure every product is safe, effective, and consistent.

WHAT NIACINAMIDE DOES FOR YOUR SKIN

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble compound that offers a wide range of benefits for different skin concerns. Some of its key effects include:

  • Improving skin barrier function: Strengthens the protective barrier and reduces water loss, helping the skin stay hydrated and resilient.
  • Reducing excess oil production: Helps balance sebum levels, making it suitable for oily and combination skin.
  • Brightening and evening skin tone: Can reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time.
  • Calming inflammation: Works well for sensitive or acne-prone skin by reducing redness and irritation.

Because of its gentle profile, niacinamide is usually well-tolerated by most skin types, even at higher concentrations.

WHAT NIACINAMIDE DOES FOR YOUR SKIN

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble compound that offers a wide range of benefits for different skin concerns. Some of its key effects include:

  • Improving skin barrier function: Strengthens the protective barrier and reduces water loss, helping the skin stay hydrated and resilient.
  • Reducing excess oil production: Helps balance sebum levels, making it suitable for oily and combination skin.
  • Brightening and evening skin tone: Can reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time.
  • Calming inflammation: Works well for sensitive or acne-prone skin by reducing redness and irritation.

Because of its gentle profile, niacinamide is usually well-tolerated by most skin types, even at higher concentrations.

UNDERSTANDING
NIACINAMIDE PERCENTAGES

Niacinamide serums and creams come in a variety of strengths, typically ranging from 2% to 10%, with some formulas going slightly higher. Here’s what research and dermatologists suggest:

  • 2–5%: Effective for most beginners and sensitive skin types. Offers barrier support, hydration, and mild brightening with minimal risk of irritation.
  • 5–10%: Provides stronger brightening, more noticeable reduction in oil production, and enhanced texture improvement. Well-tolerated by most skin types.
  • Above 10%: While higher concentrations exist, studies show that benefits plateau beyond 10%. Very high percentages can sometimes cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals, but they may be suitable for resilient skin under careful use.

UNDERSTANDING
NIACINAMIDE PERCENTAGES

Niacinamide serums and creams come in a variety of strengths, typically ranging from 2% to 10%, with some formulas going slightly higher. Here’s what research and dermatologists suggest:

  • 2–5%: Effective for most beginners and sensitive skin types. Offers barrier support, hydration, and mild brightening with minimal risk of irritation.
  • 5–10%: Provides stronger brightening, more noticeable reduction in oil production, and enhanced texture improvement. Well-tolerated by most skin types.
  • Above 10%: While higher concentrations exist, studies show that benefits plateau beyond 10%. Very high percentages can sometimes cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals, but they may be suitable for resilient skin under careful use.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT NIACINAMIDE FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

Dry or Dehydrated skin

Recommended Percentage:

2–5%

Tips:

Layer with a moisturizer to lock in hydration

Oily or Combination skin

Recommended Percentage:

5–10%

Tips:

Helps regulate oil production; can be used morning or night

Sensitive skin

Recommended Percentage:

2–5%

Tips:

Introduce slowly and patch test first

Mature or Pigmented skin

Recommended Percentage:

5–10%

Tips:

Supports even tone and reduces fine lines over time

Niacinamide is highly compatible with other actives, including vitamin C, retinol, and acids, making it easy to integrate into most skincare routines.

TIPS FOR MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS

To get the most from your niacinamide cream product:

  • Apply after cleansing and toning: This allows the active ingredient to penetrate the skin without interference.
  • Layer with complementary ingredients: Niacinamide pairs well with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants.
  • Use consistently: Benefits such as improved barrier function and brightening appear gradually, typically over 4–12 weeks.
  • Patch test new formulas: Especially important for sensitive skin or higher concentrations.

TIPS FOR MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS

To get the most from your niacinamide cream product:


  • Apply after cleansing and toning: This allows the active ingredient to penetrate the skin without interference.
  • Layer with complementary ingredients: Niacinamide pairs well with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants.
  • Use consistently: Benefits such as improved barrier function and brightening appear gradually, typically over 4–12 weeks.
  • Patch test new formulas: Especially important for sensitive skin or higher concentrations.

HOW WE FORMULATE NIACINAMIDE AT 1.62

At 1.62, our 4% niacinamide cream has been designed to maximize benefits while minimizing risk. We use EU-grade pharmaceutical-quality niacinamide to ensure purity and consistency. Our formulations combine niacinamide with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to protect the skin barrier and improve tolerance.

This approach allows our niacinamide cream to support healthy, resilient, and radiant skin without irritation or unnecessary additives. Every batch meets strict standards for stability and effectiveness, giving you confidence in your daily routine.

HOW WE FORMULATE NIACINAMIDE AT 1.62

At 1.62, our 4% niacinamide cream has been designed to maximize benefits while minimizing risk. We use EU-grade pharmaceutical-quality niacinamide to ensure purity and consistency. Our formulations combine niacinamide with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to protect the skin barrier and improve tolerance.

This approach allows our niacinamide cream to support healthy, resilient, and radiant skin without irritation or unnecessary additives. Every batch meets strict standards for stability and effectiveness, giving you confidence in your daily routine.

CONCLUSION

Niacinamide is a versatile and effective skincare ingredient when used at the right concentration. For most people, 5–10% niacinamide offers the optimal balance of benefits and tolerance. Beginners or sensitive skin types can start at 2–5% and gradually increase if required.

If you want a cream that delivers visible results, protects your skin barrier, and is formulated with EU-grade pharmaceutical ingredients, explore 1.62’s niacinamide products. They provide a balanced, reliable way to enhance your skincare routine and achieve healthy, radiant skin.

CONCLUSION

Niacinamide is a versatile and effective skincare ingredient when used at the right concentration. For most people, 5–10% niacinamide offers the optimal balance of benefits and tolerance. Beginners or sensitive skin types can start at 2–5% and gradually increase if required.

If you want a cream that delivers visible results, protects your skin barrier, and is formulated with EU-grade pharmaceutical ingredients, explore 1.62’s niacinamide products. They provide a balanced, reliable way to enhance your skincare routine and achieve healthy, radiant skin.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VITAMIN C SERUMS

1. What percentage of niacinamide is most effective?

Research shows that 5–10% niacinamide offers the best balance between results and tolerance for most skin types. Lower strengths (2–5%) still deliver benefits like improved hydration and reduced redness, while higher levels may work faster but can sometimes increase the risk of mild irritation.

2. Is 10% niacinamide too strong?

Not necessarily — 10% niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, especially for those with normal, oily, or combination skin. However, if your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, start with a lower concentration and build up gradually as your tolerance improves.

3. Can niacinamide be used with vitamin C?

Yes. Contrary to older myths, niacinamide and vitamin C can safely be used together. When layered or used at different times of day, they enhance each other’s antioxidant and brightening effects — supporting a more even, radiant complexion.

4. How long does niacinamide take to work?

You may start noticing smoother, calmer skin within 2–4 weeks, while improvements in tone, texture, and clarity often become more visible after 8–12 weeks of consistent use.

5. Can I use niacinamide with retinol or acids?

Yes, niacinamide pairs well with retinol, AHAs, and BHAs. It helps soothe potential irritation and strengthen the skin barrier, making it an excellent companion to stronger actives. Just introduce new products gradually and monitor your skin’s response.

6. Should I use niacinamide in the morning or at night?

Niacinamide is safe to use both morning and evening. In the morning, it helps reinforce your barrier and boosts protection when layered under sunscreen. At night, it supports repair and recovery while reducing redness and oil buildup.