--- title: "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum — Evidence, Benefits & Where… | Magellan" description: "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum — Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is the amide form of vitamin B3 and a precursor of the cellular cofactors NAD+ and NADP+,…" url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/180.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/180.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/180.html" type: "product" section: "Skin & Topical Longevity" evidence_grade: "Moderate evidence" evidence_tier: "moderate" citations: 19 product_id: 180 price_usd: 6 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" license: "Educational content — not medical advice" --- # Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Skin & Topical Longevity](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/6.md) › Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/p/180.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/product/180 ## Key facts | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Product | Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum | | Category | [Skin & Topical Longevity](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/6.md) | | Evidence grade | Moderate evidence (B) | | Peer-reviewed citations | 19 | | Typical listed price | $6.00 (check the live price) | | Where to buy | [Search Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Niacinamide%20%28Vitamin%20B3%29%20Serum&tag=magellanlong-20) | | Catalog ID | 180 | ## What it is Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is the amide form of vitamin B3 and a precursor of the cellular cofactors NAD+ and NADP+, which are central to energy metabolism and cellular repair. Applied topically it is a small, water-soluble molecule used in cosmetic serums and moisturizers, typically at concentrations of about 2-5%. In skin it has been reported to stimulate the synthesis of ceramides and other stratum corneum lipids, to inhibit melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, and to modulate sebum production. ## Its role in longevity Randomized, mostly split-face trials indicate that topical niacinamide can modestly improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, sallowness and skin elasticity, while strengthening the skin barrier and reducing transepidermal water loss. Most positive studies used 4-5% niacinamide over 8-12 weeks, and many were sponsored by cosmetic manufacturers or tested niacinamide within multi-ingredient formulations, so effects attributable to niacinamide alone can be hard to isolate and the benefits are gradual rather than dramatic. Separately, a large oral (not topical) phase 3 trial found nicotinamide reduced new non-melanoma skin cancers by 23% in high-risk patients, and a 2025 propensity-matched cohort of over 33,000 veterans found oral nicotinamide use associated with about 16% lower skin-cancer risk - but that study was observational, the trial benefit waned after stopping, and neither result applies to a topical serum. This evidence describes the compound niacinamide and its mechanisms, not this specific commercial serum, which has not itself been tested in the cited studies. ## Evidence grade: Moderate evidence - **What the grade means:** Curated grade based on the human and mechanistic evidence for this compound. - **Dose used in studies:** Topical 2-5%; most positive trials used 4-5% over 8-12 weeks. - **What this grade does not say:** Small, mostly industry-linked split-face trials show modest improvements in photoaging appearance and barrier function. The skin-cancer chemoprevention data are for ORAL nicotinamide, not a topical serum - and the randomized-trial benefit waned after stopping. ## In the news - **Top 6 Benefits of Niacinamide** — Cleveland Clinic 2026 [Read it](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/niacinamide) > Applying a topical niacinamide may improve fine lines and wrinkles, as well as skin sallowness. - **From serum to supplement: How niacinamide supports healthier skin** — Baylor College of Medicine 2026 [Read it](https://blogs.bcm.edu/2026/04/29/from-serum-to-supplement-how-niacinamide-supports-healthier-skin/) > Topically, Orengo recommends using niacinamide at a concentration of less than 5% to treat skin inflammation due to acne and other skin conditions, reduce the signs of aging, minimize pores, brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. ## The research Peer-reviewed studies on the active compound. Quotes are verbatim from the cited abstract. Research describes the active mechanism and is not a claim about this specific product. ### Cited studies 1. **Evidence: barrier and pigment modulation** Dermatol Surg 2005 · [PMID 16029679](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/) · [DOI 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732) > reductions in fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots and skin sallowness 2. **The clinical anti-aging effects of topical kinetin and niacinamide in Asians: a randomized controlled trial** J Cosmet Dermatol 2007 · [PMID 18047609](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18047609/) · [DOI 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00342.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00342.x) > significant reductions in pore and evenness counts and wrinkle counts were noted 3. **Topical Niacinamide Combined with Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing: A Double-blind Randomised Placebo-controlled Study** Curr Med Chem 2025 · [PMID 39171587](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39171587/) · [DOI 10.2174/0109298673325125240813075250](https://doi.org/10.2174/0109298673325125240813075250) > the formulation with niacinamide improved stratum corneum water content and reduced water loss 4. **Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin.** Int J Cosmet Sci 2004 · [PMID 18492135](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492135/) · [DOI 10.1111/j.1467-2494.2004.00228.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2004.00228.x) > Niacinamide was well tolerated by the skin and provided significant improvements versus control in end points evaluated previously: fine lines/wrinkles, hyperpigmentation spots, texture, and red blotchiness. In addition, skin yellowing (sallowness) versus control was significantly improved. 5. **Evaluation of anti-wrinkle effects of a novel cosmetic containing niacinamide.** J Dermatol 2008 · [PMID 19017042](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19017042/) · [DOI 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2008.00537.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2008.00537.x) > This cosmetic showed marked and moderate improvement in 64% of the subjects with a significant difference as compared with the control site (P < 0.001). Wrinkle grades in the tested area significantly reduced more than pre-application (P < 0.001) and the control (P < 0.001). 6. **Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier.** Br J Dermatol 2000 · [PMID 10971324](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10971324/) · [DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2000.03705.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2000.03705.x) > Topical application of nicotinamide increased ceramide and free fatty acid levels in the stratum corneum, and decreased transepidermal water loss in dry skin. 7. **Moisturizing effects of topical nicotinamide on atopic dry skin.** Int J Dermatol 2005 · [PMID 15807725](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15807725/) · [DOI 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.02375.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.02375.x) > Nicotinamide significantly decreased transepidermal water loss, but white petrolatum did not show any significant effect. Both nicotinamide and white petrolatum increased stratum corneum hydration, but nicotinamide was significantly more effective than white petrolatum. 8. **Two randomized, controlled, comparative studies of the stratum corneum integrity benefits of two cosmetic niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers vs. conventional body moisturizers.** J Drugs Dermatol 2012 · [PMID 22206073](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/) > These studies establish the benefit of including niacinamide in a body moisturizer to improve the integrity of the stratum corneum and thus reduce cosmetic xerosis over time. 9. **The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production.** J Cosmet Laser Ther 2006 · [PMID 16766489](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/) · [DOI 10.1080/14764170600717704](https://doi.org/10.1080/14764170600717704) > The results of the Japanese study demonstrated that the SER of the two groups was not significantly different at baseline, but the 2% niacinamide treated group demonstrated significantly lowered SER after 2 and 4 weeks of application. 10. **A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention.** N Engl J Med 2015 · [PMID 26488693](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26488693/) · [DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa1506197](https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1506197) > At 12 months, the rate of new nonmelanoma skin cancers was lower by 23% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4 to 38) in the nicotinamide group than in the placebo group (P=0.02). 11. **Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-undecyl-10-enoyl-L-phenylalanine and its combination with niacinamide.** J Cosmet Dermatol 2009 · [PMID 19958429](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19958429/) · [DOI 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2009.00470.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2009.00470.x) > In both studies, the combination formulation was significantly more effective than the vehicle and the 5% niacinamide formulation in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation after 8 weeks. 12. **A randomized, controlled comparative study of the wrinkle reduction benefits of a cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate product regimen vs. a prescription 0.02% tretinoin product regimen.** Br J Dermatol 2010 · [PMID 20374604](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20374604/) · [DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09436.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09436.x) > The cosmetic regimen significantly improved wrinkle appearance after 8 weeks relative to tretinoin, with comparable benefits after 24 weeks. The cosmetic regimen was significantly better tolerated than tretinoin through 8 weeks by all measures. 13. **Topical Treatments for Melasma: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.** J Drugs Dermatol 2019 · [PMID 31741361](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31741361/) > Cysteamine, triple combination therapy, and tranexamic acid received strong clinical recommendations for the treatment of melasma. 14. **A single-center, randomized, controlled study on the efficacy of niacinamide-containing body emollients combined with cleansing gel in the treatment of mild atopic dermatitis.** Skin Res Technol 2023 · [PMID 37753690](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37753690/) · [DOI 10.1111/srt.13475](https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13475) > The use of niacinamide-containing body emollients can significantly improve the clinical symptoms, quality of life, and skin barrier function in patients with mild AD. 15. **Efficacy of a Topical Formulation on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in Individuals With Xerosis: A 28-Day Randomized, Split-Leg, Untreated-Controlled Trial.** J Cosmet Dermatol 2026 · [PMID 42108609](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42108609/) · [DOI 10.1111/jocd.70898](https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70898) > The topical formulation appeared to be an effective and well-tolerated emollient; however, the absence of a vehicle control precludes attribution of effects specifically to the active ingredients. 16. **Randomized, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled, split-face study to evaluate the effects of topical application of a Gold Silk Sericin/Niacinamide/Signaline complex on biophysical parameters related to skin ageing.** Int J Cosmet Sci 2015 · [PMID 25940759](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25940759/) · [DOI 10.1111/ics.12237](https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12237) > The GSS complex produced significant single-variable (P < 0.05) improvements in SC hydration, barrier function, elasticity and surface topography compared with the Vehicle control. 17. **Facilitating facial retinization through barrier improvement.** Cutis 2006 · [PMID 17121065](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/) > The results show that improving stratum corneum barrier function before beginning topical tretinoin therapy and continuing use of a barrier-enhancing cosmetic moisturizer during therapy facilitates the early phase of facial retinization and augments the treatment response. 18. **An open-label, investigator-initiated, single-center, prospective, pilot clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of a skin whitening serum applied twice daily combined with a spot-preventing SPF50+ sunscreen in healthy female subjects with melasma hyperpigmentation.** J Cosmet Dermatol 2021 · [PMID 34087055](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34087055/) · [DOI 10.1111/jocd.14271](https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14271) > All endpoints for melasma hyperpigmentation showed a statistically significant improvement from baseline to the end of the study. 19. **Nicotinamide for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention.** JAMA dermatology 2025 · [PMID 40960808](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40960808/) > In a propensity-matched cohort of 33,822 veterans, oral nicotinamide use was associated with about 16% lower skin-cancer risk - observational support for, not proof of, the randomized chemoprevention signal. ## Where to buy [Search Amazon for Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Niacinamide%20%28Vitamin%20B3%29%20Serum&tag=magellanlong-20) — affiliate search link. ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"ItemPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/180.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/180.html","name":"Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum","description":"Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is the amide form of vitamin B3 and a precursor of the cellular cofactors NAD+ and NADP+, which are central to energy…","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/180.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Skin & Topical Longevity","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/c/6.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/180.html"}]},{"@type":"Product","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/180.html#product","name":"Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum","category":"Skin & Topical Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/180.html","description":"Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is the amide form of vitamin B3 and a precursor of the cellular cofactors NAD+ and NADP+, which are central to energy metabolism and cellular repair. 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Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).