---
title: "Topical Niacinamide Combined with Ultrasound for Improving Skin…"
description: "A topical niacinamide formulation improved skin hydration and reduced sebum, with subjective benefits in appearance, firmness, and wrinkles, especially…"
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d39171587.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d39171587.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d39171587.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d39171587"
journal: "Curr Med Chem"
year: 2025
pmid: "39171587"
doi: "10.2174/0109298673325125240813075250"
citations: 1
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"
---

# Topical Niacinamide Combined with Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing: A Double-blind Randomised Placebo-controlled Study

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Curr Med Chem |
| Year | 2025 |
| PMID | [39171587](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39171587/) |
| DOI | [10.2174/0109298673325125240813075250](https://doi.org/10.2174/0109298673325125240813075250) |
| Study key | d39171587 |

## Takeaway

A topical niacinamide formulation improved skin hydration and reduced sebum, with subjective benefits in appearance, firmness, and wrinkles, especially when combined with ultrasound.

## The question

Can a topical niacinamide formulation, alone or combined with 5 MHz unfocused ultrasound (5-US), improve signs of skin aging?

## Hypothesis

A topical formulation with niacinamide, especially when combined with facial application of unfocused 5-US, will improve signs of skin aging.

## Methods

Sixty-seven women aged 30-60 with aged skin were randomized into four groups: (A) placebo formulation, (B) cosmetic formulation (with niacinamide), (C) placebo formulation plus 5-US, and (D) cosmetic formulation plus 5-US. Groups C and D received eight weekly 20-minute 5-US sessions. Clinical, instrumental, and subjective assessments were conducted at baseline (T0) and week eight (T8).

## Results

The niacinamide formulation improved stratum corneum aqueous content and reduced transepidermal water loss. Sebum reduction was observed in groups using the niacinamide formulation. Consumer evaluations indicated improvements in appearance, firmness, elasticity, and reduced wrinkles, particularly in Groups C and D. Sensory analysis showed overall product acceptability.

## Conclusion

The niacinamide formulation improved skin hydration and reduced sebum content, and subjective evaluations indicated qualitative improvements in skin appearance. While 5-US alone did not show instrumental improvements, the combined approach suggests potential synergies for anti-aging interventions.

## Limitations

The study suggests that protocol adjustments and longer study periods might be needed for 5-US to show instrumental improvements.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> the formulation with niacinamide improved stratum corneum water content and reduced water loss

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum | Moderate evidence | [Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/180.md) |

## Reference

1. **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

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/180.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: barrier and pigment modulation](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s180.md)
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- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
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## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. 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).