Why Niacinamide Can Cause Flushing
Niacinamide, a popular form of vitamin B3 used in skincare, is known for benefits like strengthening the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and controlling oil. Pure niacinamide itself does not cause flushing, the redness, warmth, tingling, or itching that some people feel on their face after applying it. This reaction happens because of niacin contamination or other issues in the product.
Niacin, also called nicotinic acid, is another form of vitamin B3. It triggers flushing by activating receptors in the skin called HCA2, which widen blood vessels and cause blood to rush to the surface. Niacinamide works differently and does not activate these receptors, so it stays gentle on the skin. When flushing occurs from a niacinamide product, it usually means the product contains traces of niacin due to poor manufacturing, impurities, or mislabeling. Over time, niacinamide can break down into niacin if not stored properly, leading to the same effect.
Studies of topical niacinamide at concentrations from 2 to 10 percent show no flushing linked directly to the ingredient. Reactions often come from other parts of the formula, like high pH levels, alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives. People sensitive to oral niacin supplements may notice flushing from contaminated skincare too, even though topical niacinamide should not do this.
Flushing from these products tends to start within minutes and last 15 minutes or more, with warmth or stinging. Short redness under five minutes might just be from irritation in the base formula, not niacin. Higher concentrations above 5 percent can sometimes irritate sensitive or damaged skin, but this is rare and different from true flushing.
To avoid it, choose products from trusted brands with verified pure niacinamide. Start with patch tests on your inner arm. If flushing happens, stop using the product and check the ingredients list for any niacin mentions.
Sources
https://www.alibaba.com/product-insights/why-do-some-niacinamide-products-cause-flushing-while-others-don-t-purity-or-concentration.html
https://worldofasaya.com/blogs/skin-types/niacinamide-for-dry-skin-a-complete-guide
https://flychem.com/blogs/articles/niacinamide-benefits-uses-side-effects-amp-how-to-use-it-for-skin
https://www.forhers.com/blog/vitamin-b3-niacinamide
https://www.dotandkey.com/blogs/skin-care/is-niacinamide-good-for-oily-skin
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/652400/is-niacinamide-vitamin-b3-derivative-the-same-as-nicotinamide
https://www.alibaba.com/product-insights/why-does-my-niacinamide-product-cause-flushing-and-how-to-build-tolerance-safely.html
