Is 12 niacinamide too high?

Author: Perry Mosciski  |  Last update: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Shirazi says that higher concentrations of niacinamide—“particularly those at 10% or higher—“can potentially cause irritation such as redness and rebound oil production.” On that note, Dr. Green recommends that sensitive-skinned folks start with a lower concentration to avoid potential irritation and redness.

Is niacinamide 12 too much?

Because of this, most people tend to think of 10% as the standard when it comes to niacinamide. However, niacinamide is actually clinically tested at 2% to 5%. That is all you need to get all the sebum-reducing, brightening, barrier-supporting benefits of niacinamide.

What is a high percentage of niacinamide?

For general skin tone correction, a niacinamide concentration between 4-5% is often effective and well-tolerated by most individuals. For those looking to tackle more pronounced hyperpigmentation, a higher concentration of 10% may be beneficial, though it's important to monitor the skin for any signs of irritation.

Is 10% niacinamide too much for beginners?

I have nothing against 10% niacinamide 🤣, I even recommend it to some. But the problem with such 10% is that it can dry you out to the point that you start to break out. Just becareful with 10%, and rearrange your skincare for the 10% by adding hydrating and moisturizing products.

Is 10% niacinamide more effective than 5%?

Doesn't make sense in using 10% Niacinamide. 5% is the optimal concentration for achieving the desired results and effectiveness of niacinamide. Anything more than that only increases the chance of skin irritation. Imo I haven't seen any difference in benefits of using 10% and 5% (I have tried both from the ordinary).

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Is niacinamide 10% too harsh?

But also, a word of warning: Dr. Shirazi says that higher concentrations of niacinamide—“particularly those at 10% or higher—“can potentially cause irritation such as redness and rebound oil production.” On that note, Dr.

Is 20% niacinamide too high?

Is 20% niacinamide too strong? While 20% niacinamide is potent, the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded that it is safe to use concentrations up to this amount.

What happens if I use too much niacinamide?

Niacinamide-containing foods or supplements are safe when taken in doses lower than 35 mg daily. Niacinamide is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 900-1500 mg daily. It might cause side effects such as stomach upset, gas, dizziness, headache, and rash.

Does 10% niacinamide break you out?

Niacinamide does not cause any pimples as it is gentle on most people of all skin types. But it might irritate if it is used in larger quantities.

What not to pair with niacinamide?

DON'T MIX: AHA/BHA and niacinamide

Niacinamide is used to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. To understand why niacinamide shouldn't be mixed with AHAs and BHAs, you need to consider pH.

Why is my skin getting darker after using niacinamide?

Some may also have skin discoloration due to using niacinamide combined with other active ingredients that are too harsh for your skin type. Niacinamide can also cause problems when it's mixed with the following substances: Acids, including lactic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid.

Can you use 10% niacinamide everyday?

Do: Use it every day. Given it is a tolerable ingredient, Dr. Garshick points out that niacinamide is safe to use every day and can be incorporated into a daily cleanser, moisturizer, or serum that is meant for daily use.

Can I use retinol and niacinamide together?

The answer is a resounding yes. The two actives help enhance each other's efficacy, making it a winning duo for an even tone, blemish-free complexion. Before we learn how the combination of Niacinamide and Retinol benefits the skin, let's refresh our basics on the two actives.

What percentage of niacinamide should a beginner use?

Whether one chooses a niacinamide skincare product with 5%, 10%, or any percentage in between depends on one's unique skin needs and concerns. For those new to this powerhouse skin-enhancing ingredient, starting with a 5% formula allows the skin to acclimate while gradually imparting incredible benefits.

How to know if niacinamide is working?

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid

While you may not see any significant results during the first few weeks, there should be a notable difference by about 4 weeks. After 8 weeks, you should notice more hydrated, smoother, and toned skin.

Does niacinamide whiten teeth?

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Can too much niacinamide clog pores?

There is limited research on whether niacinamide can cause breakouts. However, you may experience skin purging when using this ingredient. In other words, your skin may start to look worse before it gets better.

Can a beginner use niacinamide 10%?

Here's what to consider when choosing a niacinamide serum: Concentration: Niacinamide serums typically range from 5% to 10% concentration. For beginners, a 5% concentration is a good starting point. You can increase the concentration as your skin gets accustomed to the ingredient.

Can 10 niacinamide damage skin barrier?

Niacinamide has been shown to support skin components such as ceramides and fatty acids that are integral to the outermost layer of our skin. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% hydrates the skin, and reinforces the skin barrier in as little as 7 days.

What cancels out niacinamide?

Niacinamide and vitamin C

This combination sparks a lot of debate among skincare experts. Some say that since both niacinamide and vitamin C contain antioxidants, they cancel each other out and might even lead to irritation.

Does niacinamide cause weight gain?

The present study also showed that nicotinamide supplementation was associated with a dose-dependent increase in oxidative tissue injury. This may account for why high doses of nicotinamide do not promote weight gain (see Fig. 7(a) and Shibata et al.

What are the disadvantages of niacinamide on face?

What are the side effects of Niacinamide? Topical application is completely safe and may not cause any skin problems for a healthy person. People with sensitive skin may face mild redness, itching, or a burning sensation. Stomach upset.

What does 15% niacinamide do?

Dermatological Ingredients: 15% Niacinamide helps minimize enlarged pores and refine uneven skintone. Zinc PCA prevents potential breakouts from occurring.

How to know if your skin doesn't like niacinamide?

How do you know if niacinamide is not for you? You might find that niacinamide isn't for you if you experience side effects like redness, itching, or irritation after using it. Some people may also have an allergic reaction, resulting in hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What is the highest percentage of niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and a versatile antioxidant, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Trisha Khanna. Available in concentrations from 2 to 20 percent, it's beneficial for almost all skin types and boasts anti-inflammatory properties that provide a host of benefits.

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