Is it bad to use too much niacinamide?

Author: Natasha Homenick  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

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.

Can too much niacinamide damage skin?

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.

How much niacinamide is too much in skincare?

Determining if 10 percent niacinamide is too much or what percentage of niacinamide is effective for you depends on your specific skin type, concerns and tolerance. For general skin tone correction, a niacinamide concentration between 4-5% is often effective and well-tolerated by most individuals.

Is it bad to use niacinamide every day?

It's an ingredient found in a number of moisturizing skin-care products as well as in certain foods and supplements like multivitamins. Can you use niacinamide every day? Yes. In fact, you can use niacinamide-containing topical products in the morning and night because it's generally a gentle ingredient.

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.

How to use Niacinamide like a Dermatologist | Dr Davin Lim

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.

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 are the disadvantages of niacinamide on face?

Most people can use products with niacinamide on the skin without having any side effects. But in rare cases side effects can occur. Possible side effects include: Itching.

Is niacinamide 10% too strong?

Now, most people can tolerate niacinamide well even at 10% twice daily. But if you have a mysterious skin rash or unexplained irritation, it could be time to take a closer look at your niacinamide levels. One of the biggest issues of overdoing niacinamide isn't necessarily the one 10% product you may have.

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.

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.

Is niacinamide 5 or 10 better?

As the percentages suggest, 10% niacinamide contains a higher concentration and strength than 5%. With twice the concentration of their 5% counterparts, 10% niacinamide products offer enhanced delivery of nutrients to skin cells.

Does niacinamide 10% damage the 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.

How long will my skin purge from niacinamide?

Purging should end if the breakouts last longer than these 6 weeks. Purging usually occurs when you start a new skincare product that accelerates the turnover rate of your skin cells. The most common culprits behind purging are acids (AHA, BHA), retinoids, vitamin C, or even niacinamide.

Can skin react badly to niacinamide?

Yes, although rare, some individuals can be allergic to niacinamide. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms after using niacinamide, seek immediate medical attention. Always patch test new skincare ingredients.

What should you not mix with niacinamide?

Similar to retinol, niacinamide should not be used with acidic skincare ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. Ordinary niacinamide combined with an acid can cause a bad chemical reaction of redness and flushing.

Can you overuse niacinamide?

Additionally, such flare-ups can happen due to incorrect layering of ingredients. Remember, Niacinamide goes in the end (before moisturizer) to help alleviate inflammation, redness, or irritation. More product doesn't guarantee better results. Instead, overusing Niacinamide may lead to skin sensitivities and flare-ups.

Should I put niacinamide on dry or wet?

“Niacinamide is best absorbed on damp skin,” the dermatologist suggested. If you are using it in combination with other active skincare ingredients, you can apply it on dry skin. “Otherwise, as a solo agent, application on damp skin gives best results,” dermatologist Aanchal Panth added.

Is it OK to use niacinamide everyday?

How often should you use niacinamide? For optimal benefits, we recommend using niacinamide either daily or twice a day. Whether you apply niacinamide once or twice a day will depend on your skin type, skin concerns and which other ingredients are contained within your morning and night routines.

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.

When should you stop using niacinamide?

To be sure it's safe, though, always apply niacinamide products to a test area of skin and observe for reactions. If you experience redness, itchiness, or further irritation, stop its use and consult a professional.

What does purging look like?

Appearance. Acne purging and breakouts can look similar at first glance, with increased red bumps and pimples. However, purging tends to cause uniform congestion, affecting the entire area where you applied the new treatment. Breakouts often appear more sporadic in your usual problem spots.

Is 10% niacinamide too much for skin?

A 5% concentration of niacinamide has been shown to be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and improving fine lines and wrinkles according to some studies. ¹⁷ Additionally, a concentration of lower than 10% may be more suitable if you have sensitive skin or if you're new to using niacinamide.

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