Niacinamide (topical)

Category: topical

Aliases: Nicotinamide, Vitamin B3 amide

Pharmacological Mechanism

Topical niacinamide reduces melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes (hyperpigmentation reduction), improves epidermal barrier via ceramide synthesis, reduces transepidermal water loss, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Oral nicotinamide reduces non-melanoma skin cancer incidence (ONTRAC trial 500 mg BID).

Target Organ Systems