Niacinamide (nicotinamide)
Vitamin B3 derivative with RCT support for non-melanoma skin cancer prevention (ONTRAC trial) and dermatological use in acne and rosacea.
Why
Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is the amide form of vitamin B3, without the flushing effect of niacin (nicotinic acid). The ONTRAC trial (Chen NEJM 2015, n=386) reported a 23% reduction in new non-melanoma skin cancers in high-risk patients on 500 mg twice daily over 12 months, one of the highest-quality results for any supplement in oncology prevention. Separate dermatology RCTs support topical niacinamide for acne, rosacea, and skin barrier improvement.
How it works
Precursor to NAD+ and NADP+, substrates for poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP)-mediated DNA repair. Restores cellular ATP in UV-stressed keratinocytes. Topically reduces sebum production, calms inflammatory acne, and supports skin barrier (filaggrin and ceramide synthesis).
Expected onset · Skin-cancer prevention assessed over 12 months; topical acne effects over 4–8 weeks
How to take
Dosage
Skin-cancer prevention: 500 mg twice daily (ONTRAC dose). Topical acne/rosacea: 4% niacinamide cream or serum once or twice daily. Dietary: 14–16 mg/day (RDI).
Timing
Oral: with meals, divided. Topical: morning and/or evening on clean skin.
On the label
'Niacinamide' or 'nicotinamide' (not nicotinic acid / niacin). Topical: 4–5% concentration is the studied range for skin claims.
Ideal for
Adults with previous non-melanoma skin cancers or actinic keratoses (under dermatology guidance); people with mild-moderate inflammatory acne or rosacea; dietary supplementation alternative to flushing niacin.
Safety
Evidence
Chen 2015 NEJM ONTRAC RCT (n=386 high-risk patients with ≥2 non-melanoma skin cancers): niacinamide 500 mg twice daily reduced new NMSC by 23% at 12 months, one of the strongest oncology-prevention signals for any supplement, in NEJM. Topical evidence for acne and rosacea is consistent across smaller RCTs.
- Chen et al., NEJM 2015, ONTRAC trial: a phase 3 randomized trial of nicotinamide for skin-cancer chemoprevention
- Walocko et al., Dermatol Ther 2017, the role of nicotinamide in acne treatment
- EFSA Reg 432/2012, niacin contributes to normal psychological function, energy-yielding metabolism, nervous system function, reduction of tiredness and fatigue (Niacinamide qualifies for these claims)
Where to get it
Shop Niacinamide (nicotinamide) on AmazonSponsored · As an Amazon Associate, Healicus earns from qualifying purchases.