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Article

Topical Niacinamide in Daily Skincare: A 3-Week Real-World Cosmetic Study

by
Piotr Załęcki
1,
Julia Jezusek
1 and
Danuta Nowicka
1,2,*
1
Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
2
Division of Aesthetic Dermatology and Regenerative Medicine of the Skin, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9729; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179729
Submission received: 6 August 2025 / Revised: 30 August 2025 / Accepted: 2 September 2025 / Published: 4 September 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cosmetics Ingredients Research—3rd Edition)
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Versions Notes

Abstract

Background: Niacinamide exhibits a wide range of beneficial properties that support its use in skincare and the treatment of various dermatological conditions. This study aimed to evaluate skin hydration and to assess participants’ subjective perceptions of skin tone and overall skin condition following the use of a commercial niacinamide-containing preparation compared to usual skin care and a ceramide-containing preparation. Methods: Young adult women were enrolled and assigned to one of three groups: continued use of their usual skincare, application of a ceramide-containing cream, or application of a niacinamide-containing cream. The study period lasted three weeks. Skin hydration was measured using corneometry, and changes in skin appearance were documented through standardized photography and participant self-assessments. Results: Of the 50 participants enrolled, 46 completed the study. The niacinamide-containing cream significantly improved skin hydration (32.15 ± 12.61 vs. 39.09 ± 14.12; p = 0.0365) and reduced skin discoloration, with 81.2% of participants reporting improvement (p = 0.0407). The ceramide-containing cream was most effective in reducing redness, with 68.8% of participants noting visible improvement (p = 0.0017). No significant changes were observed in skin texture or the appearance of skin lesions across the tested groups. Conclusions: Use of a niacinamide-containing commercial cream resulted in measurable improvements in skin hydration and tone. A key strength of this study is its focus on real-life product application, offering practical insights into the performance of commercial skincare products under typical user conditions. Future studies should include additional objective measurements and larger, more diverse populations to enhance the reliability and generalizability of the results.

1. Introduction

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a vital role in maintaining physiological homeostasis. Constantly exposed to external environmental factors, it has developed mechanisms to preserve its structural integrity and functional capacity while also supporting a healthy appearance. Its barrier function offers protection against harmful physical and chemical factors and mechanical stimuli [1,2,3,4]. The skin shields internal tissues and organs from pressure, friction, and impact and acts as a frontline defense against the penetration of ultraviolet radiation and excessive heat [5,6]. Additionally, it prevents the entry of viruses, pathogenic bacteria, and other microorganisms, thereby playing a key role in immune defense. The skin also helps maintain hydration by reducing transepidermal water loss, thus preventing the excessive depletion of macro- and micronutrients [7]. From a cosmetological perspective, the appearance and condition of the skin often reflect an individual’s overall health status [7].
Proper skincare supports both the structure and function of the skin. The hydrolipid barrier, which is composed of free fatty acids, ceramides, phospholipids, cholesterol, natural moisturizing factor, and structural proteins, serves as the skin’s first line of defense [8]. Damage to the hydrolipid barrier results in visible symptoms such as redness, irritation, flaking, and lesion formation. Affected individuals often report subjective sensations, including dryness, itching, and burning [9,10]. Moreover, disruption of the lipid barrier accelerates skin aging by increasing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which reduces skin elasticity and promotes wrinkle formation. Impaired intercellular cohesion further compromises the skin’s defense, increasing susceptibility to infections and inflammatory dermatoses [10]. As a compensatory mechanism, the skin may produce excess sebum. However, this disrupts the skin microbiota and promotes the overgrowth of microorganisms, leading to closed and open comedones as well as pustules [11]. Therefore, skincare formulations may benefit from ingredients that help restore the lipid barrier, such as ceramides, essential fatty acids, cholesterol, squalene, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Skincare formulations may benefit from ingredients that help restore the lipid barrier, such as ceramides, essential fatty acids, cholesterol, squalene, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. These components are particularly important for dry, sensitive, or compromised skin, while in normal or oily skin, they can provide supportive benefits, although they are not essential [12].
Niacinamide (nicotinamide), together with nicotinic acid (niacin) and nicotinamide riboside, collectively constitutes the vitamin B3 family. These compounds are not synthesized endogenously. Once ingested, all three forms are converted in the body into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a coenzyme essential for cellular metabolism [5,13]. Niacinamide promotes the synthesis of ceramides, fatty acids, and structural proteins within the stratum corneum, contributing to the restoration of the hydrolipid barrier. This barrier repair helps protect the skin from the penetration of harmful external agents [14,15]. Niacinamide exhibits a wide range of beneficial effects across all skin types. It is effective in the care of dry, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin, as well as in both youthful and aging skin [16]. Due to its broad spectrum of action, it is one of the most commonly used ingredients in cosmetics. One of its key functions is the reduction of TEWL, which helps preserve skin hydration and maintain a youthful appearance [15]. In dermocosmetics, niacinamide is valued for its antimicrobial, barrier-repairing, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties [17]. It has been shown to support the repair of damaged cellular DNA and RNA, reduce inflammation, and mitigate oxidative stress, which are critical mechanisms in anti-aging therapy [18]. As a result, niacinamide is particularly effective in treating mature skin, where clinical signs of aging such as fine lines, epidermal thinning, laxity, elastosis, telangiectasia, and hyperpigmentation are commonly observed [15,19]. In addition, niacinamide reduces skin pigmentation primarily by inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes, an effect that contributes to its efficacy in formulations aimed at reducing hyperpigmentation and is reversible upon discontinuation of application [14]. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in the treatment of various inflammatory skin disorders, including acne vulgaris, rosacea, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis [15,17].
Considering the versatile properties of niacinamide, we hypothesized that a cream containing niacinamide would provide superior skin hydration compared to the application of a regular moisturizing cream or the participants’ individual skincare routines. We also hypothesized that the use of a niacinamide-based cream would improve skin tone and overall skin condition. Thus, the aim of the study was to measure skin hydration and to assess participants’ subjective evaluations of skin tone and skin condition.

2. Results

2.1. Baseline Characteristics of the Study Group

Of the 50 women enrolled in the study, 46 completed it. Two participants reported a tendency toward skin allergies. Among all participants, 10 reported regular use of medications, which did not exclude them from the study, as these drugs do not affect the absorption of skincare products through the skin. Participants subjectively assessed their skin condition as good (46%) or moderate (41%); 9% rated it as poor, while only 4% reported being very satisfied with the appearance of their skin.

2.2. Overall Results

Overall, the cosmetics were well tolerated, and no allergic reactions to the tested products were reported. Four individuals withdrew from the study due to reasons unrelated to the skincare being evaluated. After three weeks, the results showed that 65% of participants rated the appearance of their skin as very good, and approximately 31% rated it as good. About 4% of participants reported no noticeable change in their skin condition.
A comparison of subjective assessments of skin discoloration, sebum secretion, and hydration levels showed that the majority of study participants reported significant improvement across all skin features. The comparison of the skin before and after the study is shown in Table 1 and Figure 1.

2.3. Comparison of Skin Hydration

The Kruskal–Wallis test showed no significant differences in skin hydration between the study groups at baseline (p = 0.9113) or after the 3-week treatment period (p = 0.6136). The Wilcoxon test for paired samples indicated a significant improvement in skin hydration following the use of the niacinamide cream. Although hydration values increased numerically after treatment with the usual care, the differences were not statistically significant. In the ceramide group, hydration levels remained stable throughout the study period (Table 2 and Figure 2).

2.4. Self-Reported Changes in Skin Appearance

In terms of skin appearance, the greatest improvement compared to other investigated features was observed in the reduction of skin discoloration, with 81.2% of participants reporting improvement. The most effective product for reducing redness was the ceramide-containing cream, with 68.8% of participants reporting improvement. Regarding skin texture and the presence of lesions, most participants did not report noticeable changes following treatment with any of the tested preparations. Table 3 presents participants’ self-assessment of skin condition after the 3-week treatment period.

2.5. Before-and-After Photography Comparison of Skin Appearance

All participants underwent photographic documentation to allow comparison of skin condition before and after the 3-week treatment. Photographs of selected participants are presented in Figure 3.

3. Discussion

In this 3-week study conducted among young, healthy women, the effects of usual skincare were compared with the use of niacinamide-containing and ceramide-containing creams. The findings demonstrated the benefits of regular care using commercially available formulations. The niacinamide-containing cream significantly improved skin hydration (32.15 ± 12.61 vs. 39.09 ± 14.12; p = 0.0365) and skin tone, with 81.2% of participants reporting a reduction in skin discoloration (p = 0.0407). However, the ceramide-containing cream was most effective in reducing redness, with 68.8% of participants noting improvement (p = 0.0017). In contrast, no significant changes were reported in skin texture or the presence of skin lesions following treatment with any of the tested skin care.
Observation of skin treated with niacinamide- and ceramide-containing creams provided valuable insights into their effects in everyday skincare using commercial formulations. Both ceramides and niacinamide play a crucial role in strengthening the hydrolipid barrier and the overall skin structure [20,21]. These ingredients offer seboregulating [22,23], anti-inflammatory [15,24], and moisturizing properties [20,21,25], helping to maintain a healthier appearance by reducing discoloration [15] and improving skin texture [21,22]. To evaluate the potential effectiveness of niacinamide in a Revuele-branded cream, a ceramide-containing cream from the same brand was included in the study for comparison of active ingredient performance. Both creams share the same ingredients based on the ingredients list according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). The eye cream additionally contains niacinamide. Comparing the effects of the two creams in separate study groups is essential to demonstrate the potential skin benefits of niacinamide. The combination of ceramides and niacinamide is particularly important in the treatment of dermatological conditions. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has not issued a separate opinion on the function of niacinamide in cosmetics. However, according to the CosIng database maintained by the European Commission, niacinamide serves several functions in cosmetics: it conditions the skin, offers protection, has an antistatic effect, smooths the skin surface, and provides antioxidant effects [26]. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review describes niacinamide and niacin as only skin and hair conditioning agents [27]. In principle, it carries no detailed information regarding its cosmetic function.
Based on the conducted study, the use of ceramides was found to have a beneficial effect on overall skin condition, leading to a reduction in erythema and discoloration. However, measurements taken with a corneometer showed that despite these positive effects, ceramides did not contribute to an increase in skin hydration. The dehydrating effect observed may be due to improper processing of the raw material during the formulation of the cosmetic product. Ceramides demonstrate their barrier-sealing properties only when properly prepared. The preparation process requires prior thermal treatment at temperatures above 80 °C [28,29]. For this reason, it is important not only to test laboratory-prepared formulations in clinical studies but also to evaluate commercial products to confirm their effectiveness in everyday skincare. In contrast, the application of a cream combining niacinamide with ceramides yielded significantly greater benefits—participants experienced not only a reduction in erythema and discoloration but also an increase in skin hydration and an overall improvement in skin tone. Particularly favorable results were observed in individuals with an intact epidermal barrier, suggesting that baseline skin condition may play an important role in treatment efficacy.
The results presented in this study are consistent with previous findings from studies using laboratory-prepared formulations containing niacinamide. Properties of niacinamide were evaluated in numerous randomized controlled trials. A study by Poostiyan et al. [30] compared the efficacy and safety of fluorouracil topical cream versus niacinamide topical gel in the treatment of actinic keratosis, a condition caused by excessive sun exposure, characterized by erythematous, keratotic, or scaling plaques with a rough, sandpaper-like texture [31]. Treatment outcomes were assessed using photographic documentation and dermoscopy. In this trial, a 1% niacinamide gel was applied twice daily for three months. Dermoscopic analysis revealed a significant reduction in the grading scores of the rhomboidal pattern (p = 0.035), annular granular pattern (p = 0.039), and jelly sign (p = 0.037) in the niacinamide group. Although fluorouracil was found to be more effective overall, niacinamide was associated with fewer and less severe adverse effects [30]. In an 8-week randomized, double-blind, split-face study conducted by Tempark et al. [32], a moisturizer containing ceramides and niacinamide significantly improved non-inflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a hydrophilic cream. Zhu et al. [33] reported that niacinamide-containing body emollients significantly improved clinical symptoms, quality of life, and skin barrier function in patients with mild atopic dermatitis. These emollients also enhanced the effectiveness of background therapy and were well tolerated, with no notable adverse reactions. Several studies have also supported the use of niacinamide in anti-aging therapies [34,35,36]. In a study by Lee et al. [34], a 2% niacinamide preparation was applied—with or without adipocyte-derived stem cell-containing medium—following ablative fractional laser treatment. After three weeks of application, improvements were observed in the wrinkle index, melanin index, and patient satisfaction scores. Additionally, the study reported reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased expression of type I collagen. Preparations containing niacinamide have been shown to improve hyperpigmentation and may serve as effective alternatives to 4% hydroquinone. In a study by Kalasho et al. [37], a one-month treatment with a commercial niacinamide-containing preparation significantly decreased hyperpigmentation compared to hydroquinone, as evaluated by both patient self-assessments and independent reviewers. Moreover, the niacinamide preparation demonstrated a lower incidence of adverse reactions and was significantly better tolerated than hydroquinone. Similar results were reported in a 10-week study conducted by Kimball et al. [38]. A moisturizing cream containing 4% niacinamide and 2% N-acetyl glucosamine, applied in the evening, was compared with a morning application of a moisturizing lotion with SPF 15. The niacinamide-containing preparation was significantly more effective in reducing both the visible area of facial spots and the appearance of pigmentation.
Clinical trials usually evaluate formulations developed in laboratory settings. In studies investigating topical preparations for dermatological conditions, the active ingredient is combined with a delivery vehicle designed to facilitate penetration through the stratum corneum. These vehicles often possess additional properties, such as enhancing skin hydration, improving the efficacy of the active compound, and increasing patient compliance [39]. However, the skin permeation and absorption levels of niacinamide remain largely unknown and are primarily studied in in vitro models [40,41].
In contrast, commercial creams contain a broader range of ingredients intended to improve product stability, enhance user comfort, and extend shelf life. Temova Rakuša et al. [42] analyzed the content and stability of B-complex vitamins in 36 commercial cosmetic products, focusing particularly on niacinamide (nicotinamide). Among eight products that quantitatively listed vitamin concentrations, two contained significantly lower levels of niacinamide than declared (47% and 57%), while others met or exceeded the labeled amounts (102–112%). In 6-month-long-term and accelerated stability studies, niacinamide demonstrated high stability, unlike other B vitamins such as dexpanthenol, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin, which showed significant degradation [42]. These findings highlight niacinamide’s favorable stability profile in cosmetic formulations.
Moreover, manufacturers rarely disclose the exact concentration of active ingredients in commercial products, further complicating the translation of clinical trial findings to everyday skincare. Typical concentration of niacin amide/niacin in cosmetic products is a wide range starting from 0.001% to 0.5% [27]. In the present study, the tested creams listed only the ingredients (INCI), without specifying quantities. Similarly, Kalasho et al. [37], in their randomized controlled trial, evaluated a complex formulation containing selective growth factors, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, arbutin, and vitamin C, illustrating the challenge of isolating the effects of a single active component in commercially available products.
The difficulty in translating clinical study results into the context of everyday skincare underscores the importance of conducting studies that evaluate commercial preparations under real-life conditions. Such studies offer several advantages: they reflect typical user behavior, assess product performance as it is actually used by consumers, capture subjective user satisfaction, and account for formulation complexity, including excipients and stabilizers that may influence efficacy and tolerability. This approach provides more practical and applicable insights for both consumers and clinicians when recommending skincare products.
This study has several limitations that should be considered. Although the use of commercially available products reflects real-life application, the exact concentrations of active ingredients were not disclosed due to proprietary formulation protection, making it difficult to compare the findings with the existing literature. For this reason, we did not include a placebo group, since producing a placebo product with an identical composition but without the active ingredients would not have been feasible without access to the manufacturer’s production process and full formulation details. Moreover, niacinamide-containing preparations vary in their concentrations of the active ingredient, making direct comparisons challenging and complicating the establishment of a recommended concentration for daily skincare. Randomized controlled trials have used niacinamide concentrations ranging from 1% to 4% [30,38]. In the present study, participants were included based on self-reported good health, but no detailed medical or laboratory diagnostics were performed to exclude underlying conditions such as hormonal disorders, dermatological illnesses, or systemic health issues that could have influenced the results. The assessment of skin discoloration, redness, texture, and the appearance of skin lesions was based on participants’ self-evaluation and did not involve validated clinical measures. Moreover, participants applied the preparations themselves in their home setting. This approach was chosen intentionally to reflect users’ real-life perceptions, aligning with everyday skincare practices and resembling how typical consumers assess cosmetic products at home, although it introduces variability that weakens internal validity.
Additionally, the study was limited by a small sample size and the inclusion of young women only, which restricts the generalizability of the findings. These criteria limit the generalizability of the study findings to broader populations, particularly men, who are both less likely to use cosmetics and have distinct skin characteristics that may require different skin care approaches [43,44]. A three-week study period is relatively short, particularly for evaluating skin tone and depigmenting effects. In young adults, the stratum corneum transit time lasts about 20 days [45], but this duration increases with age [46]. Thus, for a comprehensive evaluation of skin tone and depigmenting effects, a study period of 4–6 weeks covering at least two full epidermal turnover cycles would be required. Taken together, the short study duration underlines the pilot nature of our work and provides a basis for designing longer and more rigorous future investigations.

4. Materials and Methods

4.1. Participants and Study Groups

A total of 50 women were enrolled in the study. The inclusion criteria were age over 18 years, not being pregnant or breastfeeding, and overall good health. Participants were divided into six groups:
  • Group 1 (n = 9): participants who used their usual skincare routine (documented with photographs).
  • Group 2 (n = 5): participants who used their usual skincare routine (documented with photographs and assessed for skin hydration using corneometry).
  • Group 3 (n = 6): participants who applied Revuele cream with ceramides (documented with photographs).
  • Group 4 (n = 10): participants who applied Revuele cream with ceramides (documented with photographs and assessed for skin hydration using corneometry).
  • Group 5 (n = 6): participants who applied Revuele cream with vitamin B3 (documented with photographs).
  • Group 6 (n = 10): participants who applied Revuele cream with vitamin B3 (documented with photographs and assessed for skin hydration using a corneometer).
The study was conducted following approval from the Senate Committee of Ethics (approval no. 25/2024). All participants provided written informed consent to participate in the study, as well as declarations permitting the publication of their images and granting consent for the procedures to be performed at the research facility where the measurements were conducted. All study procedures were explained to participants before the start of the study.

4.2. Study Preparations

The study utilized creams from the Revuele brand:
  • Revuele Ceramide Moisturizing Cream (moisturizing face and body cream containing ceramides) with the following composition (INCI) [47]: Water/Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, PEG-8, PEG-8/SMDI Copolymer, Palmitoyl Myristyl Serinate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Rice Bran Extract/Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Xanthan Gum, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Ceramide III/Ceramide NP, Ceramide NG, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA.
  • Revuele Ceramide Hydrating Eye Cream (an eye cream containing niacinamide) was used in the study, with the following composition (INCI) [48]: Water/Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, PEG-8, PEG-8/SMDI Copolymer, Palmitoyl Myristyl Serinate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Rice Bran Extract/Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Triethanolamine, Vitamin B3/Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ceramide III/Ceramide NP, Ceramide NG, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Tartrazine/CI 19140.
The study participants received cream samples in identical 20 mL jars. To minimize bias in the subjective assessment of effectiveness, participants were not informed which type of cream they were using. The preparations were applied twice daily in a dose of 0.5 mL per application, applied by the participants themselves. During the study period, the use of sun protection was not mandatory; however, participants were advised to minimize sun exposure.

4.3. Study Procedures

The study lasted three weeks. Photographic documentation was performed for each participant before and after three weeks of product application using a camera. In Groups 2, 4, and 6, a corneometer was additionally used to assess skin hydration levels. At the end of the study, participants completed a final questionnaire.
The measurements of skin hydration were conducted at a room temperature of 20.5 °C and a relative humidity of 60–65%. Skin hydration was measured on the right cheek. All measurements were performed in the same room under constant temperature and humidity conditions, after a 20 min rest period.
Skin hydration measurements were performed using a corneometer (System Multi Probe Adapter MPA, Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH, Köln, Germany). The corneometer evaluates the water content in the stratum corneum, with higher values indicating better hydration. The device operates on the principle of electrical capacitance: the higher the water content in the stratum corneum, the greater the conductivity. It uses a current frequency of 0.9–1.2 MHz, and measurement values range from 0 to 120. According to the manufacturer, the device measures hydration at a depth of 10–20 µm within the stratum corneum with a rapid 1 s reading time to minimize occlusion artifacts, uses a built-in spring to apply consistent pressure (1.0 N) for accurate and repeatable measurements, maintains a measurement uncertainty within ±3%, and employs a capacitive method that eliminates interference from residual skincare products or surface salts [49].

4.4. Statistical Analysis

The data retrieved were exported to an MS Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel 2013; Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA) for further statistical analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted using MedCalc v. 23.2.08 (MedCalc Software Ltd., Ostend, Belgium). Categorical data were presented as counts and percentages, and group comparisons for these variables were performed using the Chi-square test. The distribution of continuous variables was assessed with the Shapiro–Wilk test. Normally distributed data were reported as mean ± standard deviation. Comparisons across multiple groups were conducted using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Changes in skin hydration before and after treatment were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

5. Conclusions

The use of a cream containing niacinamide demonstrated benefits, increased skin hydration, and improved skin tone. An important strength of this study is its focus on real-life product use, which provides practical and applicable insights into the performance of commercial skincare products under typical consumer conditions. To strengthen the findings, future research should include additional measurement methods and involve a larger and more diverse participant population to enhance the reliability and generalizability of the results.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, P.Z., J.J. and D.N.; methodology, P.Z. and D.N.; formal analysis, J.J. and D.N.; investigation, J.J.; data curation, P.Z. and J.J.; writing—original draft preparation, J.J.; writing—review and editing, P.Z. and D.N.; visualization, J.J. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Senate Committee of Ethics at Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences in Wrocław, Poland (approval no. 25/2024; approval date 22 October 2024).

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study. Written informed consent has been obtained from the participants to publish this paper.

Data Availability Statement

The original data presented in the study are openly available in FigShare at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.29654090.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used in this manuscript:
INCIInternational Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients
NADNicotinamide adenine dinucleotides
TEWLTransepidermal water loss

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Figure 1. Baseline and post-treatment subjective skin assessments are shown as a 100% stacked column chart illustrating improvement after treatment.
Figure 1. Baseline and post-treatment subjective skin assessments are shown as a 100% stacked column chart illustrating improvement after treatment.
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Figure 2. Baseline and post-treatment assessment of hydration shown as a box-and-whisker plot illustrating improvement after treatment (Q1 and Q3 values, min and max values, with whiskers extending up to 1.5 times the interquartile range).
Figure 2. Baseline and post-treatment assessment of hydration shown as a box-and-whisker plot illustrating improvement after treatment (Q1 and Q3 values, min and max values, with whiskers extending up to 1.5 times the interquartile range).
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Figure 3. Photographs of the treated skin areas in selected participants who used ceramide-containing and niacinamide-containing preparations.
Figure 3. Photographs of the treated skin areas in selected participants who used ceramide-containing and niacinamide-containing preparations.
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Table 1. Baseline and final subjective skin assessment.
Table 1. Baseline and final subjective skin assessment.
Baseline; n (%)After 3 Weeks; n (%)p-Value
Degree of pigmentation of discolorations: 0.0001
Very intense0 (0)0 (0)
Intense9 (19.6)1 (2.2)
Moderate18 (39.1)6 (13)
Mild14 (30.4)20 (43.5)
No discoloration5 (10.9)19 (41.3)
Amount of sebum secretion: <0.0001
Very intense0 (0)0 (0)
Intense6 (13)0 (0)
Moderate24 (52.2)5 (10.9)
Mild13 (28.3)21 (45.7)
Minimal3 (6.50)20 (43.5)
Skin hydration level: <0.0001
Very poor1 (2.2)0 (0)
Poor6 (13)0 (0)
Moderate24 (52.2)4 (8.7)
Good14 (30.4)15 (32.6)
Very good1 (2.2)27 (58.7)
Table 2. Mean hydration values at baseline and after treatment.
Table 2. Mean hydration values at baseline and after treatment.
Study GroupBaselineAfter 3 Weeksp-Value
Usual care (n = 5)33.44 ± 10.3436.52 ± 11.160.1875
Ceramides (n = 10)34.49 ± 9.0534.23 ± 11.920.5566
Niacinamide (n = 10)32.15 ± 12.6139.09 ± 14.120.0365
Table 3. Self-assessment of skin condition after 3-week treatment.
Table 3. Self-assessment of skin condition after 3-week treatment.
Study GroupImprovement; n (%)No Change; n (%)Worsening; n (%)p-Value
Discoloration
Usual care (n = 14)4 (28.6)9 (64.3)1 (7.1)0.0407
Ceramides (n = 16)8 (50)8 (50)0 (0)
Niacinamide (n = 16)13 (81.2)3 (18.8)0 (0)
Redness
Usual care (n = 14)1 (7.1)9 (64.3)4 (28.6)0.0017
Ceramides (n = 16)11 (68.8)5 (31.2)0 (0)
Niacinamide (n = 16)3 (18.8)11 (68.8)2 (12.5)
Texture
Usual care (n = 14)2 (14.3)12 (85.7)0 (0)0.3424
Ceramides (n = 16)2 (12.5)14 (87.5)0 (0)
Niacinamide (n = 16)5 (31.2)11 (68.8)0 (0)
Skin lesions
Usual care (n = 14)1 (7.1)10 (71.4)3 (21.4)0.6656
Ceramides (n = 16)3 (18.8)12 (75)1 (6.2)
Niacinamide (n = 16)3 (18.8)10 (62.5)3 (18.8)
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Załęcki, P.; Jezusek, J.; Nowicka, D. Topical Niacinamide in Daily Skincare: A 3-Week Real-World Cosmetic Study. Appl. Sci. 2025, 15, 9729. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179729

AMA Style

Załęcki P, Jezusek J, Nowicka D. Topical Niacinamide in Daily Skincare: A 3-Week Real-World Cosmetic Study. Applied Sciences. 2025; 15(17):9729. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179729

Chicago/Turabian Style

Załęcki, Piotr, Julia Jezusek, and Danuta Nowicka. 2025. "Topical Niacinamide in Daily Skincare: A 3-Week Real-World Cosmetic Study" Applied Sciences 15, no. 17: 9729. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179729

APA Style

Załęcki, P., Jezusek, J., & Nowicka, D. (2025). Topical Niacinamide in Daily Skincare: A 3-Week Real-World Cosmetic Study. Applied Sciences, 15(17), 9729. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179729

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