Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

nye-uh-SIN-uh-mide

INCI: Niacinamide

Conditioning Agent 10/10 Safety CG ApprovedClean Synthetic Vegan

What Is Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)?

Niacinamide is the active form of Vitamin B3 and a rising star in hair care, having already established itself as a powerhouse skincare ingredient. It improves scalp barrier function, reduces inflammation, and may support hair growth by improving blood circulation and cellular energy production. It is water-soluble, stable, and pairs well with almost any other ingredient.

Source: Synthesized or derived from niacin (found in meat, fish, legumes)

Origin: Synthetic

Also known as: Vitamin B3, Nicotinamide, Niacin Amide

What Does Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Do to Your Hair?

Niacinamide strengthens the scalp's lipid barrier, reducing water loss and improving overall scalp health. It boosts cellular energy (NAD+/NADP+ production) in hair follicle cells, potentially supporting healthier hair growth cycles. It also reduces scalp inflammation and redness, addresses excess sebum production, and provides antioxidant protection.

Best For

All hair types, thinning hair, oily scalp, sensitive scalp, dandruff-prone scalp, aging hair

Not Recommended For

Not known to be problematic for any hair type

Concentration Matters

0.5-5%

Hair Type Compatibility

1A Straight Fine
1B Straight Medium
1C Straight Coarse
2A Wavy Fine
2B Wavy Medium
2C Wavy Coarse
3A Curly Loose
3B Curly Tight
3C Curly Corkscrew
4A Coily S-Shaped
4B Coily Z-Shaped
4C Coily Tight

Method Compatibility

Curly Girl (CG) Method: Approved
CG Approved

Safety & Regulation

10/10
AvoidCautionSafe

Extremely safe at all cosmetic concentrations. Non-irritating, non-sensitizing. No known drug interactions when used topically. Occasionally may cause mild flushing at very high topical concentrations in sensitive individuals.

FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe

FDA permits use in cosmetics. Also classified as GRAS for food use and used in dietary supplements. No concentration restrictions for cosmetic use.

EWG Score: 1/10

HairAide Verdict

Niacinamide is a science-backed powerhouse that HairAide expects to see in many more hair products in the coming years. It addresses multiple scalp concerns simultaneously — oiliness, inflammation, barrier health — and may support hair growth. It is safe for everyone and plays well with other active ingredients. A must-watch ingredient.

Products That Contain Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Scalp serums, shampoos, conditioners, hair growth treatments, leave-in treatments

Alternatives to Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

If you want to avoid Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), look for products with these ingredients instead:

Panthenol, Biotin, Caffeine, Zinc Pyrithione

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) safe for hair?

Yes, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) has a safety rating of 10/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. Extremely safe at all cosmetic concentrations. Non-irritating, non-sensitizing. No known drug interactions when used topically. Occasionally may cause mild flushing at very high topical concentrations in sensitive individuals.

Is Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) bad for curly hair?

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.

Is Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) CG-method approved?

Yes, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is approved for the Curly Girl method.

What can I use instead of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)?

Some alternatives to Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) include: Panthenol, Biotin, Caffeine, Zinc Pyrithione

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