Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
For the health condition: Dermatitis

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) has scientific evidence supporting its use in the treatment of certain types of dermatitis, particularly atopic dermatitis. Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in skin barrier function, inflammation modulation, and cellular energy metabolism. Several randomized controlled trials and clinical studies have shown that topical niacinamide can help improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, such as redness, scaling, and dryness. The proposed mechanisms include reducing transepidermal water loss, enhancing ceramide synthesis, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology in 2005 demonstrated that a 5% niacinamide moisturizer significantly improved barrier function and reduced inflammation in patients with atopic dermatitis compared to a placebo.

Oral niacinamide has historically been used to prevent and treat pellagra, a condition marked by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia, caused by niacin deficiency. However, for non-deficiency-related dermatitis (such as contact or seborrheic dermatitis), the scientific evidence for niacinamide’s efficacy is more limited. Overall, while there is moderate-quality evidence supporting topical niacinamide for atopic dermatitis and for skin barrier repair, its use is not universally established for all dermatitis types, and it is not a first-line therapy. Still, it is recognized by dermatological guidelines as a beneficial adjunct in specific cases.

More about Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
More about Dermatitis

Products containing Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.