Niacinamide - Vitamin B
If you've landed here wondering whether niacinamide and vitamin B are the same thing, you're in the right place. Here's what niacinamide actually is, what it does for skin, and how we've used it in Barrier B.
Is Niacinamide Vitamin B?
Yes. Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of Vitamin B3. In skincare, it's one of the most widely used and well-studied forms of Vitamin B3, valued for its versatility and generally good tolerability.
What Niacinamide Does for Skin
Niacinamide is best known for helping to support the skin's moisture barrier — the outer layer that keeps hydration in and everyday irritants out. A well-supported barrier is the foundation for skin that looks and feels calm and hydrated. It's part of why we chose niacinamide as the starting point for Barrier B, alongside Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and the patented L22 lipid complex.
Meet Barrier B
Barrier B is La Lei's 10% Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid serum, formulated with the patented, botanically sourced L22 lipid complex to help support your skin's moisture barrier. It's where your La Lei routine can begin, whatever the rest of it looks like.
- Barrier B — 10% Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid Serum — Shop Barrier B
Building a full routine around niacinamide? Read our guide: How to Layer Niacinamide, Vitamin C and Retinol in One Routine.
FAQs
Is niacinamide the same as vitamin B3?
Yes — niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) is a form of vitamin B3.
Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C or retinol?
Modern niacinamide formulations are broadly considered compatible with most other actives, including Vitamin C and retinoids. If you're combining several actives, patch-test first and introduce them gradually.
How much niacinamide should a serum contain?
Niacinamide concentrations in skincare commonly range from around 2% up to 10% or more. Barrier B is formulated at 10%.
Is niacinamide suitable for sensitive skin?
Niacinamide is widely regarded as one of the more gentle, well-tolerated actives in skincare, though everyone's skin is different — a patch test is always a good idea with anything new.
