Is Niacinamide Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 0/5 — Non-comedogenic
Niacinamide is a functional active ingredient with a targeted skincare benefit. In cosmetics it is typically found in treatment serums, moisturizers and targeted products. On a label it may also appear as vitamin b3, nicotinamide.
| Comedogenic rating | 0/5 — Non-comedogenic |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Unlikely |
| Fungal-acne safe | Yes |
| Category | Active |
| Also known as | vitamin b3, nicotinamide |
Is Niacinamide comedogenic?
No — Niacinamide scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Niacinamide cause fungal acne?
Niacinamide is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Should you use Niacinamide if you're acne-prone?
Niacinamide is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
How Niacinamide compares to other actives
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Niacinamide | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Allantoin | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Benzoyl Peroxide | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Retinol | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Salicylic Acid | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | 0/5 | Unlikely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Niacinamide comedogenic?
No — Niacinamide scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Niacinamide cause fungal acne?
Niacinamide is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Is Niacinamide safe for acne-prone skin?
Niacinamide is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
What products is Niacinamide found in?
Niacinamide is a functional active ingredient with a targeted skincare benefit, and is commonly found in treatment serums, moisturizers and targeted products.
What can I use instead of Niacinamide?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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