Hailey Bieber Loves Niacinamide — Here’s What It Actually Does for Your Skin ✨

If you follow Hailey Bieber’s beauty routines, you’ve probably noticed that she tends to come back to a few simple skincare principles: hydration, protecting the skin barrier, sunscreen — and niacinamide.

In a skincare routine shared on Instagram and reported by Allure, Bieber applied a niacinamide serum and described niacinamide as her favourite skincare ingredient.

But celebrity approval aside, what does niacinamide actually do for your skin?

The short answer: niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can help support the skin barrier, improve the appearance of uneven tone and dark spots, balance excess oil, and make pores appear less noticeable.

And unlike some stronger skincare actives, it can fit surprisingly easily into many routines.

What Is Niacinamide? 💧

Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 used extensively in modern skincare.

It isn’t an exfoliating acid, and it doesn’t work like retinol.

Instead, niacinamide supports several processes involved in maintaining healthy-looking skin, which explains why you can find it in products developed for very different concerns — from oily skin and visible pores to dark spots, redness and signs of ageing.

That versatility is one reason it has become such a popular skincare ingredient.

Why Does Hailey Bieber Like Niacinamide? ✨

Hailey Bieber has discussed her skincare routines publicly many times, but one comment is particularly interesting for ingredient-conscious beauty fans.

During a weekend skincare routine she shared on Instagram, she applied a niacinamide serum and identified niacinamide as her favourite skincare ingredient, according to Allure.

That doesn't mean niacinamide is responsible for Hailey Bieber's complexion — celebrity skin can involve genetics, professional treatments, makeup, lighting and many other factors.

But her interest in the ingredient makes sense.

Niacinamide is one of those actives that can address several common skincare concerns without requiring an overly complicated routine.

So, what can it actually do?

What Does Niacinamide Do for Your Skin? 🔍

1. Niacinamide can support the skin barrier

Your skin barrier helps keep moisture in while protecting the skin from the external environment.

Niacinamide has been studied for its role in supporting normal skin-barrier function.

This makes it particularly interesting in routines designed around hydration and maintaining comfortable, resilient-looking skin.

If your face frequently feels tight, dry or easily irritated, focusing on the barrier may be just as important as adding stronger active ingredients.

2. Niacinamide can help with dark spots and uneven skin tone ✨

This is one of the ingredient's most interesting benefits.

Research has found that topical niacinamide can reduce the appearance of certain areas of hyperpigmentation.

It appears to work differently from ingredients that directly inhibit the production of melanin. Instead, niacinamide has been studied for its ability to interfere with the transfer of melanin-containing structures called melanosomes to surrounding skin cells.

In simple terms?

Niacinamide may help gradually improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation and dark spots.

That makes it a useful ingredient to consider in a brightening routine.

Sun protection is still essential, though. Treating pigmentation while repeatedly exposing the skin to UV without adequate protection is a little like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in the bottom. ☀️

3. Niacinamide can help oily skin

If your forehead seems shiny again an hour after cleansing, niacinamide may also be worth knowing about.

Niacinamide has been studied in skincare routines involving sebum control, making it a popular ingredient for oily and combination skin.

That doesn't mean its goal is to completely remove your skin's natural oils.

And you wouldn't want that anyway.

Sebum is a normal part of healthy skin. The goal is balance — not turning your face into the Sahara.

4. What about niacinamide for pores?

This is where skincare marketing can get a little misleading.

Niacinamide cannot physically close your pores.

Pores don't have little doors that open and shut.

However, when excess oil, congestion and surrounding skin texture improve, pores can appear less noticeable.

That's why people frequently associate niacinamide with “smaller-looking pores.”

It's a visual improvement rather than a permanent change in the anatomical size of the pore.

5. Can niacinamide help with acne?

Niacinamide can be useful in routines for oily and blemish-prone skin, particularly because of its relationship with sebum, barrier support and inflammation.

Research has also explored topical niacinamide in acne-related formulations.

However, niacinamide should not automatically be considered a replacement for established acne treatments.

If you're dealing with persistent, painful or scarring acne, speaking with a dermatologist is much more useful than continuously adding new serums to your routine.

6. Niacinamide and mature skin

Niacinamide isn't only for teenagers with oily skin.

Clinical research has also studied topical niacinamide on signs associated with ageing skin.

In one clinical study involving women with visible signs of facial photoaging, a 5% topical niacinamide formula was associated with improvements in the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmented spots, redness and elasticity over the study period.

That doesn't make niacinamide a facelift in a bottle.

It does, however, help explain why the ingredient appears in so many modern anti-ageing formulas.

Can You Use Niacinamide Every Day? 🧴

For many people, yes.

Niacinamide is commonly formulated for regular skincare use and can appear in both morning and evening routines.

But there is an important rule that applies to almost every skincare ingredient:

More isn't automatically better.

Your skin doesn't care how impressive the percentage looks on the bottle.

A well-designed formulation with niacinamide and complementary ingredients may be a better choice for your skin than simply searching for the highest possible concentration.

If you're new to an active product, introduce it gradually and pay attention to how your skin responds.

How to Use Niacinamide in Your Skincare Routine

One of niacinamide's biggest advantages is how easily it can fit into an existing routine.

Morning ☀️

1. Cleanser

Use a cleanser appropriate for your skin type.

2. Niacinamide serum or treatment

Apply according to the directions of your specific product.

3. Moisturizer

Follow with hydration if needed.

4. Sunscreen

Finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen.

This step becomes particularly important if one of your goals is reducing the appearance of dark spots.

Evening 🌙

Cleanser → niacinamide treatment → moisturizer.

Simple.

You don't necessarily need a ten-step routine to get value from good ingredients.

Can You Use Niacinamide With Vitamin C?

Yes, in most modern skincare routines niacinamide and vitamin C can be used together.

The old idea that these two ingredients should never meet largely comes from concerns based on older formulation conditions that don't reflect the way most modern cosmetics are made.

If your skin tolerates both ingredients, they can make an interesting combination in a brightening and antioxidant-focused routine.

For sensitive skin, introducing products one at a time still makes sense.

Can You Use Niacinamide With Retinol?

Niacinamide and retinoids can also appear in the same skincare routine.

In fact, the barrier-supporting properties associated with niacinamide can make it an appealing companion to routines containing stronger actives.

That doesn't guarantee your skin will tolerate every combination.

The complete formulation, concentration, frequency and your individual skin sensitivity all matter.

Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid 💧

This is another very easy pairing.

Hyaluronic acid is primarily used in skincare for hydration, while niacinamide has a broader role involving barrier support, tone and oil balance.

Because they address different needs, they are frequently used together.

Think of it less as choosing one versus the other and more as deciding what your skin needs.

What Percentage of Niacinamide Is Best?

There's no single percentage that is perfect for everybody.

A number of clinical studies demonstrating benefits have used concentrations in the lower single-digit range, including around 2–5%.

That doesn't mean formulas above 5% are automatically bad.

It means you shouldn't assume that 10% must be twice as effective as 5%.

Skincare rarely works that way.

Formulation matters enormously.

How Long Does Niacinamide Take to Work?

Niacinamide isn't an instant filter.

Some changes in hydration or skin feel may be noticed relatively quickly, while concerns such as uneven pigmentation and visible signs of ageing generally require more consistent use.

Clinical research investigating pigmentation has observed changes after several weeks of use.

The important word is consistent.

Changing your serum every four days because TikTok showed you another ingredient makes it almost impossible to know what is actually working.

Who Is Niacinamide Best For?

One reason niacinamide has become so popular is that it isn't limited to one skin type.

It may be worth considering if your concerns include:

• visible pores

• excess oil

• uneven skin tone

• dark spots

• blemish-prone skin

• a weakened-feeling skin barrier

• redness

• signs of photoaging

Of course, not every ingredient works perfectly for every person.

If a new niacinamide product causes persistent burning, itching or redness, stop using it and reassess the formulation.

Choosing a Niacinamide Product 🔍

Don't choose a product only because NIACINAMIDE is written in enormous letters across the front.

Look at the entire formula.

Ask yourself:

What is the product actually intended to do?

Does it include complementary hydrating or brightening ingredients?

Does the texture suit my skin?

Am I already using several strong actives?

And most importantly: does this product make sense in my routine?

At Seev Cosmeceutical, we approach skincare through complete professional formulations rather than treating one fashionable ingredient as the answer to every concern.

If uneven tone and dark spots are your priority, explore Seev's Brightening & Dark Spot skincare collection, where targeted active ingredients are selected around those specific skin concerns.

So, Is Hailey Bieber Onto Something? ✨

In this case, there's good reason for the enthusiasm.

Hailey Bieber may have helped put niacinamide on the radar of some beauty followers when she described it as a favourite ingredient, but niacinamide's reputation goes well beyond celebrity skincare.

Research supports several of the reasons it has become so common in cosmetic formulas, particularly around skin-barrier support, uneven pigmentation and signs of ageing.

The bigger lesson isn't to copy Hailey Bieber's bathroom shelf.

It's to understand what an ingredient does and decide whether those benefits actually match what your skin needs.

And that's a much better way to build a skincare routine.

Frequently Asked Questions 🔍

What does niacinamide do for your skin?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used in skincare to help support the skin barrier, improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation, regulate the appearance of excess oil and make pores appear less noticeable.

Does niacinamide help dark spots?

Research suggests topical niacinamide can help reduce the appearance of certain areas of hyperpigmentation with consistent use.

Daily sun protection remains particularly important when treating uneven pigmentation.

Does niacinamide shrink pores?

Niacinamide does not permanently change the physical size of pores. By helping with oil balance and overall skin appearance, however, it may make pores appear less noticeable.

Can I use niacinamide every day?

Many niacinamide skincare products are designed for daily use. Always follow your specific product's directions and reduce frequency if irritation develops.

Is niacinamide good for oily skin?

It can be. Niacinamide has been studied in relation to sebum production and is commonly included in products intended for oily and combination skin.

Is niacinamide good for sensitive skin?

Niacinamide is generally considered a well-tolerated ingredient, but sensitive skin can react to any cosmetic product. The concentration and complete formulation matter.

Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?

Generally, yes. Modern formulations containing niacinamide and vitamin C can be incorporated into the same skincare routine if your skin tolerates them.

Can I use niacinamide with retinol?

They can generally be incorporated into the same routine. If you are sensitive or new to retinoids, introduce active products gradually.

Sources & Further Reading

Allure — “Hailey Bieber Shared Her Saturday Skin-Care Prep”
Source for Hailey Bieber identifying niacinamide as her favourite skincare ingredient.

Allure — “Why Niacinamide Is One of the Most In-Demand Ingredients in Skin Care Right Now”
Expert overview of niacinamide and its cosmetic uses.

Ong RR, Goh CF — “Niacinamide: a review on dermal delivery strategies and clinical evidence” (2024)
Review of topical niacinamide, skin-barrier effects, pigmentation and clinical evidence.

Hakozaki et al. — “The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer”
Clinical and laboratory research examining niacinamide and pigmentation.

Bissett et al. — “Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance”
Clinical research examining topical niacinamide and signs of facial photoaging.