Topical Niacinamide in Daily Skincare: A 3-Week Real-World Cosmetic Study

Abstract

Background: Niacinamide exhibits a wide range of beneficial properties that support its use in skincare and the treatment of various dermatological conditions. This study aimed to evaluate skin hydration and to assess participants’ subjective perceptions of skin tone and overall skin condition following the use of a commercial niacinamide-containing preparation compared to usual skin care and a ceramide-containing preparation. Methods: Young adult women were enrolled and assigned to one of three groups: continued use of their usual skincare, application of a ceramide-containing cream, or application of a niacinamide-containing cream. The study period lasted three weeks. Skin hydration was measured using corneometry, and changes in skin appearance were documented through standardized photography and participant self-assessments. Results: Of the 50 participants enrolled, 46 completed the study. The niacinamide-containing cream significantly improved skin hydration (32.15 ± 12.61 vs. 39.09 ± 14.12; p = 0.0365) and reduced skin discoloration, with 81.2% of participants reporting improvement (p = 0.0407). The ceramide-containing cream was most effective in reducing redness, with 68.8% of participants noting visible improvement (p = 0.0017). No significant changes were observed in skin texture or the appearance of skin lesions across the tested groups. Conclusions: Use of a niacinamide-containing commercial cream resulted in measurable improvements in skin hydration and tone. A key strength of this study is its focus on real-life product application, offering practical insights into the performance of commercial skincare products under typical user conditions. Future studies should include additional objective measurements and larger, more diverse populations to enhance the reliability and generalizability of the results.