Are niacin and niacinamide the same thing? Understanding the Key Differences of Vitamin B3

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Though often confused, a key difference exists between niacin and niacinamide. So, are niacin and niacinamide the same thing? They are both forms of vitamin B3, but their chemical structures, effects on the body, side effects, and primary uses differ significantly. This distinction is crucial for choosing the right supplement or skincare product for your specific needs.

Quick Summary

Niacin and niacinamide are distinct forms of vitamin B3. Niacin causes flushing and is used for cholesterol management, while niacinamide is flush-free and primarily benefits skin health.

Key Points

Not the Same: Niacin and niacinamide are both forms of Vitamin B3 but have different chemical structures and effects on the body.
The Flush Factor: Niacin (nicotinic acid) can cause a flushing, reddening sensation, while niacinamide does not.
For Cholesterol: High-dose niacin is used therapeutically to manage cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
For Skin: Niacinamide is a popular topical ingredient for improving skin barrier function, reducing inflammation, and evening skin tone.
Primary Uses Differ: Your health goal dictates which form is more appropriate, with niacin for cholesterol and niacinamide for skin and general B3 support.
Consult a Professional: Discuss your needs with a healthcare provider to determine the best form and dosage for your situation.

What is Vitamin B3?

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin required for human health. It plays a critical role in cellular energy production, supporting over 400 enzymes in various metabolic processes. As a water-soluble vitamin, the body does not store excess amounts, and it must be consumed regularly through diet or supplementation. The vitamin B3 family includes several related compounds, or vitamers, with niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide) being the two most common forms found in supplements.

Niacin (Nicotinic Acid): Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Niacin, or nicotinic acid, has a long history of therapeutic use, especially in managing cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol Management: In high doses, typically exceeding daily dietary needs, niacin has been shown to raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol and lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides. For this reason, it has been used as a prescribed medication, though its use has declined with the advent of statins.
Cardiovascular Health: Due to its positive effects on cholesterol, niacin has historically been explored for its role in preventing heart disease.
The Niacin Flush: The most distinct and often unpleasant side effect of niacin is the "niacin flush". This involves the dilation of small blood vessels, leading to redness, warmth, and itching of the skin on the face, arms, and chest. While harmless and temporary, it can be uncomfortable and is the primary reason many people prefer niacinamide. This flushing is a key distinguishing factor between the two forms of vitamin B3.

Niacinamide (Nicotinamide): Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Niacinamide, or nicotinamide, has a slightly different chemical structure than niacin, which is responsible for its different effects.

No Flushing: The primary advantage of niacinamide is that it does not cause the flushing sensation associated with niacin, making it a more tolerable supplement.
Skincare powerhouse: Niacinamide is a popular ingredient in topical skincare products due to its numerous benefits for skin health. It can help:
- Reduce inflammation and redness.
- Improve skin barrier function by increasing ceramide production.
- Minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores.
- Regulate oil production.
- Improve uneven skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation.
Treating Pellagra: Like niacin, niacinamide can be used to treat pellagra, a disease caused by severe vitamin B3 deficiency. Its use is often preferred over niacin for this condition due to the lack of flushing.
Cellular Health: Niacinamide is efficiently converted to NAD+, a coenzyme vital for cellular energy and DNA repair, making it an excellent all-purpose vitamin B3 source.

Comparison: Niacin vs. Niacinamide


Feature	Niacin (Nicotinic Acid)	Niacinamide (Nicotinamide)
Chemical Structure	Contains a carboxylic acid group.	Features an amide group instead.
Flushing Side Effect	Causes flushing, a redness and tingling sensation, especially at higher doses.	Does not cause flushing.
Primary Therapeutic Use	Management of high cholesterol and triglycerides.	Primarily used for skin health and treating B3 deficiency (pellagra).
Effect on Cholesterol	Effective at therapeutic doses for improving lipid profiles.	Does not have a significant effect on cholesterol levels.
Application Method	Primarily oral supplementation for systemic health.	Used in both oral supplements and topical skincare products.
Effectiveness for Skin	Less common and less versatile for topical skincare applications.	A cornerstone ingredient in modern skincare for various concerns.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B3

Both niacin and niacinamide are found naturally in various foods, as the body can convert one form to the other, as well as produce B3 from the amino acid tryptophan.

Animal sources: Poultry, beef, and fish (especially tuna and salmon) are excellent sources.
Plant sources: Nuts, legumes, and fortified grains provide good amounts of B3.
Tryptophan Conversion: The body can convert tryptophan into niacinamide, meaning protein-rich foods contribute to your overall vitamin B3 status.

Conclusion

In summary, while niacin and niacinamide are not the same thing, they are both essential forms of vitamin B3, with each offering unique benefits and applications. Your choice depends on your specific health goals. If your focus is cholesterol management, a doctor may recommend niacin. However, if you are looking for a general B3 supplement or seeking skin benefits without the flushing side effect, niacinamide is the better choice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly when taking high doses.

For more detailed information on niacin, refer to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the side effect of flushing. Niacin can cause a flushing sensation at higher doses, whereas niacinamide does not.

While both offer some skin benefits, niacinamide is the preferred form for skin health and is widely used in topical skincare products to reduce inflammation, improve texture, and address hyperpigmentation.

No, niacinamide does not have the same cholesterol-lowering effects as niacin. High doses of niacin (nicotinic acid) are typically needed to affect lipid profiles.

Most people in developed countries consume enough niacin from their diet to meet their basic needs through foods like poultry, meat, fish, and fortified grains.

The niacin flush is a harmless but uncomfortable side effect where the skin turns red, warm, and itchy due to blood vessel dilation. It is temporary and not a sign of a toxic reaction.

Yes, other forms include nicotinamide riboside (NR) and inositol hexanicotinate (often marketed as 'no-flush' niacin), though their effects and uses differ.

For general B3 supplementation to support cellular energy and overall health without the flushing side effect, niacinamide is often the preferred choice.

Yes, niacinamide is often combined with other ingredients, like retinol or vitamin C, in topical products to enhance overall benefits.