Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) in Makeup: Benefits & Skin Science | PHNX Cosmetics 🐦‍🔥

Feb 01, 2026

NIACINAMIDE: THE SKINCARE INGREDIENT YOU DIDN'T KNOW WAS IN YOUR MAKEUP ✨

The Beauty Behind the Ingredients | PHNX Cosmetics - Editorial No. 02

What if your makeup could do more than simply enhance the appearance of your skin?

For years, skincare and makeup were treated as two completely separate categories. Skincare was designed to care for your complexion, while makeup was created to provide coverage, colour, and definition.

Today, those categories are increasingly overlapping.

At PHNX Cosmetics, we believe that beautiful makeup begins with thoughtful formulation. That's why we're passionate about incorporating skincare-inspired ingredients into products you already love wearing.

One ingredient that's earned a particularly impressive reputation is Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3.

You've probably seen it featured in serums, moisturizers, and skincare treatments. But what exactly does it do? Is it suitable for every skin type? And why would a cosmetics brand incorporate it into makeup?

Let's explore the science behind this increasingly popular beauty ingredient.

WHAT EXACTLY IS NIACINAMIDE?

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, an essential nutrient involved in numerous biological processes throughout the body.

In skincare, it's valued for its versatility and its role in supporting healthy skin function.

Unlike exfoliating acids, which work by helping remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface, Niacinamide works through several different biological pathways.

Research on topical Niacinamide has explored its potential to support the skin barrier, improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, and help regulate aspects of sebum production.

This makes it an interesting ingredient for formulators developing products for a wide range of skin concerns.

But here's something important to remember:

The presence of Niacinamide in a product doesn't automatically mean it will deliver every benefit associated with the ingredient.

Concentration, formulation, frequency of use, and the type of product all influence results.

1. NIACINAMIDE & YOUR SKIN BARRIER: WHY IT MATTERS

Your skin barrier is one of your body's most important protective systems.

The outermost layer of your skin helps retain moisture while limiting exposure to environmental irritants.

When this barrier isn't functioning optimally, your skin may feel dry, tight, or uncomfortable.

Niacinamide has been studied for its ability to support aspects of the skin's barrier function, including processes associated with the production of certain skin lipids.

These lipids help maintain the integrity of the outer skin layer.

With consistent use in appropriately formulated skincare products, Niacinamide may help improve barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss, the process through which water naturally escapes from the skin.

PHNX BEAUTY TIP: If your skin feels dry or uncomfortable, don't rely on one ingredient alone. A gentle cleanser, suitable moisturizer, and daily sunscreen are still the foundation of a well-balanced skincare routine.

2. CAN NIACINAMIDE HELP WITH OILY SKIN?

If you've ever struggled with your makeup becoming shiny halfway through the day, you've probably wondered whether certain skincare ingredients can help.

Niacinamide has attracted attention for its potential effects on sebum production.

Sebum is the natural oil produced by your skin's sebaceous glands. It plays an important role in maintaining skin comfort, but excess sebum can contribute to unwanted shine.

Some studies suggest that topical Niacinamide may help reduce measures of surface oiliness when used consistently in certain formulations.

However, the results vary, and Niacinamide isn't a substitute for a properly formulated mattifying primer or setting powder.

For makeup application, choosing products that complement your skin type remains essential.

PHNX BEAUTY TIP: If you have oily or combination skin, avoid over-powdering your entire face. Apply setting powder strategically to areas where excess shine tends to develop, such as the forehead, nose, and chin.

3. NIACINAMIDE & UNEVEN SKIN TONE

Another reason Niacinamide has become so popular is its potential to improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation.

Our skin naturally produces melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye colour.

Certain factors, including sun exposure and inflammation, can contribute to uneven pigmentation.

Research suggests that topical Niacinamide may help reduce the transfer of pigment-containing structures to surrounding skin cells.

In appropriately formulated skincare products, this can contribute to a more even-looking complexion over time.

But it's important to distinguish between skincare results and makeup results.

A complexion product containing Niacinamide can provide immediate cosmetic coverage through its pigments, while any longer-term ingredient benefits depend on the complete formulation and how the product is used.

PHNX BEAUTY TIP: Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential when addressing uneven-looking skin tone. Sun protection helps prevent UV exposure from worsening the appearance of certain types of pigmentation.

4. IS NIACINAMIDE SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?

Niacinamide is generally well tolerated in many cosmetic formulations, which is one reason it's frequently included in products developed for different skin types.

However, even ingredients with a favourable tolerability profile can cause irritation in some individuals.

Higher concentrations aren't necessarily better, and products containing multiple active ingredients may be more irritating than simpler formulations.

If you have reactive skin, introduce new products gradually and consider patch testing before incorporating them into your everyday routine.

And remember, an ingredient's suitability depends on the entire product, not just one component of its formula.

5. DOES MORE NIACINAMIDE MEAN BETTER RESULTS?

Not necessarily!

It's easy to assume that a product containing a higher percentage of an active ingredient must be more effective.

But cosmetic chemistry isn't quite that simple.

Many published studies evaluating topical Niacinamide have used concentrations around 2–5%, depending on the skin concern being investigated.

That doesn't mean every product within that range will perform identically, or that a higher concentration will always be harmful.

It simply reinforces an important principle:

Effective skincare is about thoughtful formulation, not chasing the highest percentage on the label.

The supporting ingredients, product stability, application frequency, and overall formulation all contribute to the experience and potential benefits of a cosmetic product.

INGREDIENT MYTH VS. FACT

MYTH: Niacinamide is an exfoliating acid.

FACT: Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3. It doesn't exfoliate skin in the same way as alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids.

MYTH: Niacinamide is only useful for oily skin.

FACT: Niacinamide has been studied for several functions, including skin barrier support, surface oiliness, and uneven-looking pigmentation.

MYTH: A 10% Niacinamide product must be better than a 5% product.

FACT: Higher concentrations don't automatically produce better results. Product formulation and tolerability matter.

MYTH: Niacinamide works immediately to correct pigmentation.

FACT: Improvements in uneven-looking pigmentation generally require consistent use over time. Makeup can provide immediate cosmetic coverage, but that's different from a longer-term skincare effect.

NIACINAMIDE IN PHNX COSMETICS

At PHNX Cosmetics, our mission is to bridge the gap between clean beauty and high-performance makeup.

We believe that beautiful colour, comfortable textures, and thoughtfully selected ingredients can work together in products designed for everyday use.

Two products that reflect our skincare-inspired approach are our PHNX Hydrating BB Cream and PHNX Vitamin E Lipstick.

PHNX Hydrating BB Cream

A beautiful complexion doesn't always require heavy foundation.

Our PHNX Hydrating BB Cream combines lightweight, buildable-looking coverage with skincare-inspired ingredients, including Niacinamide, Aloe Vera, Cucumber, Chamomile, and Squalane.

Designed to help create a naturally even-looking complexion, it's a beautiful option for everyday makeup.

Niacinamide adds a skincare-inspired element to the formulation, while the BB Cream's pigments provide the immediate cosmetic effect of evening out the appearance of your skin.

For a fresh, polished finish, apply a small amount to moisturized skin and blend outward, building coverage only where needed.

PHNX BEAUTY TIP: For the best application and natural makeup look, apply your BB Cream with your fingertips. Massage into the skin until it's fully absorbed. Concentrate coverage around the centre of your face, then blend toward the edges and down the neck for a seamless finish.

PHNX Vitamin E Lipstick

Your lips deserve thoughtfully formulated makeup, too.

Our PHNX Vitamin E Lipstick collection brings together beautiful pigmentation and skincare-inspired ingredients.

The updated formulation incorporates Niacinamide alongside ingredients such as Vitamin E, Bakuchiol, Ceramide NG, peptides, and Hyaluronic Acid.

These ingredients reflect our approach to creating modern makeup formulas that consider both performance and the overall feel of the product.

While the presence of these ingredients doesn't guarantee the same results as a dedicated skincare treatment, they demonstrate how makeup formulations can evolve beyond colour alone.

Whether you're choosing a classic nude, romantic pink, or a deeper statement shade, our goal is to create lipstick that feels as beautiful as it looks.

WHY INGREDIENT EDUCATION MATTERS

The more we learn about cosmetic ingredients, the easier it becomes to make informed decisions about the products we use.

Niacinamide is a perfect example.

It's not a miracle ingredient, and it doesn't need to be.

It's a well-researched form of Vitamin B3 with several interesting applications in skincare and cosmetic formulation.

At PHNX Cosmetics, we believe the future of beauty isn't about choosing between skincare and makeup.

It's about understanding how the two can complement one another.

And as consumers become more knowledgeable about ingredients, we believe transparency, education, and thoughtful formulation will continue to shape the beauty industry.

Because beautiful makeup is even better when you understand the science behind it. ✨🔥

With love,
The PHNX Cosmetics Team