This form of vitamin B3 is linked to reduced incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer in high-risk populations. (Getty Images)
The skin is the largest organ in the body, yet it's the one we tend to gloss over until it starts giving away our age. From anti-aging serums to basic sunscreens, there's no shortage of skin care products formulated to promote healthier, younger-looking skin. However, one product you might not already have in your medicine cabinet is niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide — a type of vitamin B3. The best niacinamide supplement may help minimize signs of aging and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also been gaining traction for something even more critical: Its potential to reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer.
"The risk for non-melanoma skin cancer comes from early-life sun exposure and increases with age," explains Corrie Alford, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MetroDerm in Atlanta. While it's not a substitute for sunscreen and annual visits with your derm, Hannah Kopelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, explains that taking niacinamide along with other protective measures "is a simple, low-risk addition that can really help specific patients based on the research we have so far." Similar to slathering on sunscreen, Srdjan Prodanovich, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of EZDERM, tells his patients that these supplements are a preventative measure that works best when used regularly.
As with most supplements, niacinamide isn't necessary or appropriate for everyone. Prodanovich recommends vitamin B3 supplements to patients who are at higher risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), as well as folks with a significant history of actinic keratoses, which are precancerous skin growths. "The data is strongest for patients who are considered high-risk, meaning they've had several skin cancers in the past. For them, nicotinamide [may] act as a preventive measure to reduce the chance of developing new ones," says Kopelman.
Research on the role of niacinamide in skin cancer prevention is ongoing. That said, our experts agree that the optimal dose appears to be 500 milligrams twice per day. "[This is] the dose used in the most well-known study — the ONTRAC trial — which showed about a 23% reduction in new non-melanoma skin cancers after a year," notes Kopelman.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that's made when you have excess niacin (another form of vitamin B3) in your body. While they're both forms of vitamin B3, niacin and niacinamide have different chemical structures and different health benefits. For example, niacin may be helpful for lowering cholesterol levels, while niacinamide is linked to benefits for skin health.
Vitamin B3 deficiency is rare as it's found in a variety of foods, including beef, chicken, salmon, eggs, leafy green vegetables and brown rice. In fact, it's estimated that the average daily niacin intake from diet alone is 31.4 mg in men and 21.3 mg in women. While these amounts satisfy the recommended daily intake, they fall short of providing a therapeutic dose. As a result, if you're interested in niacinamide for reducing your risk of skin cancer — or other skin benefits — supplements are (likely) your best bet.
To better understand the benefits of niacinamide and what to look for in a supplement, we consulted three dermatologists and two registered dietitians. As a dietitian, I also used my expertise to review the most popular niacinamide supplements on the market, evaluating each based on its formulation, added ingredients, third-party testing and price. Keep reading for our picks of the four best niacinamide supplements in 2025.
A note on supplements
The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.
Form: Capsules | Serving Size: 1 capsule | Niacinamide per serving: 500 mg | Capsules per container: 100 | Other ingredients: Hypromellose, stearic acid
NOW Foods Niacinamide earns the top spot as the best overall niacinamide supplement thanks to its research-backed formulation and affordable price point. While it isn't third-party tested, NOW Foods supplements are extensively tested in-house at ISO-accredited labs.
One satisfied reviewer shares, "My dermatologist recommended that I take 500 mg twice a day for skin cancer preventative measures. I have been taking it for a year now and no more suspicious spots or skin cancer. I am hoping that the progress continues. I noticed that my skin feels smoother as well."
Form: Capsules | Serving Size: 2 capsules | Niacinamide per serving: 1,000 mg | Capsules per container: 90 | Other ingredients: Cellulose, ascorbyl palmitate
Pure Encapsulations Niacinamide is vegan-friendly and free of major allergens, making it a good option for those with certain dietary restrictions. As with others on our list, it also provides a research-backed dose of 1,000 mg per day.
Pure Encapsulations is well-known for its commitment to quality, with products undergoing third-party testing to ensure purity and potency. The only major downside is the price, which is a bit higher than similar products. Reviews are also mixed on how easy the capsules are to swallow.
Online reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with one Amazon reviewer saying, "My oncologist/dermatologist at Dana Farber recommended this brand as it has a great reputation for quality...It really seems to have helped for me. Only issue is that the capsules are rather large, [so] I take extra water with them."
Form: Capsules | Serving Size: 1 capsule | Niacinamide per serving: 500 mg | Capsules per container: 180 | Other ingredients: Hypromellose Capsule
While it's the most expensive product on our list, Thorne Niacinamide makes up for it in quality and third-party testing. Specifically, the supplement is NSF Contents Certified, meaning that it's been confirmed to contain the types and amounts of ingredients listed on the label and is free from unsafe levels of contaminants, such as heavy metals and pesticides.
It also provides 500 mg of niacinamide per capsule and is free from gluten, dairy, soy and artificial colors and flavors.
Reviewers are generally pleased with the product, with several noting that it's the only niacinamide supplement they've tried that hasn't caused flushing. According to one, "I had previously taken a different brand of niacinamide to [help] prevent future basal cell skin cancers, and it caused a painful flushing in my neck and face. The Thorne brand says it doesn't cause flushing, and they're right."
In addition to being taken as a preventive measure, some customers share that the product has helped with other skin concerns. One 5-star Amazon reviewer shares, "This is a great buy for someone who’s got big pores and finding it hard to heal skin from hyperpigmentation and hormonal brake outs. In a course of a month my skin looks brighter and plumper. I have also had less breakouts. I have taken 2 pills a day religiously for a month and seen a difference."
Form: Capsule | Serving Size: 1 capsule | Niacinamide per serving: 500 mg | Capsules per container: 240 | Other ingredients: Gelatin capsule, magnesium stearate
For a niacinamide supplement that won't break the bank, we recommend checking out Nutricost Niacinamide. Despite ringing in at about $0.06 per capsule, the supplement is non-GMO and third-party tested for purity and potency. Plus, it's widely available online and at big box stores like Target.
Each capsule provides 500 mg and is free from soy, gluten and artificial colors or flavors. Online reviews are mostly positive, with many praising the supplement for its affordable price and easy-to-swallow capsules. Another reviewer calls it "The best," adding, "Amazing packaging and a great product. I've noticed so many positive changes in my skin already! Will definitely be re-purchasing!"
Form: Over-the-counter niacinamide supplements typically come in capsule form, though powdered and liquid options also exist. Just note that powdered and liquid niacinamide products don't always provide a research-backed dose and may be more expensive. Deepa Deshmukh, a functional and integrative nutrition specialist at Dupage Dietitians, typically recommends capsules as they are convenient with standardized dosing and a stable shelf life, while powders often have an unpleasant taste and expire sooner.
Formulation: Look for products containing a research-backed dose of 500 mg twice per day, unless recommended otherwise by a healthcare professional. Also keep in mind that many vitamin B3 supplements are in niacin form, not necessarily niacinamide or nicotinamide, so read the labels carefully.
Value: When checking prices, compare the dose per capsule and the number of servings per container to ensure the best value.
Third-party testing: Third-party testing and certifications ensure the contents match what's listed on the label. Kinga Portik-Gumbs, a dietitian and owner of KingA+ Nutrition in the New York City area, recommends choosing products that are certified by well-known testing organizations, including the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) or Consumer Labs.
While these two niacinamide supplements didn't quite make our top picks, they may still offer value for some folks. Here's a quick look at what they bring to the table:
Nature's Way Niacinamide: This vegan-friendly supplement provides 500 mg of niacinamide and is free of dairy, gluten, corn, soy and artificial colors and flavors. While it's made in a CGMP-certified facility and tested in-house, it doesn't undergo third-party testing for purity and potency.
Solaray Niacinamide with Aloe Vera: This product is similar to others on our list in that it's vegan-friendly and provides 500 mg of niacinamide per capsule. However, it stands out for its inclusion of aloe vera gel. While likely safe, there's mixed evidence of its therapeutic benefits for gut or skin health when used orally. It may also have a slight laxative effect. As with Nature's Way, Solaray supplements aren't third-party tested for purity or potency.
Prodanovich notes that taking niacinamide supplements is generally safe for most adults and hasn't been linked to serious side effects when taken in appropriate dosages. That said, some people may experience mild side effects, such as nausea, gas, dizziness, headache or rash.
Niacinamide isn't safe or appropriate for everyone, including those with certain medical conditions or taking certain prescription medications. Alford advises that people with liver disease or who take statins may need to limit their intake of niacinamide and should consult with a doctor before taking a supplement. Similarly, niacinamide supplements may interact with with anticoagulants (like warfarin), diabetes medications and bile acid sequestrants. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also talk with a doctor before trying it.
Not necessarily. Kopelman says that people at high risk for skin cancer should specifically look for nicotinamide (or niacinamide) on the label, not niacin. In addition to being more likely to cause flushing (a temporary reddening of the skin), niacin hasn't been studied for skin cancer prevention.
While it's possible to meet the daily recommended dose of vitamin B3 from diet, it's unlikely that you'll consume enough niacinamide to achieve a therapeutic dose of 1,000 mg per day. For this reason, supplements may be appropriate for individuals who are at risk for non-melanoma skin cancers.
Corrie Alford, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MetroDerm in Atlanta
Deepa Deshmukh, MPH, RDN, CDCES, BC-ADM, registered dietitian and functional and integrative nutrition specialist at Dupage Dietitians
Hannah Kopelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery
Kinga Portik-Gumbs, RDN, CDN, registered dietitian and owner of KingA+ Nutrition in the New York City area
Srdjan Prodanovich, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of EZDERM
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
