If you read skin-care labels, you have seen niacinamide. It is a form of vitamin B3, and dermatologists have studied it for acne-prone skin since the 1990s[1][2]. Your skin needs vitamin B3 every day. In Europe, niacin may carry the claim that it "contributes to the maintenance of normal skin."[3] ClearDerm with Probiotics provides 40 mg of niacinamide, alongside zinc and 20 other ingredients, to help promote clear skin.[4] Here is what the research shows.
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From Anirva, the maker of ClearDerm with Probiotics. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- Skin needs vitamin B3. A severe shortage (pellagra) causes a rough, sunburn-like rash on sun-exposed skin.[5]
- Niacinamide has a long record in acne research. In two oral studies with zinc, 79% and 81% of people rated their skin better, though neither had a placebo group.[6][7]
- It may calm inflammation. Researchers describe several ways niacinamide, with zinc, may calm inflamed skin.[8]
- On the skin, it lowered oil and matched an antibiotic gel. In one trial, 82% improved with a niacinamide gel and 68% with clindamycin gel.[1][9]
- ClearDerm provides 40 mg a day, 250% of the Daily Value, together with 30 mg of zinc, to help promote clear skin.[4]
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient and form | Niacin, as niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) |
| Amount in ClearDerm | 40 mg a day, in 2 capsules (250% of the Daily Value) |
| Recommended intake, adults | 14 mg a day for women; 16 mg for men |
| Adult upper limit, US | 35 mg a day of niacin from supplements, set to avoid flushing |
| Adult upper limit, Europe | 900 mg a day of nicotinamide |
| Kinds of evidence | Nutrition science, reviews, trials of niacinamide on the skin, and studies of oral supplements |
| Last reviewed | [DATE] |
What is niacinamide, and why does skin need it?
Vitamin B3 comes in two main forms: nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, also called niacinamide. Unlike nicotinic acid, niacinamide "does not cause skin flushing."[5]
The body turns both forms into NAD and NADP, helper molecules that enzymes need. More than 400 enzymes need NAD, including enzymes for energy, keeping DNA healthy and cell communication.[5]
The skin shows what happens without enough B3. Severe deficiency, called pellagra, causes a pigmented rash and rough, sunburn-like skin where the sun reaches.[5]
In Europe, niacin may carry the claim that it "contributes to the maintenance of normal skin."[3]
How may niacinamide help acne-prone skin?
Researchers have described several ways niacinamide, alone or with zinc, may calm the skin:[8][2]
- Inflammation. It may slow the movement of white blood cells into inflamed areas, and calm mast cells, immune cells that release irritating chemicals.[8]
- Skin bacteria. Niacinamide with zinc may slow the growth of the bacterium linked to acne.[8]
- Oil. In two trials, niacinamide applied to the skin lowered skin oil.[9]
A 2017 review describes niacinamide as having "potent anti-inflammatory properties."[2] The research is still growing: most of it used niacinamide on the skin, and less is known about capsules.
What the studies show
Niacinamide gel and an antibiotic gel (1995)
In a double-blind trial, 76 people with inflamed acne applied either 4% niacinamide gel or 1% clindamycin gel, an antibiotic, twice a day for 8 weeks.[1]
Results were similar: 82% improved with niacinamide and 68% with clindamycin, and inflamed spots fell by 60% and 43%.[1]
Niacinamide and skin oil (2006)
A 2% niacinamide moisturizer lowered skin oil in two trials. One used a placebo in 100 Japanese volunteers; the other had 30 white volunteers.[9]
Oral supplements with niacinamide and zinc
Two open-label studies, with no placebo group, tested oral supplements that combined niacinamide with zinc and other nutrients.[2]
- NICOS (2006). 198 people with acne or rosacea took tablets with 750 mg niacinamide, 25 mg zinc, copper and folic acid for 8 weeks. 79% rated their appearance moderately or much better. At 4 weeks, 55% reported at least a quarter fewer inflamed spots.[6]
- NicAzel (2012). 235 people with inflamed acne added a supplement with niacinamide, zinc, azelaic acid, vitamin B6, copper and folic acid to their usual acne care. After 8 weeks, 88% had visibly fewer inflamed spots, and 81% rated their appearance moderately or much better.[7]
Both results were measured against the start of each study. A 2017 review called the overall effect "unclear" because the research is limited.[2]
What the reviews conclude
Of eight studies of niacinamide on the skin, six found acne fell or matched a standard treatment.[2]
Study summary
| Study | What was used | People and length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shalita 1995 | 4% niacinamide gel vs 1% clindamycin gel | 76 people; 8 weeks | Improved: 82% vs 68% (similar) |
| Draelos 2006 | 2% niacinamide moisturizer | 100 people vs placebo, 4 weeks; 30 people, 6 weeks | Lower skin oil |
| Niren 2006 (NICOS) | Oral niacinamide 750 mg + zinc 25 mg + 2 others | 198 people; 8 weeks; no placebo | 79% rated appearance better |
| Shalita 2012 (NicAzel) | Oral niacinamide + zinc + 4 other nutrients, added to usual care | 235 people; 8 weeks; no placebo | 88% visibly fewer inflamed spots |
Niacinamide and zinc
A 2006 review describes possible ways niacinamide and zinc together may calm inflamed skin.[8]
ClearDerm provides both: 40 mg of niacinamide and 30 mg of zinc.[4] Our article on zinc explains what the zinc trials found.
How much niacinamide is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 40 mg of niacinamide, 250% of the Daily Value.[4]
Adults need 14 mg (women) or 16 mg (men) a day.[5]
The upper limit, explained
The US upper limit for adults is 35 mg a day of niacin from supplements. It is "based on the levels associated with skin flushing."[5]
Niacinamide does not cause flushing, but US experts chose to apply the same limit to it on purpose, as a safety margin. Europe sets a separate limit for nicotinamide: 900 mg a day.[10]
ClearDerm's 40 mg is above the US limit and well below the European limit.[4][5][10] If you take other supplements with niacin, ask your doctor before going over 35 mg in total.
Nausea, vomiting and signs of liver toxicity have been seen at 3,000 mg a day. In people on kidney dialysis, 500 to 1,500 mg a day caused diarrhea and low platelet counts.[5]
Is niacinamide safe?
Niacinamide has fewer side effects than nicotinic acid.[5] In the acne studies reviewed in 2017, no major side effects were seen.[2]
Niacinamide is one part of ClearDerm
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule skin supplement with 22 ingredients: vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, an enzyme and six probiotic strains. They were chosen to promote clear skin, support a clear complexion and support the gut–skin connection.[4]
Niacin, zinc and vitamin A each "contribute to the maintenance of normal skin" under EU rules.[3] The probiotic blend supports the gut–skin connection.[4]
ClearDerm has not been clinically tested as a finished product. When you take it, you are not relying on one ingredient alone.
ClearDerm is made in Phoenix, Arizona, in a cGMP-certified facility. Every ingredient is listed on the label, and the probiotic blend is given as one total.[4]
Niacin is found in poultry, beef, fish, brown rice and peanuts.[5] A few points help you use ClearDerm well: take ClearDerm with food and water, as the directions say[4]; if you also take a multivitamin or a B-complex, check the niacin on both labels[5]; and if you are pregnant or nursing, have liver or kidney problems, or take any medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you start.[4]
22 ingredients, including niacinamide and zinc
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule supplement that pairs niacinamide with zinc and other vitamins, minerals and plant extracts chosen to support clear skin. Every ingredient is listed on the label.
See ClearDermIf you are deciding
Skin needs vitamin B3, and niacin "contributes to the maintenance of normal skin."[5][3] Niacinamide may calm inflammation in several ways.[8] On the skin, it lowered oil and matched an antibiotic gel.[1][9] Two oral studies with zinc found fewer inflamed spots but had no placebo group.[6][7] ClearDerm provides 40 mg, with zinc and 20 other ingredients chosen to promote clear skin.[4]
The short version
Niacinamide is vitamin B3 that skin needs. ClearDerm provides 40 mg a day, alongside zinc, to help promote clear skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is niacinamide good for acne-prone skin?
What is the difference between niacin and niacinamide?
Both are forms of vitamin B3. Nicotinic acid can cause flushing; niacinamide does not.[5]
Does niacinamide taken by mouth help skin?
Why is 40 mg above the US upper limit?
Is niacinamide safe?
It has fewer side effects than nicotinic acid. Side effects have been seen at 3,000 mg a day, and from 500 mg a day in people on dialysis.[5]
Can I take niacinamide with zinc?
How much niacinamide is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 40 mg, 250% of the Daily Value.[4]
References
- Shalita AR, Smith JG, Parish LC, Sofman MS, Chalker DK. Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 1995;34(6):434-437. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4362.1995.tb04449.x. PMID: 7657446.
- Walocko FM, Eber AE, Keri JE, Al-Harbi MA, Nouri K. The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment. Dermatol Ther. 2017;30(5). doi:10.1111/dth.12481. PMID: 28220628.
- European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2012/432.
- Anirva. ClearDerm with Probiotics Supplement Facts label and product page. https://anirva.com/pages/clear-derm-with-probiotics (accessed October 12, 2026).
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Niacin: fact sheet for health professionals. Updated November 18, 2022. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/ (accessed October 3, 2026).
- Niren NM, Torok HM. The Nicomide Improvement in Clinical Outcomes Study (NICOS): results of an 8-week trial. Cutis. 2006;77(1 Suppl):17-28. PMID: 16871775.
- Shalita AR, Falcon R, Olansky A, Iannotta P, Akhavan A, Day D, et al. Inflammatory acne management with a novel prescription dietary supplement. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(12):1428-1433. PMID: 23377512.
- Fivenson DP. The mechanisms of action of nicotinamide and zinc in inflammatory skin disease. Cutis. 2006;77(1 Suppl):5-10. PMID: 16871773.
- Draelos ZD, Matsubara A, Smiles K. The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2006;8(2):96-101. doi:10.1080/14764170600717704. PMID: 16766489.
- European Food Safety Authority. Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels as derived by the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) and the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Version 11, August 2025. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2024-05/ul-summary-report.pdf (accessed October 3, 2026).
