INCI: Niacinamide - Also known as: Vitamin B3, Nicotinamide

Quick Facts

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3, a B-vitamin widely studied for its role in skin health and its compatibility across virtually all skin types. Unlike other forms of Vitamin B3 such as nicotinic acid, niacinamide does not cause flushing, making it one of the most universally accepted actives in modern skincare formulation.

Its stability in aqueous environments makes it well-suited for water-based serums, where it can be included at concentrations that align with peer-reviewed research. At Sweet Chemistry, niacinamide is formulated at 5% in the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum - within the concentration range explored in published research for barrier and oil balance purposes.

What separates niacinamide from many surface-level brightening agents is its multi-purpose character. It has been researched in connection with skin barrier support, tone evenness, and sebum regulation - all within a single, exceptionally mild active.

What does niacinamide do for the skin?

Research suggests that niacinamide may support the skin's natural production of key barrier lipids including ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol - the three lipid families that form the foundation of a healthy stratum corneum. The potential result is skin that appears more resilient, with a more cohesive surface that is less prone to moisture loss. Regular use is associated with the appearance of a stronger, calmer barrier over time.

At the tone level, niacinamide has been studied for its possible role in supporting a more even complexion. The mechanism explored in research literature relates to how pigment may be distributed across the skin's surface - and the potential for consistent use to produce a gradually more even-looking skin tone, without the sensitivity risks associated with exfoliating brightening agents.

For sebum-prone skin, niacinamide is frequently explored in research for its association with a more balanced surface. Combined with the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum's Matrikynes® peptide complex, Ceramide NP, and seaweed glycan, it contributes to a multi-focus environment for skin that looks simultaneously calmer, clearer, and more even.

Found In

In 1 Formula at 5%

Every active in the Sweet Chemistry lineup is formulated at a functional concentration - not a cosmetic trace. At 5%, niacinamide is within the concentration range explored in published research for visible barrier and tone-related results.

Nourishment - All Skin Types

Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum 5% Niacinamide - 1.0 oz / 30 ml

The Hydra-Serum pairs 5% niacinamide with 3% Matrikynes® bone peptides, 3% pure ceramides (NP, AP), and 2% seaweed glycan in a 60% water/emulsifier emulsion - a formula with 40% active allocation where traditional serums average 15%. Ideal for all skin types; use alone or layered under either fortified cream.

Works Together With

Barrier Lipid Ceramide NP 

INCI: Ceramide NP. 

A pure physiological ceramide present at 3% in the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum alongside Ceramide AP, forming the foundation of the formula's barrier lipid complex. Synergy Note: Niacinamide has been studied for its association with natural ceramide production, while topical Ceramide NP directly replenishes the skin's lipid stores - an approach to barrier support that works at multiple levels simultaneously. 

ECM Peptide Complex Matrikynes® Bone Peptides 

INCI: Hydrolyzed Cow Bone Extract. 

A patent-pending concentrate of over 315 bioactive matrikine peptides at 3% in every Sweet Chemistry formula - in every formula to support skin density and the appearance of reduced aging signs. Synergy Note: Matrikynes® targets the deeper dermal matrix while niacinamide addresses the epidermal surface, creating a complementary two-layer approach to skin structure and appearance. 

Marine Hydrator Seaweed Glycan (Saccharina Latissimi) 

INCI: Saccharina Latissimi. 

A 2% seaweed-derived polysaccharide in the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum, associated with intense bounce and a more comfortable skin surface. Synergy Note: Seaweed glycan's soothing and film-forming properties complement niacinamide's calming association, helping skin look settled while the barrier strengthens with use. 

Amino Acid Blend Amino Acid Complex 

A 1% blend of skin-identical amino acids including glycine, arginine, serine, and others present in the Hydra-Serum, associated with dermal strength and moisture retention via natural moisturizing factor (NMF) support. Synergy Note: Niacinamide has been studied in connection with NMF production at the epidermal level, while amino acids directly contribute structural building blocks - a reinforcing combination for hydration and skin tone.