Niacinamide 20% Treatment

CLINICAL Niacinamide 20% Treatment features the first-of-its-kind concentration of vitamin B3 that uniquely penetrates skin’s surface to help improve the look of enlarged, stretched pores.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a smart, multifaceted ingredient that uniquely penetrates skin’s surface to help improve the look of enlarged, stretched pores. It normalizes pore function and protects from further stretching when exposed to damaging UV light for a dramatically smoother, younger-looking complexion.

Dispense 1–2 drops into palms, apply to face, neck and chest. Follow with other treatment products and moisturizer. For daytime, finish with asunscreenrated SPF 30 or greater.

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, Purslane, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside

All Ingredients: Water (Solvent | Good), Niacinamide (Antioxidant, Humectant | Best), Pentylene Glycol (Humectant, Solvent, Preservative | Good), Butylene Glycol (Humectant, Texture Enhancer | Good), Glycerin (Humectant, Texture Enhancer, Solvent | Best), Acetyl Glucosamine (Antioxidant, Humectant | Best), Ascorbyl Glucoside (Antioxidant | Best), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts | Best), Spiraea Ulmaria Extract (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts | Best), Portulaca Oleracea Extract (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts | Best), Camellia Japonica Flower Extract (Plant Extracts, Antioxidant | Best), Epigallocatechin Gallate (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts | Best), Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract (Plant Extracts, Antioxidant | Best), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts | Best), Allantoin (Plant Extracts | Best), Lecithin (Emollient, Emulsifier, Cleansing Agent | Best), Pullulan (Antioxidant, Texture Enhancer | Good), Panthenol (Humectant, Solvent | Best), Silica (Texture Enhancer, Absorbent, Occlusive/Opacifying Agent | Good), Xanthan Gum (Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agent, Emulsifier | Good), Sclerotium Gum (Texture Enhancer, pH Adjuster/Stabilizer | Good), Propanediol (Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent | Good), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative | Good), Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservative, Humectant | Good)

Ingredient Spotlight:

• Niacinamide: Helps visibly minimize pore size, improve dull/uneven tone, and reduce wrinkle depth. Also known to fortify skin's barrier strength and boost hydration. Improves the appearance of enlarged pores; Brightens dull, uneven tone; Boosts skin’s barrier strength
• Acetyl Glucosamine: Antioxidant known to help visibly fade discolorations and soothe skin. It also helps skin naturally produce its own hyaluronic acid content. Multi-purpose antioxidant; Plays a role in improving discolorations; Offers skin-calming properties
• Purslane: Potent antioxidant with skin-soothing, anti-wrinkle benefits. Also delivers beneficial minerals for skin. Has the potential to help skin that has become lax/crepey. Helps rejuvenate skin that has become lax; Contains vitamins A, C + E plus glutathione; Rich in potassium, magnesium + omega-3 fatty acids
• Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract: Extract with soothing properties and anti-aging benefits, inlcuding the ability to fade dark spots. Antioxidant AKA licorice root extract; Offers skin-soothing properties; Helps improve uneven tone
• Ascorbyl Glucoside: Stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that brightens dull skin and fades discolorations. Stable form of vitamin C easily penetrates skin; Brightening benefits enhanced by niacinamide; Helps improve skin’s environmental defenses

Antioxidants,March 2024, pages 1–18
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology,January 2021, pages 304–309
Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine,September 2019, pages 6,203–6,214
Journal of Food Biochemistry,April 2019, ePublication
Journal of Pharmacopuncture,March 2019, pages 7-15
Experimental Dermatology,February 2019, pages 15–22
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine,January 2019, ePublication
Journal of Ethnopharmacology,March 2018, pages 132-137; and December 2016, pages 627-636
Cosmetics, February 2018,pages 10-11
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology,June 2014, pages 311-315
Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice, First Edition; 2014, pages 103-111
International Journal of Cosmetic Science,October 2013, pages 472-476

What’s the difference between the CLINICAL Niacinamide 20% Treatment and 10% Niacinamide Booster and which should I use?

Both formulas feature niacinamide, but they’re designed for different needs. In addition to the higher concentration of niacinamide (20% vs. 10%), our 20% Niacinamide has a slightly thicker texture and includes a different blend of supporting antioxidants to help address excess oil and the look of enlarged pores over time.

You may prefer Niacinamide 20% if you’re targeting more advanced concerns such as the look of stretched pores, orange peel-like texture, or persistent oil-related bumps. If your main concerns are the look of enlarged pores and uneven skin tone, the 10% strength may be a better fit. If your concerns vary across your face, you can also spot-apply or alternate between the two based on your skin’s needs.

Can I use Niacinamide 20% Treatment with other products containing niacinamide?

Yes, you can use the Niacinamide 20% Treatment with otherniacinamide productsincluding serums and moisturizers, layering them in order from thinnest to thickest texture. You can also alternate their use if you find that suits your skin’s needs.

Can niacinamide cause sensitivity, redness or irritation?

Niacinamide typically doesn’t cause redness, sensitivity or irritation, although some people experience a brief flushing when pure niacinamide and vitamin C are used together. This combination can convert niacinamide to niacin, which may trigger temporary redness. Cosmetic chemists carefully formulate to avoid this concern, and even in a lab setting the conversion requires a significant amount of time and heat before it occurs. For those with a known sensitivity to niacinamide or with extra-sensitive skin in general, we suggest introducing the product slowly for the first two weeks, then increase gradually if desired.

Can I use niacinamide every day?

Yes, you can safely use niacinamide every day. Applying niacinamide products daily will provide the most consistent results.

Is niacinamide better morning or night?

For best results, you can use niacinamide in the morning and at night. You can also alternate its use if you find that works better for you.

What can you not mix with niacinamide?

While there are a lot of myths and misinformation about which ingredients you supposedly can’t mix with niacinamide, research shows thatyou can use niacinamide with retinol,vitamin C, hydroxy acids and other skin care ingredients safely.

Is 20% niacinamide too strong?

While 20% niacinamide is potent, the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded that it is safe to use concentrations up to this amount. Individual responses may vary so if you have a known niacinamide sensitivity or extra-sensitive skin, we recommend patch testing first, and incorporating it slowly into your routine, watching how your skin responds.

What is “orange peel” skin?

Orange-peel texture refers to a condition where the skin appears thicker, has oversized (stretched) pores and an uneven, rough or bumpy texture like an orange peel. Learn more aboutorange peel skinin our article.

Is niacinamide safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Niacinamide is generally considered safe during pregnancyand breastfeeding, making it one of the few active ingredients suitable for use during this time. As with any new product, consult your healthcare provider before adding it to your routine.

Can the CLINICAL Niacinamide 20% Treatment cause breakouts?

Niacinamide doesn’t increase cell turnover the way retinol or exfoliating acids can, so it’s less likely to cause “purging.” That said, some people may experience a brief adjustment period when starting a higher concentration. If you notice breakouts or irritation, reduce use to once daily or every other day and give your skin time to adjust. If symptoms persist, discontinue use.

Does the CLINICAL Niacinamide 20% Treatment layer well under makeup?

Yes, the lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly and layers smoothly under moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup without pilling, or leaving a sticky residue. Apply a few drops after cleansing and toning, let it absorb, then continue with the rest of your routine.