8.0
ISS Score
B — Score based on regulatory approval status in 2 jurisdiction(s) and route-level risk assessment; no public toxicology studies available
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Vitamin · Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Molecular Formula
C6H6N2O
Molecular Weight
122.12 g/mol
Category
Skin Conditioning Agent
Bottom Line: Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations, though individual reactions may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in recommended concentrations.
- Formulated for skin types that tolerate niacinamide.
- No known allergies to niacinamide.
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin.
- Using other active ingredients that may cause irritation.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to niacinamide.
- You experience irritation or redness upon use.
- You are using products that may conflict with niacinamide.
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C6H6N2O |
| Molecular Weight | 122.12 g/mol |
| Solubility | soluble in water |
Common Use Cases
1 Categories
Cosmetic
General products. Verify suitability for specific formulation and intended use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to niacinamide is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with low risk of irritation for most individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Oral safety data for niacinamide is limited. While it is a vitamin, specific risks associated with high doses are not well-documented.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Inhalation exposure to niacinamide has not been extensively studied, and caution is advised due to insufficient data.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Ocular exposure data for niacinamide is limited. Avoid contact with eyes to prevent irritation.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- Pregnant Individuals — Limited data available regarding safety during pregnancy.
- Infants and Children — Safety data for niacinamide in infants and children is limited.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- General Adult Population — Generally well-tolerated with low risk of irritation.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| General Adult Population | Low | Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated in adults, with low risk of adverse effects. |
| Pregnant Individuals | Insufficient Data | Limited data is available regarding the safety of niacinamide during pregnancy. |
| Infants and Children | Insufficient Data | Safety data for niacinamide in infants and children is limited. |
Toxicology Data
0 Endpoints
Niacinamide is widely used in skincare with a generally favorable safety profile, though specific population data is limited.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Niacinamide is widely used in skincare with a generally favorable safety profile, though specific population data is limited.
- Commonly used in cosmetics.
- Generally well-tolerated.
- Limited data for specific populations.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
Pending formal assessment
Report: No formal safety assessment identified
Year: 2026
Conclusion: This ingredient has not been formally assessed by major regulatory or scientific bodies based on available records.
Regulatory Status
Global
This ingredient is generally permitted for cosmetic use in major jurisdictions. Always verify current local regulations. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED WITHOUT RESTRICTION IN COSMETICS
None specified
United States
FDAPERMITTED IN COSMETICS; GRAS FOR FOOD USE
None specified
Frequently Asked Questions
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used in skincare for its beneficial properties, including improving skin texture and tone.
Niacinamide is generally safe for most skin types, but individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before use.
While niacinamide is commonly used in skincare, limited data is available regarding its safety during pregnancy. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| v1.0.0 | 2023-10-01T00:00:00Z | — | Initial creation |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.