niacinamide

noun ni·a·cin·amide \ ˌnī-ə-ˈsi-nə-ˌmīd \

Updated on: 13 Mar 2018

Definition of niacinamide

: a compound C₆H₆N₂O of the vitamin B complex found especially as a constituent of coenzymes and used similarly to niacin — called also nicotinamide

See niacinamide defined for kids

Recent Examples of niacinamide from the Web

Two top picks: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension ($6, sephora.com) is affordable and contains 23% vitamin C. Glossier Super Pure ($28, glossier.com) is a splurge but contains a blend of niacinamide and vitamin B3.

— erin mayer, Good Housekeeping, "How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes," 7 Mar. 2018
If that sounds too intimidating, Kim also offers a drugstore option: Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum, a moisturizing formula that uses peptides and the vitamin niacinamide to plump fine lines with zero irritation.

— chloe metzger, Marie Claire, "This $10 Serum Is the Reason Kim Kardashian Doesn't Have a Single Wrinkle," 25 Jan. 2018
Also look for ingredients like licorice, vitamin C, niacinamide, and resorcinol.

— jessica prince erlich, Harper's BAZAAR, "The New Skincare Secret," 27 Mar. 2015
This one gently exfoliates skin with three percent PHA, a trendy acid at the moment, and brightens with two percent niacinamide.

— devon abelman, Allure, "Cosrx: Everything You Need to Know About the Cult-Favorite K-Beauty Brand," 12 Oct. 2017
Marchbein says that as a 4 percent gel, niacinamide has been shown to be as effective as a 1 percent clindamycin gel, a topical antibiotic commonly used to treat acne.

— kaleigh fasanella, Allure, "Best Expert-Approved Acne Spot Treatments, According to Reddit Users," 27 Sep. 2017
Beyond thickening the skin with vitamin A, the rich cream attacks brown spots with niacinamide, and softens with natural oils and butters.

— jolene edgar, Town & Country, "These Anti-Aging Extras Will Take Your Skincare to the Next Level," 27 Sep. 2016
But there’s also the formula, which is imbued with skin-care good-guys like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and an essence — all of which moisturize skin without feeling heavy.

— ashley weatherford, The Cut, "The Best Foundation for Summer Comes Inside a Weird Cheesecloth," 17 July 2017
There are a ton of brightening ingredients to look for, but some of the more effective ones on the market right now are peony and licorice root extract, kojic acid, vitamin C and E, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin.

— alexandra engler, Marie Claire, "From Topical Treatments to Lasers, Your Complete Guide to Treating Hyperpigmentation," 7 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'niacinamide.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of niacinamide

1942

Medical Dictionary

niacinamide

noun ni·a·cin·amide \ ˌnī-ə-ˈsin-ə-ˌmīd \

medical Definition of niacinamide

: a bitter crystalline basic amide C₆H₆N₂O that is a member of the vitamin B complex and is formed from and converted to niacin in the living organism, that occurs naturally usually as a constituent of coenzymes, and that is used similarly to niacin — called also nicotinamide