Topical niacinamide in the management of melasma and facial hyperpigmentation – a narrative review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.51.68181

Keywords

niacinamide, melasma, facial hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Abstract

Background: Melasma is a common facial hyperpigmentation condition and has an impact on patients’ quality of life. This and other facial hyperpigmentation disorders are common problems in women of reproductive age. The standard of care remains topical hydroquinone, often combined with a retinoid and a corticosteroid. However, its long-term use is associated with a risk of irritation, paradoxical hypopigmentation and exogenous ochronosis. Niacinamide is a well-established dermocosmetic ingredient with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, barrier-protective and depigmenting properties.

Aim: To summarise current knowledge on the mechanisms of action of niacinamide in the regulation of skin pigmentation and to review clinical studies on topical niacinamide in melasma and other facial hyperpigmentation disorders. 

Material and methods: A review of the literature was conducted in PubMed, PubMed Central and Google Scholar from 2015 to 2025. The articles were included if they were full-text original reviews and addressed topical niacinamide use.

Results: Topical 4% niacinamide demonstrated efficacy comparable to 4% hydroquinone. The advantages are better tolerability, less erythema and dryness, and no reports of ochronosis. Niacinamide acts mainly by inhibiting melanosome transfer, modulating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. Combinations of niacinamide with other depigmenting agents and procedural interventions, like laser therapy, microneedling or chemical peels, were effective in melasma, post-inflammatory acne hyperpigmentation, and photoaging. It is a safe alternative to hydroquinone-containing preparations.

Conclusions: Topical niacinamide is a safe and versatile depigmenting agent with a pleiotropic mechanism of action. It should be considered an important component of modern treatment algorithms for facial hyperpigmentation, both as an alternative to hydroquinone and as a key element of combination and maintenance regimens.

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Quality in Sport

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2026-01-31

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CISZEWSKA, Wiktoria, BRODZIAK, Julia, MAZUR, Anna, FOJCIK, Katarzyna, KOWALSKA, Marta, KOSZTYŁA-CZECH, Zofia, DWORAK, Michał, WIŚNIEWSKI, Tomasz and MATYJA, Mateusz. Topical niacinamide in the management of melasma and facial hyperpigmentation – a narrative review. Quality in Sport. Online. 31 January 2026. Vol. 51, p. 68181. [Accessed 1 February 2026]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2026.51.68181.

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Vol. 51 (2026)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Wiktoria Ciszewska, Julia Brodziak, Anna Mazur, Katarzyna Fojcik, Marta Kowalska, Zofia Kosztyła-Czech, Michał Dworak, Tomasz Wiśniewski, Mateusz Matyja

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