Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that is commonly used in skincare products. While niacinamide is generally considered safe and effective for most skin types, some people may experience stinging or burning sensations when using products containing this ingredient. There are several possible reasons for this, including individual sensitivity, the concentration of niacinamide in the product, and the presence of other potentially irritating ingredients.

One reason why niacinamide may sting is that the individual using the product is sensitive to the ingredient. Like other skincare ingredients, niacinamide can cause allergic reactions in some people, resulting in symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, and stinging. These reactions are more likely to occur in people who have sensitive skin or a history of allergies, and may be triggered by exposure to niacinamide in skincare products. If you are sensitive to niacinamide or have experienced allergic reactions to other skincare ingredients, you may want to avoid using products containing this ingredient or test a small amount on a patch of skin before using it more extensively.

Another reason why niacinamide may sting is that the product containing the ingredient has a high concentration of niacinamide. In general, the higher the concentration of niacinamide in a product, the more likely it is to cause stinging or irritation. For example, products containing 10% or more niacinamide may be more likely to cause stinging than products containing lower concentrations of the ingredient. If you are using a product with a high concentration of niacinamide and are experiencing stinging, you may want to try using a product with a lower concentration of the ingredient or diluting the product with a moisturizer to reduce its strength.

In addition to individual sensitivity and the concentration of niacinamide in the product, the presence of other potentially irritating ingredients can also cause stinging when using products containing niacinamide. Some skincare products contain a combination of ingredients, and some of these ingredients may be irritating or drying to the skin. For example, products containing alcohol, fragrances, or other potentially irritating ingredients may be more likely to cause stinging when used with niacinamide. If you are using a product containing niacinamide and are experiencing stinging, you may want to check the label for other potentially irritating ingredients and avoid using products with these ingredients in the future.

Overall, niacinamide is generally considered safe and effective for most skin types, but some people may experience stinging or burning sensations when using products containing this ingredient. The reasons for this can include individual sensitivity, the concentration of niacinamide in the product, and the presence of other potentially irritating ingredients. By avoiding products with high concentrations of niacinamide and other potentially irritating ingredients, and by testing a small amount of the product on a patch of skin before using it more extensively, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing stinging when using niacinamide.