Evidence supporting the use of: Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is increasingly found in hair care products and supplements marketed for hair loss or thinning. The rationale for its use is based on its well-established roles in cellular energy metabolism, improving skin barrier function, and enhancing microcirculation. Some laboratory and small clinical studies suggest that niacinamide may help improve scalp health by reducing inflammation, supporting the skin barrier, and potentially increasing blood flow to hair follicles, theoretically promoting a healthier environment for hair growth.

However, direct evidence for niacinamide specifically treating hair loss (such as androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium) is limited. A few small-scale studies and patents have reported that topical application of niacinamide, sometimes in combination with other ingredients like panthenol or caffeine, can improve hair fullness, tensile strength, or reduce scalp inflammation. For example, one study found improvements in hair appearance and strength in subjects using a leave-on treatment containing niacinamide, but these effects were modest and not clearly linked to new hair growth.

Overall, while there is some preliminary scientific rationale and early supportive data, high-quality, large-scale clinical trials demonstrating substantial efficacy for hair loss are lacking. Therefore, the evidence is rated 2/5—suggestive but not conclusive. Niacinamide may support scalp health and hair quality, but should not be considered a primary treatment for hair loss based on current evidence.

More about Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
More about Hair (loss or thinning)