Niacinamide Benefits: How It Fixes Dullness, Pores & Acne Marks

What niacinamide is, in plain terms

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that's become one of the most well-studied ingredients in skincare because it does several jobs at once: it helps regulate oil production, strengthens the skin's natural barrier, and interrupts the process that causes dark spots to form and linger. That combination is why it shows up in routines built for oily skin, acne marks, and general dullness all at the same time.

How it targets pores and post-acne marks specifically?

Enlarged-looking pores are often a texture and oil issue rather than a size issue — niacinamide helps by regulating sebum, which over consistent use can make pores appear smaller because they're less congested. For acne marks, niacinamide works by interrupting the transfer of pigment (melanin) to the skin's surface, which is what causes those marks to darken and take a long time to fade on their own.

Why Costak formulated it as a 5% rice-based face pack?

5% is a well-tolerated, effective concentration for daily-to-weekly use without the irritation risk some higher
percentages carry. Pairing it with rice water in the Cloud Rice Face Pack adds a gentle, soothing base — rice water has long been used in South and East Asian skincare traditions for calming and brightening — so the format works as a weekly treatment rather than requiring daily commitment.

How to use it for the best results?

Apply the Cloud Rice Face Pack 2–3 times a week on cleansed skin, leave on for 10–15 minutes, and rinse. Visible improvements in tone and texture typically build over 4–6 weeks of consistent use, not overnight — this is true of niacinamide in any format, not just masks.

FAQs

Does niacinamide have side effects?

It's one of the better-tolerated actives in skincare, but in rare cases can cause mild flushing or irritation, particularly at higher concentrations or when layered with too many other actives at once. Patch-test if you have very reactive skin.

Niacinamide or vitamin C — which should I use?

They target overlapping concerns (brightening, tone) but niacinamide is gentler and better for oil control, while vitamin C is more potent against free-radical damage and stubborn pigmentation. Many routines use both, just not layered at the exact same time — see our combo guide below.

Shop the Cloud Rice Face Pack (5% Niacinamide) — and explore Costak's full Face Pack collection for other targeted concerns - SHOW NOW