New research on nicotinamide (vitamin B3) and skin health: what it might mean for sun-smart routines

Published: September 18, 2025 • Author: Soleil Derm
Keywords: nicotinamide, niacinamide, vitamin B3, photoprotection, skin health, UVA/UVB, DNA repair, NAD+, dermatologist-formulated supplement, sun supplement, Ombre, sunscreen

TL;DR

A large new study in JAMA Dermatology reports that people taking nicotinamide (vitamin B3) had lower rates of skin cancer compared with non-users—about 14% overall, and larger reductions (up to ~54%) when started after a first skin cancer—in that cohort. Because it’s observational, it can’t prove cause and effect, but it reinforces interest in B3’s role in photoprotection. Read the study. JAMA Network

What the new study found (in plain English)

Researchers analyzed real-world health records and compared outcomes for people who used nicotinamide vs. those who didn’t. They observed lower subsequent skin-cancer rates among users, with the strongest association when B3 began after a first skin cancer. Again, association ≠ causation, but it’s directionally consistent with prior data. Study abstract • VUMC summary. JAMA Network+1

How this fits with prior evidence

• Randomized trial (ONTRAC, NEJM 2015): In 386 high-risk adults, oral nicotinamide 500 mg twice daily reduced new non-melanoma skin cancers by ~23% while on therapy. Benefits waned after stopping. NEJM paper. New England Journal of Medicine

• Transplant recipients (NEJM 2023): A 12-month RCT found no benefit in immunosuppressed solid-organ transplant recipients. NEJM paper. New England Journal of Medicine

So… should everyone take nicotinamide?

Not necessarily. This is a medical conversation to have with your dermatologist, especially if you’ve had skin cancer or have specific health factors. The new research is promising, but it doesn’t replace sun-safe basics.

Non-negotiables for skin health

• Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (reapply)

• Shade, protective clothing, sunglasses

• Regular skin checks and sun-smart habits

Where Ombre fits in a sun-smart routine

Ombre is Soleil Derm’s dermatologist-formulated sun supplement, designed to support skin wellness from within as part of a comprehensive routine (sunscreen + behavior + regular care). We continuously monitor emerging research—like the JAMA Dermatology findings on nicotinamide—when developing educational content and evaluating ingredients.* Study link. JAMA Network

Ombre is not a drug and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your clinician about whether nicotinamide makes sense for you.

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FAQ

Does this study prove nicotinamide prevents skin cancer?
No. It shows an association in a large cohort. Randomized data (e.g., ONTRAC) showed benefit in high-risk adults while on therapy, but results don’t generalize to every group, and benefit may stop when you stop. NEJM 2015. New England Journal of Medicine

Is nicotinamide the same as niacin?
It’s a form of vitamin B3 (also called niacinamide) without the “flushing” associated with niacin.

If I take a supplement, can I skip sunscreen?
No. Supplements (including Ombre) are adjuncts, not replacements for broad-spectrum SPF, clothing, shade, and routine skin exams.

References & further reading

• JAMA Dermatology (2025): “Nicotinamide for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention.” Article page. JAMA Network

• Vanderbilt University Medical Center (2025): “Study reveals efficacy of nicotinamide for skin cancer prevention.” News release. VUMC News

• NEJM (2015): “A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention” (ONTRAC). Full text. New England Journal of Medicine

• NEJM (2023): “Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention in Transplant Recipients.” Full text. New England Journal of Medicine