Skip to content
ORO Professional
30Ingredients

Niacinamide for the scalp

Niacinamide is vitamin B3, one of the most popular skincare ingredients. It is increasingly added to shampoos and balsams too. Here is what it does in hair and scalp care — and what you honestly shouldn’t expect from it.

What niacinamide is

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. In cosmetics it is valued for being gentle and well tolerated, so it is often found in products for sensitive skin — including the scalp.

What it does in shampoo and balsam

In hair care niacinamide works as a care ingredient together with the rest of the formula. Shampoo is on the scalp for 1–2 minutes and rinsed off, so don’t expect the action of a leave-on serum. Its job is to make daily cleansing and care more comfortable.

The honest limit: niacinamide in cosmetics does not treat dandruff, irritation or hair loss. If there is itching, flaking, redness or noticeable shedding, see a trichologist or dermatologist.

Niacinamide in ORO products

  • Soft Care Shampoo — a gentle sulfate-free shampoo for daily care: a prebiotic complex (inulin and alpha-glucan) to support the natural microbiome balance, botanical extracts, niacinamide and panthenol. Suitable for daily use.
  • Soft Care Balsam — a balsam with plant proteins (milk, silk, wheat), laminaria and fucus extracts, jojoba oil and a vitamin complex of B3, B5, B6, E.
  • Intensive Care Balsam — a balsam for daily nourishment and shine with argan oil; niacinamide is also in its formula.

Who it suits

  • a sensitive scalp that doesn’t tolerate intensive cleansing;
  • people who wash their hair daily;
  • gentle care after colouring or salon treatments — as your stylist recommends.

Step by step

  1. 01Wet hair with warm water.
  2. 02Apply Soft Care Shampoo to the scalp, massage gently, leave for 1–2 minutes.
  3. 03Rinse thoroughly.
  4. 04Soft Care Balsam from mid-length for 2–3 minutes, rinse.
  5. 05If needed — a mask for the lengths, thermo cream before blow-drying.

Common misconceptions

  • “Niacinamide treats dandruff” — cosmetics don’t treat it; see a specialist.
  • “Niacinamide stops hair loss” — no, hair loss has many causes and needs advice.
  • “The more niacinamide, the better” — the whole formula and regular care matter more.
  • “Niacinamide is only for the face” — in gentle hair care it is also a fitting care ingredient.

Frequently asked questions

What does niacinamide do in shampoo?
It works as a care ingredient in the formula and makes daily cleansing more comfortable. Shampoo is rinsed off, so the effect is cosmetic.
Which ORO products contain niacinamide?
Soft Care Shampoo, Soft Care Balsam and Intensive Care Balsam.
Does niacinamide help with dandruff?
A cosmetic shampoo doesn’t treat dandruff. With dandruff, itching or flaking, see a trichologist or dermatologist.
Can I use a niacinamide shampoo daily?
Yes. Soft Care Shampoo is designed for daily use.

Related guides

Products related to this topic

The right choice depends on your hair — take the personal match if you are unsure.

Care systems where this step applies

The personal match shortens the path

A few short questions — and you receive a base system, one mask and the finishing steps that suit your hair.

Start the personal care match
Back to the Knowledge Centre