Rarely in the world of beauty do you come across really impressive ingredients. In fact, when you consider just how many products and ingredients out there promise to change the appearance of our skin, there’s probably only a handful that really matter. The powers of renewing retinol, glow-boosting vitamin C, plumping hyaluronic acid and moisture-restoring ceramides have been shouted about from the beauty rooftops loud and clear for years now.
However, while everyone has been caught up in a frenzy over the ingredients that offer up instant, noticeable results, I can't help but feel as though one very important guy got left behind. It's not that I have anything against the likes of retinol and vitamin C, it's just that their promises are quite presumptuous and their aggressive nature makes finding a way to work them into your skincare routine without disrupting things time-consuming. Niacinamide, however, is one powerhouse ingredient that will never give you a tough time or discriminate. Whether you're prone to breakouts, dryness or pigmentation, niacinamide has got your back. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Niacinamide?
A form of vitamin B, niaciamide is commonly labelled as "B3" on packaging and bottles. One reason that I think niacinamide has slipped through the cracks a little (beside the fact it's a total tongue-twister), is that it is often referred to in many different ways, causing confusion amongst shoppers. Looking out for B3, niacinamide or niacin on labels is a good indicator you'll reap the benefits.
What Does Niacinamide Do?
Vitamin B3 is predominantly known for its ability to soothe and heal, but the powers of niacinamide on the skin go so much further. Celebrity facialist and skin expert, Abi Oleck says, "Typically, it's an ingredient used in products that help dark spots, sun spots and hyperpigmentation. On top of that, it also plays a vital role in repairing skin and also helps the production of the skin's ceramides, thus protecting and repairing our skins' natural barrier function. It's considered a bit of a wonder ingredient and will even skin tone, brighten and restore the skin's natural inner glow." On top of all of this, it is also thought to be a powerful anti-inflammatory and sebum regulator.
Who Will Benefit Most from Niacinamide?
Considering the fact it's basically some sort of skincare marvel, there are very few people who won't benefit from incorporating niacinamide into their routines. For me, I find that using a niacinamide serum or cream every day keeps my unsightly pores and oil production in check. I also know that it's one of the first things I reach for the minute I have a breakout to ease inflammation and reduce the risk of scarring.
Plus, for those that suffer from dryness, sensitivity or any sort of skin irritation, it does a fantastic job at repairing the skin barrier and getting everything back on track. According to experts, there is no skin type or age that won't benefit from using niacinamide. Oh, and it has no negative side effects either.
The key to finding the perfect niacinamide product isn't in examining strengths and monitoring dosage as it is for other powerhouse actives, it's actually just in ensuring you're choosing the right formula for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, stick to lightweight serums. If your skin is dry, go for a weightier cream that delivers intense nourishment.
Sound like something you could get on board with? Keep scrolling for the best niacinamide products around.
New from The Ordinary, this pure niacinamide powder can be added to any water-based serum or toner of your choice to reap maximum benefits.
It's pricey, I know, but this lightweight, deeply hydrating serum is perfect for those with large pores or oily skin.
Ideal for those with sensitive skin, this niacinamide serum helps relieve tightness, irritation and dryness like no other.
If you're prone to breakouts and uneven texture, this super-light treatment works to clarify without drying out the skin.
These drops might be small, but they're seriously mighty. Add two to three drops to your everyday moisturiser for supercharged results.
This serum means business. Sure, it champions niacinamide to boost suppleness, but it also contains copper peptides to invigorate and essential fatty acids to keep the skin barrier in check. Oh, and it contains mega-antioxidant ferulic acid to help protect skin from further environmental damage.
If you consider your complexion to be stressed-out, this serum is for you. It's light, but it is also hardworking and does a wonderful job at soothing as well as preventing skin from playing up.
This super-nourishing moisturiser from Huda Kattan's skincare line, Wishful, contains a bunch of ingredients to nourish and hydrate, but it also contains niacinamide to reduce the appearance of pores and keep skin health in check.
It pains me to include this because, well, that price tag. But please hear me out. This is quite possibly my favourite moisturiser around right now. It soothes, smooths, hydrates and just keeps the complexion look generally healthy. If you ask me, it's an absolute winner.
If you struggle with finding daily facial SPFs for that work for you, this moisturiser not only contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and barrier-strengthening ceramides, it is also jam-packed with niacinamide. On top of that, it's just about one of the best facial SPF moisturisers I've tried.
This stuff is a total bargain. Ideal for those with sensitive skin that's also prone to congestion, it's perfect for everyday use.
If you're already set on the serums and moisturisers you use, this niacinamide toner is a wonderful way to work the ingredient into your daily routine, without disturbing any of the good stuff you've already got going on.
Next up, these are the best sun creams for every occasion.
