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Niacinamide: Celebrity ingredient? 

From beauty enthusiasts to dermatologists, everyone seems to be talking about niacinamide lately. But what’s all the buzz really about? Is it just another fleeting trend, or is this ingredient genuinely worth the hype?

What Is Niacinamide, Exactly?

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, is a water-soluble vitamin that your body can’t store—so you need to replenish it daily, either through food or skincare. It naturally occurs in ingredients like yeast, meat, fish, nuts, and leafy greens. 

In skincare, Niacinamide is one of the most versatile, bioavailable (meaning your skin actually knows how to use it) actives out there. It’s also one of the three forms of vitamin B3, the others being niacin (nicotinic acid) and nicotinamide riboside. While all three support energy metabolism and antioxidant functions in the body, niacinamide is the form best suited for topical skincare—thanks to its gentleness and compatibility. 

Niacinamide Benefits: A True Multitasker

Niacinamide is a true swiss army knife of the skincare world, it has so many benefits (please find below the simplified figures of each processes): 

  • Strengthens the skin barrier: Boosts natural ceramide production, reducing moisture loss and protecting against environmental stress. 
  • Hydrates and plumps: Reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and helps maintain a supple, glowing complexion. 
When Niacinamide is added topically, it works to soothe inflammation, and lowers the evaporation rate of water out of the skin (Trans-epidermal water loss TEWL). This keeps the skin moisturised, allowing it to heal and repair itself. Niacinamide also boosts the production of components which are essential for a healthy skin barrier (ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol).
  • Balances oil and minimizes pores: Regulates sebum production while improving skin elasticity, helping reduce shine and visibly refine the look of pores. 
When your skin is dry, water can evaporate out of your skin more quickly, which overtime can lead to skin dehydration. So, when your skin detects any dryness, it signals special glands to produce more sebum, to try and trap moisture. An over production of sebum may lead to pesky pimples and an overall appearance of bigger pores. Niacinamide helps combat these issues, by hydrating the skin and reinforcing the skin barrier, thus preventing an overproduction of sebum.
  • Improves skin texture & tone: Encourages skin cell renewal and inhibits melanin transfer to reduce hyperpigmentation. 
In your skin, there are special cells that produce Melanin, with the help of Tyrosine and Tyrosinase. When Melanin is distributed to other cells, it causes a darkening of those areas, including pigmentation of scars (darker scars). Niacinamide works to prevent Melanin from being distributed into other cells, resulting in little to no pigmentation. Hello even skin tone!
  • Reduces redness and inflammation: Soothes sensitive skin and calms flare-ups, making it ideal for conditions like rosacea or acne. 
  • Fights oxidative stress: Provides antioxidant protection from UV rays, pollution, and toxins. 
Niacinamide balances the availability of NAH+ which participates in many bodily processes in the body, thus promoting wound healing and DNA repair.
  • Boosts collagen: Supports skin’s structure to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. 
Your skin naturally breaks down collagen overtime. Niacinamide interrupts this process, effectively preserving the amount of collagen in your skin, preventing fine lines and wrinkles!

And best of all? It’s compatible with many other skincare ingredients. 

 Niacinamide pairs well with: 

  • Hyaluronic acid → hydration boost 
  • Retinol → reduces irritation and boosts anti-aging 
  • AHA/BHA → gentle exfoliation 
  • Benzoyl peroxide → acne-fighting synergy 

⚠️ Avoid pairing with pure L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to prevent potential irritation. 

Niacinamide vs Niacin vs Hyaluronic Acid which is better?

  • Niacin (nicotinic acid) is another form of B3, but it’s not ideal for topical skincare—it’s known to cause flushing and irritation. 
  • Niacinamide is the preferred topical form—gentle, effective, and incredibly versatile. 
  • Hyaluronic acid isn’t a vitamin but a hydrating molecule that draws water into the skin. It plumps, while niacinamide repairs and balances. You can use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together for a hydrating, barrier-boosting duo. 

Choosing the Right Niacinamide Products

Not all niacinamide formulas are created equal. Look for products tailored to your skin needs: 

  • 2–5% for beginners, sensitive skin, or everyday use 
  • 5–10% for targeted concerns like pigmentation or congestion 
  • Serums are great for oily and acne-prone skin 
  • Creams and lotions work well for dry, compromised skin 

Niacinamide Precautions

While niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, here are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • Start slow: Especially if you’re new to actives or have sensitive skin. Begin with lower concentrations. 
  • Don’t skip sunscreen: Niacinamide protects against oxidative stress but doesn’t replace UV protection. So use your SPF during the daytime! 

Conclusion: Is Niacinamide Worth It?

Absolutely. Niacinamide is one of the most research-backed, multifunctional, and skin-friendly ingredients in skincare today. Whether you’re new to active ingredients or a seasoned skincare lover, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to boost skin brightness, hydration, and overall resilience, all while balancing out your skin oils. 

So, if you haven’t already made space for niacinamide in your routine, now’s the time. Your skin will thank you—glowingly.  

Ready to find your perfect match? Browse our curated list of niacinamide products:  

  • The Instant Rich line delivers targeted care for dry, dull, or unbalanced skin. Infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and skin-caring actives, these formulas work in harmony to restore comfort, radiance, and long-lasting hydration.
    • The Extra-Nutrition Face Cream was crafted for dry and dehydrated skin. It has a rich, buttery texture that melts seamlessly into the skin, and deeply hydrates, softens, and helps repair the skin barrier, thanks to niacinamide, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid. Skin is instantly comforted and revitalized, with a healthy, luminous glow that lasts throughout the day. 
    • On the other hand, the Skin Perfect Serum is light as air but ultra-concentrated. This serum delivers powerful results in a weightless, silky fluid. With niacinamide to balance and brighten, natural silica particles to mattify, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, it helps visibly refine pores, reduce shine, and restore glow. The result? Smooth, luminous skin that feels refreshed and looks perfectly polished. 
  • The HydraTech line focuses on intense hydration and skin barrier reinforcement, with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and nourishing plant oils at its core. Featuring a refreshing face cream and a deeply moisturizing sleeping mask, this range plumps and illuminates skin while smoothing texture and boosting elasticity. Lightweight to creamy textures quickly absorb, offering immediate comfort and long-lasting moisture. Recommended for all skin types, especially those needing enhanced hydration and radiance throughout the day and overnight. 
  • The Bright Care collection harnesses the power of niacinamide alongside tranexamic acid, brightening peptides, and plant-derived lighteners to illuminate, hydrate, and even out skin tone. This comprehensive range, including toner, serum, day and night creams, face mask, and eye cream, targets dark spots, pigmentation, and dullness with consistent use. Textures vary from light, refreshing gels to creamy veils, all absorbing quickly for seamless layering. Niacinamide plays a key role by strengthening the skin barrier and reducing inflammation, while brightening agents visibly enhance radiance. Ideal for daily use, this line is suitable for all skin types aiming for a clearer, glowing complexion. 

Disclaimer: This article was written with the support of artificial intelligence (AI). However, all information presented is based on verified scientific sources and has been fact-checked and reviewed by the researchers on our team. We are committed to maintaining accuracy, credibility, and scientific integrity in all published content.  

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