What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is one of the most versatile, effective and kind ingredients you can find in cosmetics. If you've ever wondered what niacinamide is and why it appears in so many products, the answer is simple: because it works. And it does so without irritating or drying.
It's a water-soluble active ingredient with the ability to treat several skin problems at once. It evens skin tone, reduces pore size, improves radiance, regulates sebum... sounds too good to be true? Well, it isn't. The best part is, it is very well tolerated, even by sensitive or acne-prone skin. In short: it's that all-in-one ingredient that enhances almost any routine.
How does niacinamide help your skin?
Niacinamide has a key function: to improve the overall health of the skin. It acts on the skin barrier, reinforcing it so that it retains moisture better and is more resistant to external aggressions. And there's more. It also regulates sebum production, helps reduce inflammation, improves texture and evens skin tone.
It's a great ally if you have pimples, blemishes, redness or are simply looking for more balanced skin. And if you're concerned about signs of aging, it also helps keep skin firmer and more elastic with continued use.
Benefits of niacinamide
- Visibly improves radiance.
- Reduces pore size with continued use.
- Helps soothe redness and reduce inflammation.
- Regulates sebum, ideal for combination or oily skin.
- Strengthens the skin barrier and improves hydration.
- Evens skin tone and fades light blemishes.
- Gives smoothness and improves the overall texture of the face.
A plus? It doesn't sensitize the skin or make it dependent on it. The more you use it, the more benefits you see... as easy as that.
How to use niacinamide and which formats to look for?
One of the advantages of niacinamide is that you can find it in many types of product: tonics, serums, creams, cleansers... even sunscreens. The most common (and most effective) is to use it in serum or toner format, as these formulas allow a good concentration of the active ingredient and are absorbed quickly.
You can use it day or night, or in both routines. Niacinamide is not photosensitive (i.e. it does not react with sunlight), so you don't need to keep it for nighttime use only. Plus, it matches most of the ingredients in your routine.
Can it be used with retinol, vitamin C or salicylic acid?
Yes. While there was debate in the past about whether it was a good idea to mix niacinamide with vitamin C, we now know that there is no real problem, unless you have extremely sensitive skin, in which case it is best to alternate or space them out.
The same goes for retinol or salicylic acid: niacinamide is not only compatible, it helps to soothe the skin and minimize the potentially irritating effects of these more intense actives.
Is niacinamide safe to use while pregnant?
Yes! Niacinamide is safe during pregnancy and an excellent choice for treating common concerns such as hormonal blemishes, increased sensitivity or loss of radiance. It is gentle, effective and does not interfere with hormonal processes. It is also suitable during breastfeeding.
Which skin types benefit most from niacinamide?
While all skin types can benefit from this ingredient, there are some types that will love it from the first use:
Oily or combination skin: regulates sebum, reduces shine and improves the appearance of pores.
Acne-prone skin: soothes, reduces inflammation and helps prevent breakouts.
Sensitive or reactive skin: reinforces the barrier and reduces redness.
Dull or uneven skin tone: progressively brightens and evens out skin tone.
Skin with post-inflammatory spots: improves tone without irritating or flaking.
It's a universal ingredient. And that's why you'll see it in so many Korean formulas: because it fits every routine, skin type and specific need.
How to choose the right concentration?
Most Korean products with niacinamide contain between 2% and 5%, which is more than enough to see results. Some more intense formulas can go up to 10%, but more is not always better: higher concentrations can saturate the skin or cause mild irritation on sensitive skin.
A piece of advice: if it's your first time, start with a product containing between 2% and 5%, apply it once a day and see how your skin reacts. You can then increase the frequency or even combine it with other ingredients as needed.
