You know how your beloved dog never sets a foot wrong, lives to please and will never let you down? Well consider niacinamide the skin care equivalent. Whether you’re tackling pigmentation, acne, large pores, dryness, excess sebum or even wrinkles — niacinamide can (and will) do it all.
Although this ingredient has a difficult name to pronounce, it’s incredibly easy to tolerate and introduce into your skin care regimen. That’s likely why it’s quickly become one of the most popular skin care ingredients, even rivalling hyaluronic acid’s untarnished reputation.
Let’s get into all the wonders that niacinamide has to offer (we’re big fans), as we break down everything you need to know about niacinamide.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is an active water-soluble ingredient, which is a form of vitamin B3 and a type of protein that promotes firm and healthy skin.
What are the benefits of using niacinamide?
If you haven’t already picked up on it, there are many, but niacinamide’s biggest claim to fame is that it helps to protect the skin from environmental damage caused by pollutants.
Niacinamide is also a powerhouse when it comes to managing acne as it helps to regulate oil production, increases hydration, can reduce redness and the appearance of scarring and pores.
Basically niacinamide will do everything but wash your car. Which is why you’ll be hard-pressed to find a skin care range that isn’t using this incredible ingredient.
What skin care products can you mix it with?
Niacinamide in low concentrations can be easily paired with most other active ingredients. However, any formula with a niacinamide concentration of more than five per cent can be more likely to cause sensitivities in the skin.
The Best Niacinamide Serums
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum
from $26.99 at Chemist Warehouse
This potent hydrating serum contains a blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and neo-glucosamine to aid in moisture retention, unify skin tone, smooth uneven texture and plump the skin.
Want to know more? Read Neutrogena Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum reviews here…
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
from $65 at Paula’s Choice
A powerful booster to any skin care routine, this serum contains a whopping 10 per cent niacinamide, as well as, humectant panthenol (vitamin B5). The pair work in unison to visibly brighten skin, minimise pore size, refine texture and tone, and minimise dryness.
Want to know more? Read Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster reviews here…
La Roche-Posay MELA B3 Niacinamide Serum
from $67.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Formulated to specifically combat hyperpigmentation, La Roche-Posay’s utilised a multi-patented Melasyl™ complex alongside niacinamide (10 per cent) to minimise the appearance of dark spots and even skin tone.
Want to know more? Read La Roche-Posay MELA B3 Niacinamide Serum reviews here…
Main image credit: @gwynethpaltrow
Do you have a favourite niacinamide serum?
Some great products with the N ingredient!
I just received a sample of the La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum and I am loving it. My new fave serum. Very light, sinks in well and does not irritate. Perfect!
Sounds great! Maybe I’ll give that one a try
That is good to know
Good to know. Always great to try a sample first if you can.
Yay! I’m glad it’s good, I can’t wait to try it!
Lucky you. Were did you score a free sample from?
Never tried this but now I might! Thanks! X
I am keen to try too.
I am using a niacinamide based product however it’s a toner but would probably like to try a serum.
It is interesting to read, especially the products that can be mixed or not.
I’d love to try the Habitual Beauty Hydrating Serum but it’s way out of my price range 🙁
I used a niacinamide serum from The Ordinary which worked well
Atm not using. But liked in past
use one every day
Have used it in a serum before and may gravitate back to it again
Lots of useful info in this article.
I use a QV Niacinamide that I bought in the Rewards Room – I love it. It feels so nice on my skin
That’s great. Glad it’s working for you RINNY.
A lovely sounding ingredient
I have never used it and get confused with all the products I should be using
I know JuJu47, so many products. It has my head swimming. Good that we can try a few from the Rewards Room.
Totally Sootyhere I have had some lovely products from the RR
Really love Niacinamide in the Serums that I use also my Face Moisturiser for Day and Night Creams usually with hyaluronic acid as well.
I haven’t tried this ingredient before, but would be keen to give it a go!
I’m a fan of Niacinamide.
I’ve used the LRP which I quite liked. I have another bottle in my stash but I can’t remember which brand.
Interesting red
Typo, *read
Viamin B – good for your skin and inner health too
Used to use this quite frequently but got bored.
I keep hearing about Paula’s choice, must try it.
I don’t use currently.But tried Olay Luminous Niacinamide Super Serum in the past and had good experience with them.
I don’t have one at the moment but my favourite one that contains it is the Ultraceuticals B2 Hydrating Serum.
haven’t used it but have just recently heard about it
I think I need to add niacinamide to my skincare routine
Not using Niacinamide atm
I really want to try the La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 serum. Love La Roche-Posay!
I also love La Roche-Posay but dont often buy it.
Sure do! I use Mukti Organics’ Vital B Elixir, which contains niacinamide. I notice the difference in my skin when I don’t have it in my arsenal as opposed to when I do – my skin just looks duller & I notice my pigmentation & redness more. The only unfortunate part is this stuff is expensive, but I also know I can’t live without it!
Helpful article.
it’s good to read about this ingredient, it’s very new to me.
Really keen to try the Habitual Beauty range
Some great options
I’ve used heaps, but unfortunately my skin just doesn’t seem to like it.
Ooh. I’ll need to find a sample of something to try this, I think.
One of my fave ingredients, I really want to try the LRP serum, I think mixing it into a moisturiser would work really well
The La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide Serum is amazing.
Interesting comment about Niacinamide and Vitamin C “flush” and how it is now no longer a concern because “formulations” are better these days. I’ve done a bit of research on this and what I found was that it is, and has always been, a myth that niacinamide and ascorbic acid cannot mix. That niacinamide flush reaction simply does not happen at physiological temperature.
Interested in trying out La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide Serum
I’m yet to try niacinamide, but it’s on my radar.
I want to try the powder form of it from The Ordinary
I have tried the Biologi serum, it didn’t really do anything for my skin.
I want to try one with higher concentrations of niacinamide
yes I would too
I am just learning about this product
It’s a nice ingredient
Keen to try the new LRP serum but oof that price tag!
I will consider buying one of these serums
It’s good to know the % as I’d need to stick to those below 5% with my sensitive skin
This certainly sounds like something I should be trying.
I would like to try the La-Roche Posay