In the race to provide the best skincare products in the market today, brands take to science to determine which ingredients provide skin-loving benefits. Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and even cannabis are just some of the ingredients that are now touted as beneficial for the skin. Another such ingredient is niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 which according to Self has long been present in most commercial cosmetic formulations and other skincare products but is now gaining popularity for its benefits. But what exactly is it and what are the most important niacinamide skin benefits?
What are the main niacinamide skin benefits?
According to Self, niacinamide is one of two forms of vitamin B3 or niacin. Niacin is an important precursor that supports biochemical processes on the cellular level, including cell damage repair and proper cell support. Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that help in addressing inflammation related to rosacea and acne. But more than this, niacinamide was also found to aid in improving some signs of aging. According to a 2004 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, researchers found that when skin was applied with a moisturizer with 5% niacinamide content, skin tended to show improvements in hyperpigmentation spots, fine lines, and wrinkles versus skin that was not treated with such moisturizer. But where exactly does niacinamide come from? Healthline reports that vitamin B3 or niacin is often found in food such as eggs, cereals, green vegetables, beans, fish, and milk. However, niacin and niacinamide in skincare products can also be beneficial to the skin. Some niacinamide skin benefits include the following, as outlined by Healthline.
- Helps relieve redness and blotchiness: Because niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties, it can aid in diminishing redness caused by acne, eczema, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
- Aids in keratin production: Keratin is required for firm and healthy skin and niacinamide actually helps in its production, so that skin stays looking younger.
- Boosts the lipid barrier of skin: Skin ceramides help keep moisture in the skin and its production is aided by niacinamide. Retaining moisture is the key to keeping skin plump and wrinkle-free.
- Helps target dark spots to even out skin: Niacinamide has been found to aid in lightening dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation.
- Reduces pore size: Niacinamide helps reduce pore size as it moisturizes and minimizes inflammation.
So why choose niacinamide? Niacinamide is a promising skincare ingredient because of the way it interacts with the body on a cellular level. Dr. Bradley Bloom, a dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery in New York City told Shape that niacinamide is “one of the best-studied ingredients in the cosmeceutical world” and is also “well-tolerated” by most users when applied correctly. So how do you start using such products to experience niacinamide skin benefits? If you’re starting out with niacinamide, it’s best to switch to a moisturizer that already has this ingredient. Initially, there may be some mild irritation which will eventually cease after frequent use. Of course, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist on how to best experience niacinamide skin benefits through different products available in the market today. When trying out products with niacinamide as its major ingredient, make sure to go for ones that contain 2% to 10%, Self suggests.
Face Products for Niacinamide Skin Benefits
1. VERSO Hydration Serum with Niacinamide
Harness the power of niacinamide and experience niacinamide skin benefits with the Verso Hydration Serum, a highly moisturizing and barrier repairing serum that provides instant and longer-term hydration of dry skin. It effectively delivers moisture and prevents the skin from drying out thanks to its unique formula made up of oat lipids and oils. Meanwhile, its niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, reduces fine lines, and diminishes enlarged pores for a smoother dermal texture for younger looking skin. Its light gel formula is easy to apply and can be layered with the brand’s day or night cream. Shop at Neiman Marcus.
2. VENN Vitamin B Activated All-In-One Concentrate
This multi-correctional cream is specifically designed and formulated with VENN’s proprietary Concentric Technology that combines the nourishing powers of Vitamins B1 (Thiamin HCL), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacinamide), B5 (Panthenol), B7 (Biotin), and B9 (Folic Acid), 11 Amino Acids (including 8 Essential Amino Acids), and solubilized Mastic Gum to deeply hydrate and improve skin complexion. It features a rich and intensely luxurious formula, of which 93% is supercharged with efficacy-driven bioactives. Shop at Neiman Marcus.
3. OMOROVICZA Silver Skin Saviour
Designed to target blemishes, even and refine skin tone, instantly brighten skin, and unclog pores, Omorovicza Silver Skin Saviour harnesses the power of colloidal silver and niacinamide for improved skin. Colloidal silver has antibacterial properties that helps target skin imperfections and treat blemishes and imperfections, while niacinamide refines skin tone and controls sebum production. Its Salicylic Acid and Beta Hydroxy Acid exfoliates to reveal smoother, softer skin while encouraging cell renewal and minimizing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Lastly, Omorovicza’s Patented Healing Concentrate helps skin become more firm and supple to reveal younger looking skin. Features a mask formula best used once a week. Shop at Neiman Marcus.
4. CAUDALIE Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide
Designed for normal and dry skin and to address skin concerns such as dark spots, dryness, and dullness, the Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide comes in a lightweight gel formula. It is packed with Viniferine that improves dark spots and brightens skin appearance, Niacinamide for even skin tone, and Hyaluronic Acid for ultimate hydration. This product is free of sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and other synthetic ingredients. Customers have rated this product 4.8 out of 5 stars, with a 95% recommendation rating at Sephora.
5. SOBEL SKIN RX 15% Niacinamide Gel Serum
This gel serum from Sobel Skin RX is designed for all types of skin and targets loss of firmness and elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, and dryness. It comes in a lightweight formula that’s powered by Niacinamide that helps nurture, firm, smooth, and minimize large pores, Allantoin to calm and soothe skin, and Sigesbeckia Orientalis that smoothes fine lines and wrinkles and brightens the skin. This product is free of sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and other synthetic ingredients. Sobel Skin RX 15% Niacinamide Gel Serum has an 85% recommendation rating at Sephora.
More Niacinamide Skin Benefits from These Skincare Products
1. DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE Stress Repair Face Cream with Niacinamide
With a lightweight cream formula, this nutrient-rich face cream from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare is packed with niacinamide (vitamin B3), superfoods, and adaptogens that together fight the visible signs of aging caused by stress. It targets dryness, dullness and uneven texture, and fine lines and wrinkles. Its niacinamide (B3) supports lipid barrier function to keep moisture in and reduce redness and breakouts. The cream also contains Shatavari, which empowers skin to be resilient to stress, prevents free radical damage, and supports collagen production. Avocado, a nutrient-dense superfood supports the production of hyaluronic acid to soften and moisturize skin. Its cold-preserved B3 Adaptive SuperFoods™ Complex is made up of avocado, kiwi, cordyceps mushroom, and kakadu plum to boost skin’s resilience against stress. This product is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, with a 97% recommendation rating at Sephora.
2. DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE Stress Rescue Super Serum with Niacinamide
Level up your skincare and get the most niacinamide skin benefits by pairing the Dr. Dennis Gross Stress Repair Face Cream with the Stress Rescue Super Serum with Niacinamide. It is a supercharged anti-stress serum that has a lightweight formula that easily absorbs into skin and combats the five signs of aging caused by stress. It is powered by Niacinamide (B3) for moisture retention and eliminating redness, breakouts, and enlarged pores, Ashwagandha to help skin adapt to stress and diminish dark spots and fine lines, and Goji, the superfood and adaptogen that reduces redness and protects against oxidative stress while brightening the skin. 87% of customers recommend this product, available at Sephora.
3. AESOP In Two Minds Facial Toner
Cleanse and tone your skin with a one-of-a-kind mildly astringent formulation from Aesop. Suited for combination skin, In Two Minds Facial Toner is packed with Witch Hazel, Niacinamide, and Chamomile Bud to refresh and balance the skin, while gently addressing an oily T-zone. Shop at Neiman Marcus.
4. PETER THOMAS ROTH PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment
Address skin discoloration with Peter Thomas Roth’s intensive formula powered by a high-potency 15% active brightening complex. Its unique lightweight cream formula is packed with Niacinamide to target discoloration and uneven skin tone, Tranexamic Acid to reduce dark patches and post-blemish marks, and Kojic Acid for its skin brightening benefits. This product is free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, triclosan, and other synthetic ingredients. Customers rated this product 4.6 out of 5 stars, with a 93% recommendation rating at Sephora.
5. REVIVE Body Superieur Nightly Renewing Serum
Let this serum work as you sleep. The ReVive Body Superieur Nightly Renewing Serum is a fast-acting body serum that works on renewing skin, diminishing fine lines, and revealing a firmer, smoother appearance. It gently exfoliates, gently reduces imperfections, and smoothes crepey skin to make your skin look younger. It’s powered by Glycolic and Lactic Acids that exfoliate to eliminate dead surface skin cells, a firming blend of Micro algae and Shekwasha (Flat Lemon) to lift skin, Niacinamide to address uneven skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles, 4D Hyaluronic Acid for supreme moisturization,a nd Bio-Renewal and Bio-Firming Proteins to help diminish fine lines for renewed, firmer, more supple skin. Shop at Neiman Marcus.
Niacinamide Picks on Amazon
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, a high-strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula for skin, Amazon.
- The Inkey List Niacinamide, a naturally occuring vitamin B3 that helps control excess oil and reduce blemishes and redness, Amazon.
- Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Face Serum, with willow bark extract, niacinamide, and zinc blend, Amazon.
- Eva Naturals Skin Clearing Serum, with Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol, and MSM, Amazon.
If you enjoyed this story on niacinamide skin benefits, make sure to check out more of our skincare stories in the links below.
Most Effective Affordable Night Creams That Won’t Break the Bank
How Stress Can Affect the Skin + Best Skincare Products for Stress-Related Problems
The Best of Anti-Aging Skincare 2019
The Top Rated List: The Best Korean Beauty Products Right Now
Spend vs Save: Beauty and Personal Care
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