Why everyone should be adding niacinamide to their skin routine
The best niacinamide serums to buy, and everything to know about their skin-clearing properties
A skin expert explains why the potent ingredient is a powerhouse for all skin types.
By Dani Maher
ONCE YOU MAKE the decision to commit to a multi-step skin routine, you enter into a world of even more decisions: Namely, which steps do you choose to take to give your skin the best opportunity to thrive?
One of the steps that stumped me for some time was the serum step-I just couldn't work out which, of the seemingly dozens of active ingredients, were the right ones for me. They all claim to be the best possible option for your skin, but how was I to know which ones would really deliver on those promises?
Fortunately, there is one ingredient that is a true powerhouse, and genuinely suited to all skin types and concerns-oily to dry, acne-prone to sensitive, ageing to combination. And that ingredient is niacinamide.
"It has such strong evidence for so many skin conditions from acne to wrinkles, pigmentation to rosacea," explains Dr. Ginni Mansberg; GP, skin expert and founder of Evidence Skincare. "I'd argue all of us should use it daily-I certainly do!" she told BAZAAR.
Below, Dr. Mansberg helps us break down everything you need to know about niacinamide-from what exactly it can offer your skin, to the the best options on the market right now.
Related: How to create a skincare routine that actually works
What is niacinamide?
"Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. Your cells need niacinamide to maintain cellular health," explains Dr. Mansberg.
It can be taken as a dietary supplement, but is more frequently applied topically to the skin in the form of a serum or cream (or mask, the opportunities are pretty much endless).
What are the benefits of niacinamide-what does it do?
Dr. Mansberg explains that its benefits can be felt throughout the body, with derivatives aiding in the production of energy and at the cellular level-though for the skin, it's generally loved for its soothing properties and its ability to even the complexion.
"It improves skin barrier function, and decreases moisture loss so it's a favourite for managing dry skin conditions," explains Dr. Mansberg. "When it comes to skin ageing, niacinamide increases skin elasticity, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, reduces blotchiness and general sallowness. Niacinamide also reduces pigmentation."
And that's not all. "In terms of acne, it reduces pimples, and is not only anti-inflammatory, but reduces oil production as well."
In short, there's pretty much nothing it can't do-niacinamide is an all-round powerhouse that, as Dr. Mansberg says, everyone should get on board with.
Related: Alpha-H Liquid Gold review, plus eight other AHA products to try for brighter skin
Best niacinamide serums in 2024
1
BEST AFFORDABLE NIACINAMIDE SERUM
THE ORDINARY Niacinamide 10% + 1% 60ml
1
BEST AFFORDABLE NIACINAMIDE SERUM
THE ORDINARY Niacinamide 10% + 1% 60ml
$17
The Ordinary is a go-to brand for affordable, unfussy skincare-with near-unbeatable price points. Their niacinamide comes in a potent 10 per cent concentration, combined with a one per cent concentration of zinc. Together, they reduce the appearance of textural irregularities, enlarged pores and visible shine. The serum applies easily, and once patted into the skin, your moisturiser will apply smoothly over top.
2
BEST AUSTRALIAN NIACINAMIDE SERUM
ALPHA-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide 25ml
2
BEST AUSTRALIAN NIACINAMIDE SERUM
ALPHA-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide 25ml
$84.95
The recently-revamped formula of this beloved niacinamide serum made it even more user-friendly-but it still retains its signature, unique blue hue, thanks to the inclusion of natural blue gardenia extract. From Australian skincare brand Alpha-H, this Vitamin B serum is vegan, cruelty-free, and features a clean formula made with locally sourced botanicals. The five per cent niacinamide is combined with one per cent panthenol to improve the skin barrier, texture and tone; while copper peptide and chia seed reduce moisture loss and hyaluronic acid boosts hydration. It applies smoothly, and since you only need to use three drops at a time, it lasts a good while.
3
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION
ASAP super B complex 30ml
3
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION
ASAP super B complex 30ml
$90
From Australian brand asap, this super B complex is a potent solution to hyperpigmentation and redness. Niacinamide is the star of the show, reducing dehydration and minimising redness; hyaluronic acid plumps the skin; and a powerful combination of glycolic and lactic acids gently exfoliate dead skin cells to target uneven texture and tone, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
4
BEST MOISTURISING NIACINAMIDE
EVIDENCE SKINCARE B Calm 50ml
4
BEST MOISTURISING NIACINAMIDE
EVIDENCE SKINCARE B Calm 50ml
$95
For those who need the extra shot of calming hydration, ESK's niacinamide comes in the form of a lightweight moisturising cream. A little goes a long way, and you can wear it alone, or add a heavier moisturiser over top in cooler months. The five per cent concentration of niacinamide improves the skin's barrier function, manages oil production, and evens out tone and texture.
5
BEST NIACINAMIDE FOR CONGESTION
ASPECT Extreme B 17 30ml
5
BEST NIACINAMIDE FOR CONGESTION
ASPECT Extreme B 17 30ml
$139
Harnessing a patented blend of vitamin B complex polypeptides to energise and decongest skin, Aspect's Extreme B is a luxe but effective pick. Part of that vitamin B complex is niacinamide, which is boosted by five sea plants, which work together to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minimise redness, rebalance oil levels, and brighten the skin.
6
BEST NIACINAMIDE FOR DARK SPOTS
IT COSMETICS Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum 30ml
6
BEST NIACINAMIDE FOR DARK SPOTS
IT COSMETICS Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum 30ml
$60
With a dermatologist-tested formula for your peace of mind, this gentle hyperpigmentation serum has a combination of four per cent strength niacinamide and one per cent ethyl vitamin C. It's designed to visibly reduce age spots, melasma, and other dark spots; to overall create an even, glowing complexion with improved clarity.
7
BEST HIGH STRENGTH NIACINAMIDE
PAULA'S CHOICE Niacinamide 20% Treatment 20ml
7
BEST HIGH STRENGTH NIACINAMIDE
PAULA'S CHOICE Niacinamide 20% Treatment 20ml
$70
Paula's Choice have a fairly strong 10 per cent niacinamide, but this 20 per cent treatment is even more potent. The brand recommend it for those with advanced concerns like stretched pores and stubborn oil-related bumps due to its higher strength, which is still formulated to be safe for use and non-irritating. If you've used lower strengths of niacinamide for extended periods and found yourself dissatisfied with the results, it could be the solution.
8
BEST NIACINAMIDE FOR AGEING SKIN
SKINCEUTICALS Metacell Renewal B3 Emulsion 50ml
8
BEST NIACINAMIDE FOR AGEING SKIN
SKINCEUTICALS Metacell Renewal B3 Emulsion 50ml
$179
This emulsion from cult favourite brand SkinCeuticals is somewhere between a serum and a moisturiser-it'll glide onto your skin beautifully. It's formulated with a high-concentration cocktail of active ingredients to address early signs of ageing-like dullness, discolouration, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Suitable for all skin types, it offers niacinamide for even skin tone, a tri-peptide concentrate to stimulate cell renewal, and pure glycerin for non-sticky hydration.
9
BEST HIGH-END NIACINAMIDE
DR. BARBARA STURM The Better B Niacinamide Serum 30ml
9
BEST HIGH-END NIACINAMIDE
DR. BARBARA STURM The Better B Niacinamide Serum 30ml
$257
Dr. Barbara Sturm's The Better B may have the highest price tag of this list, but to be fair, it does pack in plenty of benefits. Pure vitamin B3 (that's niacinamide) is combined with an amino acid called ectoin to protect against environmental hyperpigmentation and premature skin ageing, while plankton strengthens the skin barrier and protects hydration. Panthenol soothes and hydrates, to boot.
Related: The best vitamin C serums to brighten your complexion
What can you not mix with niacinamide?
If you're someone like me whose FYP is filled with skincare content, you've probably heard rumours that niacinamide can't be used in conjunction with certain other active ingredients-but according to Dr. Mansberg, those rumours are just myths.
"Niacinamide can be used with any other products. Day or night. You might read that you should avoid putting niacinamide products on skin that has been treated first with an acidic product like vitamin C or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)," she says. "The risk was that it would be converted to niacin causing inflammation and a 'niacin flush'. That's been debunked now so feel free to use it whenever it suits in your skincare regime."
What percentage of niacinamide is best?
As you can see, there are plenty of different niacinamide products out there offering varying levels of concentration. Dr. Mansberg says that most studies show "evidence for between two and five per cent concentration", though up to 10 per cent can also be suitable in the right formulas.
When should I use niacinamide?
Dr. Mansberg says that there's no particular time of the day best suited to the application of niacinamide-day or night (or both!) is fine.
"Most studies have niacinamide serums or creams applied either once or twice daily," she says.
Related: Here's everything you need to know about eye cream-including which ones to invest in
The post Why everyone should be adding niacinamide to their skin routine appeared first on Harper's Bazaar Australia.
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