Looking to address…something skincare related? Chances are niacinamide can help. Though it seems too good to be true, niacinamide – also known as vitamin B3 – is a skincare all-rounder, tackling a diverse array of skin concerns and conditions. An almost universally well-tolerated active ingredient, niacinamide can be beneficial for fighting breakouts and regulating sebum production, treating sun damage, fading hyperpigmentation, reducing the appearance of enlarged or stretched pores, soothing inflammation, promoting hydration, and minimising redness and irritation.
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If that wasn’t enough, niacinamide also promotes ceramide production in the skin; aiding in repairing, strengthening, and maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Oh, and unlike other active ingredients, niacinamide is shelf stable, remaining impervious to the presence of heat and light.
Keen to try this skincare hero? We’ve put together the 7 best niacinamide products on the market.
1. The starter serum: Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
A supremely lightweight, elegant formula, the Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster enhances the power of niacinamide with antioxidant-rich licorice extract and vitamin C, working to promote smoother skin texture and tighter pores. Plus, it can be used alone as a serum or mixed into your moisturiser or other serums as a booster.
2. The spare change pick: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
For a niacinamide product that’ll give you change from a tenner, you can’t go wrong with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. While it has a slightly thicker texture than other (pricier) niacinamide serums, it’s your best bet for a budget starter serum, working to in conjunction with zinc to regular sebum levels, reduce the appearance of pores, and fight breakouts and inflammation.
3. The toner: Q+A Niacinamide Daily Toner
One of the simplest ways to add niacinamide to your daily skincare routine? A toner. A water-thin formula, the Q+A Niacinamide Daily Toner can be splashed onto freshly cleansed skin, before applying your other skincare products. Enriched with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, it provides a dose of hydration, reducing dehydration-induced fine lines and plumping skin while the niacinamide works its magic on inflammation, enlarged pores, and redness.
4. The hard hitter: Paula’s Choice 20% Niacinamide Treatment
For those already indoctrinated into the wonders of niacinamide, the Paula’s Choice 20% Niacinamide Treatment takes it a step further. Combining 20% niacinamide with licorice extract and vitamin C, it works to effectively target enlarged pores and rough skin texture caused by ageing or sun damage.
5. The dull skin savior: Medik8 Clarity Peptides
Specifically designed to treat dull, blotchy, acne-prone skin, the Medik8 Clarify peptides pair niacinamide with peptides and zinc PCA, enhancing the skin’s radiance while modulating sebum production and fighting the bacteria that contributes to acne. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, to promote hydrated, supple skin.
6. The gentle exfoliant: Elizabeth Arden Visible Brightening CicaGlow Concentrate
This biphase formula uses a multifaceted approach to add luminance and radiance into your skin; chestnut extract gently exfoliates dead skin cells, niacinamide and angelica root work to reduce discolouration and even out skin tone, vitamin C brightens, and cica calms irritated skin and strengthens the skin barrier. Ideal for skin in need of a little extra glow.
7. The drugstore moisturiser: Olay Regenerist Anti-Ageing Micro-Sculpting Cream
A do-it-all product, the Olay Regenerist Anti-Ageing Micro-Sculpting Cream is formulated with a peptide complex, hyaluronic acid, and – of course – niacinamide. A rich, thick cream formula, this moisturiser delivers hydration and nourishment to skin, while improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with consistent use.
Words by Theo Rosen
Feature image courtesy fo Giorgio Armani
