From how to use niacinamide to its benefits, we find out if this wonder ingredient is really worth the hype
This article is sponsored by Vichy, Nivea, Lancôme, Kiehl’s & Garnier
With over 665 million views on TikTok (and counting), niacinamide is a trend that’s far from slowing down. Thanks to its versatility, it’s now considered the holy grail solution for some of the most common skincare concerns out there.
Here, we take a look at this powerhouse ingredient, its benefits and why we shouldn’t be sleeping on it.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and is an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy-looking skin. It’s water soluble which means it’s not stored in our bodies, so it’s best replenished by eating certain foods high in vitamin B3 (such as poultry and fish), as well as applying topical skincare products.
What are the benefits of niacinamide?
Known as the IT ingredient thanks to its ability to help tackle skincare concerns, niacinamide has countless benefits. For example, it’s one of the most potent anti-inflammatories in skincare, making it ideal for those prone to redness, blemishes and imperfections, among a host of other benefits too. So when we say it’s one of the most versatile skincare ingredients, we’re not overexaggerating – here are just some of the things it can do for your skin…
• Minimise enlarged pores
• Help renew and restore the skin’s barrier against moisture loss and dehydration
• Soothe redness and symptoms associated with rosacea
• Reduce the appearance of blemishes and hyperpigmentation
• Improve uneven skin tone
• Soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Diminish dullness and brighten your complexion
Better still, niacinamide is gentle enough to use every day and is even suitable for sensitive skin, so you can’t go wrong – if you’re not already lapping up the benefits, now’s definitely the time to start.
How do I add niacinamide into my routine?
If you’ve made it this far and we’ve already convinced you to incorporate niacinamide into your routine – great! It’s super easy to add in as there’s a whole host of products out there that contain niacinamide.
If you’re using niacinamide for the first time and you’re not sure where to start, we’d recommended keeping it simple with a serum or a moisturiser. If you want to try a serum, our advice is to apply this post-cleanse and tap it into the skin before following with your moisturiser. Serums are particularly good as they’re often a higher concentration of niacinamide, but it’s best to do a little patch test first to make sure there’s no irritation. If you’re starting with a moisturiser, make this the last step of your skincare routine as usual and let it soak into the skin for maximum benefits.
And you don’t need to worry about niacinamide reacting with the other ingredients in your skincare routine, as it’s one of the most compatible ingredients out there!
How long does it take to see results?
Generally speaking, you should start to see results anywhere between two to four weeks, if you’re consistent (we’re talking twice-daily usage). This will also depend on your individual skincare concerns and also how concentrated your niacinamide product is. Even after the four week mark, you may continually see an improvement in your skin.
Our choice of the best niacinamide skincare products
Whether you opt for a serum or a moisturiser, we’ve handpicked some of our favourite niacinamide products that are worthy of a place in your daily routine.
Best for uneven skin tone
Try: Bubble Day Dream Vitamin C + Niacinamide Serum
• Size: 30ml
• Light, milky texture
• Formulated for all skin types, including sensitive and blemish-prone
• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans*
• Use once or twice daily
Tackle your skincare concerns 'head-on' with this scientific power duo from Bubble. With a super unique combination of niacinamide, vitamin C and alpha arbutin, this secret weapon serum helps to even skin tone, calm irritation, smooth uneven texture, reduce scarring, fade dark spots and give your face a daily dose of brightening brilliance. Simply apply one pump to clean, dry skin and let it work its magic.
Best for strengthening the skin barrier
Try: Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily Invisible Face Sun Protection with Niacinamide SPF50+
• Size: 40ml
• Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Advanced high facial protection SPF50+
Care for skin in the best possible way with this wonder product from Vichy. This invisible fluid is enriched with powerful dermatological actives including niacinamide, peptides and vitamin E and formulated with Netlock technology. This helps correct the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, protects against UV damage and strengthens the skin’s barrier function for a healthier-looking complexion.
Best for blemish-prone skin
Try: NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator with Salicylic Acid
• Size: 40ml
• Suitable for all skin types, especially blemish-prone
• Suitable for vegetarians & vegans*
Struggling to shift those pesky little blemishes? Here to help clear your complexion, this chemical exfoliator is specially formulated to help remove dead skin cells, deeply cleanse pores, reduce blemishes and prevent new ones from appearing. The perfect post-cleanse step in your routine, apply a small amount and massage into skin and let its blend of niacinamide, salicylic acid and glycolic acid get to work.
Best for fine lines & wrinkles
Try: Lancôme Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Cream
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive
• Tested under dermatological control
Dreaming of skin that looks plumper, radiant and younger? Combining over 300 types of peptides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in one unique cream, this skin-loving formula works to improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and skin’s firmness. Plus, it helps your skin to look smoother and more even — that’s the whole package if we ever saw one!
Best for minimising the appearance of imperfections
Try: Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide
• Size: 30ml
• Suitable for all skin types, especially oily and sensitive
• Free of fragrance and colourants
Skincare meets science in this shine-reducing, concentrated facial serum, formulated with only 10 ingredients to visibly reduce excess oil and redness, while minimising the appearance of imperfections to leave behind soothed skin. Infused with 5% niacinamide, apply four to five drops as part of your morning and evening skincare ritual and let it get to work.
Best for protecting & hydrating the skin
Try: Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti-Imperfections Daily Face Fluid SPF 50+
• Size: 40ml
• Protection against UVB, UVA and long UVA rays
• Dermatologically tested
• Formulated to protect all skin tones
• Ultra-light and invisible finish
Want to really reap the benefits of your niacinamide? Lock it in and complete your skincare routine with very high SPF50 protection. This one from Garnier hydrates skin while leaving behind a 12-hour mattifying effect.† And if that wasn't enough, the formula, infused with 3.5% niacinamide, salicylic acid and zinc, also help to fight against imperfections and minimise the appearance of pores. If smooth, hydrated and flawless skin is on your to ‘dew’ list, this is definitely one for your beauty bag.
With countless skin benefits, its versatility and wide variety of products, we’d say niacinamide is definitely worth the hype – ready to fill your basket?
