Nia-what? If you’ve never heard of it, take a look at some of your skincare products and you might just find niacinamide floating around in the ingredients list of your makeup bag. But what is it and why do you need it? Considered a holy grail to many, we break down what exactly niacinamide is, and why you need to be using it ASAP.
What does niacinamide do for your face?
Pronounced ny-uh-sih-nuh-mide, this ingredient is a form of vitamin B13 that is used in different types of skincare products to address a number of concerns such as hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin tone, hydration and the appearance of fine lines. Though these kinds of concerns don’t just improve overnight when using niacinamide – it’s important to remember like all skincare products, consistent application will yield consistent results.
Is it okay to use niacinamide everyday?
Generally speaking, it’s completely safe to use niacinamide everyday. However, in saying that, it will depend on your skin and the type of product. Before you commit to a product, be sure to apply a small test patch to see how your skin reacts. And as always, read any labels or instructions that may advise a recommendation application.
Hyaluronic acid versus niacinamide
Niacinamide is sometimes compared to hyaluronic acid. They’re both skincare ingredients and can be used together to treat skin concerns. Where they differ is the type of benefits they offer the skin. Hyaluronic acid is used for hydrating dry skin whereas niacinamide works hard to address issues like breakouts, reducing redness and improving skin texture.
Does niacinamide remove dark spots?
It can. Consistent application of niacinamide can reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten dark spots after as little as a few weeks but will generally take 8-12 weeks of usage. This of course will also depend on your skin, how it reacts to the ingredient and how dark the spot is to begin with.
The best affordable niacinamides
At less than $10 for a 30ml bottle, it’s hard to look past the price of this one from cult favourite The Ordinary. Use it to smooth, brighten, reduce pore visibility and remove excess oil from the skin (thanks to that zinc 1%). It’s a great all-rounder and is suitable for most skin types.
Coming in at under $20, this serum has the clean tick of approval from Sephora. It’s ideal for combination to oily skin to target blemishes, dryness as well as oiliness, and an uneven skin texture. It’s safe to use morning and night after cleansing and your hyaluronic acid application.
The best K-beauty niacinamides
This pink-hued serum from K-beauty brand Anua (the people that brought you that viral Pore Control Cleansing Oil) tackles dullness, dark spots and fades acne scars. It’s even boosted with hyaluronic acid for a powerhouse product that hydrates and soothes the skin. Win, win!
Also boosted with hyaluronic acid, this glow serum is great for those experiencing breakouts, dull and dehydrated skin, oiliness, pigmentation as well as redness. The niacinamide tackles the uneven skin tone and texture while propolis, an anti-inflammatory ingredient, works hard to repair the skin barrier.
Another one that can be used morning and night, TIRTIR’s serum is loaded with heaps of goodness. Of course there’s niacinamide to help even the skin tone and smooth the complexion, but there’s also zinc to regulate oil production, and retinol to improve texture.
The best niacinamide for glowy skin
A gorgeously glowy serum for dull skin, use this one from Merit before applying your makeup for flawless coverage. It’s backed with a whole heap of ingredients including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, cacao seed and Japanese goldthread root that work together to achieve a bright, plump and moisturised look.
There are four main ingredients in this powerful serum: niacinamide, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides. They all work together to offer smoother skin, a radiant complexion, plumper skin and deep hydration. At $114 for 15ml, this one is definitely on the steeper side but it’s well worth the investment.
The best niacinamides for uneven skin texture
Not a fan of the pores on your face? If you have that orange-like texture, look to this one from Paula’s Choice. It’s a highly concentrated niacinamide serum that specifically targets enlarged pores to help tighten and minimise the look. It also targets an uneven skin tone and dark spots from old blemishes.
Feeling super lightweight on the skin, Super Pure from Glossier promises smooth, clear skin, and an even tone in a matter of weeks. Apply a few drops to the face and neck after cleansing and toning for best results. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free to boot.
Don’t be shocked when this serum comes out blue! This hydrating formulation improves the skin barrier, evens out tone, and promotes elasticity in the face. It also contains copper tripeptide to promote collagen production and hyaluronic acid to reduce the look of fine lines.
The best niacinamides for dark spots and redness
Got a few stubborn dark spots from old breakouts? La Roche-Posay’s serum is just what you need. It helps to correct the appearance of even the most persistent of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. And it’s not just from acne – sun spots and age spots can be addressed, too!
Created and developed together with pharmaceutical scientist and skincare influencer Hannah English, the Rebound Serum from Tbh addresses red and damaged skin. Use it morning and night for specific issues like post acne pigmentation, dryness and generally angry looking skin.
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