What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide cannot be overlooked as the new must-have in your skincare routine. But what exactly is niacinamide and what does the ingredient do to your skin? Read on to find out what niacinamide does, how best to use niacinamide in your routine and what skin problems you can address with niacinamide.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. The ingredient has actually been known for quite a long time, but recently we are finding out more and more about the positive influences of niacinamide on your skin. In skin care, niacinamide is good for a whole list of skin concerns, from brightening and moisturizing the skin to soothing and protecting it. Niacinamide also helps strengthen the skin barrier.

What does niacinamide do to the skin?

Niacinamide is an impressive ingredient with many benefits for your skin, which makes it easy to incorporate this ingredient into your routine. So whether you have sensitive skin or suffer from acne, niacinamide would still be a great addition to your routine, we promise!

• Brightens: Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanin to the skin surface and helps fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation and uneven complexion over time. In addition, it can also boost other brightening and anti-aging ingredients such as retinol.
  
  
• Hydrates: Niacinamide is a humectant, meaning the ingredient attracts moisture to the skin and helps strengthen the skin barrier. So add niacinamide to your routine to make your skin softer, plumper and hydrated.
  
  
• Soothes: Niacinamide has an anti-inflammatory effect! This helps to calm redness in the skin, prevent irritation and counteract sensitivity. So ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
  
  
• Tackles pores: Niacinamide can be a lifesaver for oily skin types who suffer from overactive sebaceous glands that cause their face to become shiny quickly and make pores extra visible. By regulating sebum production and improving skin texture, niacinamide can help address large pores and refine the skin's overall appearance.
  
  
• Protects: Niacinamide has antioxidant properties that help defend the skin from negative environmental influences, such as pollution and UV damage. So combine it with your sunscreen for good skin protection.

How to use niacinamide?

The nice thing about niacinamide is that it is a fairly gentle ingredient for the skin. As long as you introduce the ingredient to your skin gently and do not use highly concentrated products, it will not easily cause irritation, and can do its job well. Keep it at a percentage of 2% to 10% for optimal effectiveness. It is also important to start with a low percentage, especially with sensitive skin. Fortunately, much research has been done on the ingredient and we now know what percentages are effective for specific skin problems.

Want to regulate sebum and tackle acne? Then niacinamide is the answer. The ingredient works its magic and effectively tackles sebum and acne from 2%! Therefore, choose products starting with 2 to 3% niacinamide in their formula if you want to address these skin problems.

Do you want to use niacinamide for hyperpigmentation? Then a percentage between 3% and 6% can already reduce hyperpigmentation and even out the overall skin. Also, this percentage is effective in strengthening the skin barrier, so win-win!

Niacinamide can also be used for rosacea. Just be sure to introduce the ingredient gently into your routine, choosing a low percentage of niacinamide such as 2%.

The best skincare with niacinamide

1. AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum This serum is enriched with 5% Niacinamide and natural plant extracts to effectively address hyperpigmentation. Highly recommended if your skin is not so resistant to Vitamin C.

2. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner This Skin1004 toner soothes, gently smooths and also tackles skin texture. With a low percentage of niacinamide, this toner is effective yet gentle on the skin.

3. Anua Peach 77 Niacin Enriched Cream A blend of 77% peach extract and niacinamide make this cream effective in softening and smoothing the skin. In addition, it is enriched with skin-strengthening lactobacillus and ceramides, and rejuvenating collagen which makes it perfect for dry or aging skin.

4. Blessed Moon Aura Galactomyces Fermentation Cream Boost of hydration and skin-enhancing ingredients come together to revitalize your skin. In addition, this moisturizer also evens out and refines skin texture.

5. Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented This is the perfect serum with Niacinamide for sensitive skin. Even if you suffer from rosacea, you can feel free to use Purito Seoul's serum.

Niacinamide is an all-round magician and if it were up to us, this ingredient would be in everyone's skincare routine. Incorporating niacinamide into your routine is a simple yet effective way to get the glowy skin of your dreams. Discover the best Korean skincare with niacinamide in our assortment. Want to learn more about what Korean ingredients can do for your skin? Also discover ingredients like Beta-glucan for the glowy and glass skin effect and read how it can transform your skin.