An ingredient powerhouse, Niacinamide has a laundry list of skin benefits. It helps brighten skin, reduce redness, decrease pigmentation, prevent wrinkles, regulate oil production, and keep the skin barrier strong. Clearly an over-achiever and we’re here for it. Learn why Niacinamide is having a moment and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.
Niacinamide’s Rise in Popularity
In the last two years, search volume for “niacinamide serum” is up 129% and the use of niacinamide in the beauty industry has jumped more than 220%.¹ While numerous consumers and dermatologists have posted TikTok videos about it, it’s the versatility of this relatively simple ingredient that has appealed to women of all ages and skin types.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of Vitamin B3. It is water-soluble, meaning that it is not stored in the body, so it’s important to replenish our niacinamide reserves via our food intake (poultry, green vegetables and eggs are good sources), and topically with targeted skincare products.
Working with the natural substances in your skin, Niacinamide can help visibly minimize enlarged pores, tighten lax or stretched out pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened surface. Serums, creams, and lotions infused with Niacinamide are also effective at fighting the inflammation that spreads acne and enhancing collagen production. Niacinamide is great for all skin types and can be used in the morning and night.
What Does Niacinamide Do For Your Skin?
How you use niacinamide largely comes down to which skincare concerns you’re looking to target.
Improved Skin Barrier Function
Reduces water loss and increases lipids. “Niacinamide has been shown to strengthen the skin barrier function, making it especially beneficial for skin prone to dehydration,” explains Shabir Daya, pharmacist at Victoria Health. In practical terms what this means is that “niacinamide reduces water loss from the epidermis and increases lipids (ceramides) and proteins found in the skin barrier layer,” notes Dr. Anjali Mahto, adding that a strong skin barrier keeps irritants and pollution out.²
Reduction of Inflammation
Niacinamide can ease inflammation, which can help calm redness due to conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. It can also soothe irritation caused by strong exfoliants like retinol or glycolic acid that remove dead cells from the surface of your skin.
Minimizing Redness and Blotchiness
Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an attractive option for those who suffer from rosacea and sensitivity – both the type that you’re born with, as well as temporary post-product irritation that manifests as redness and stinging.
Regulation of Sebum Production
Regulates oil production. Niacinamide is especially helpful for oily and combination skin types, explains Dr. Anjali Mahto, a cosmetic dermatologist in Harley Street, London, as “Niacinamide reduces sebum or oil production in the skin, which may indirectly help with the improvement of visible pore size. It can also be helpful in treating mild acne.”
Minimizing Pore Appearance
Niacinamide minimizes the appearance of pores by helping keep your skin smooth and clear. It also may help regulate the amount of oil your glands produce, which can prevent breakouts and clogged pores.
Anti-Aging Properties
Minimizes fine lines. According to scientists, Niacinamide in skincare products may increase production of the co-enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) in your skin. Basically, this is necessary for skin cells to repair, renew, and function at their best.
Improves skin firmness: Niacinamide is also required for collagen synthesis. And since collagen is the essential building block for plump, youthful-looking skin, that’s good news for a fresh-looking complexion.
Antioxidant Protection
As an antioxidant, Niacinamide protects skin from oxidative stress and damage caused by aging, sun, and stress. It can also help repair damaged DNA. In addition, Niacinamide’s antioxidant properties may also help calm and soothe the skin, and reduce the look of redness and uneven skin tone.
Incorporating Niacinamide into Your Skincare Routine
Niacinamide can be used once or twice daily after gentle cleansing during your regular skincare routine. To maximize its benefits, apply Niacinamide after applying a moisturizer. You can also combine niacinamide serum with your moisturizer and apply them together to your face and neck. Or try a face mask that contains niacinamide for skin recovery and relaxation.
How much Niacinamide to use
Most skincare products contain 5% Niacinamide or less, but amounts can vary. Start slowly with a low concentration if you have sensitive skin. And talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about how to use it or potential side effects.³
GMS Niacinamide Products
Face Reality 5% L-Mandelic Serum
Face Reality 8% L-Mandelic Serum
Face Reality 11% L-Mandelic Serum
face Reality 15% L-Mandelic Serum
Greenwich Skinlabsmiracle Weekly Pads
¹Josh Howarth. Exploding Topics. 7 Top Skincare Trends in 2024. May 2024. Source
² Elle Turner. Glamour. Why niacinamide is the most-needed ingredient in your skincare routine. January 2024. Source
³ Top 6 benefits of niacinamide.Cleveland Clinic. December 2022. Source
