If you haven’t heard of niacinamide, then are you living under a rock! Niacinamide is not only The Ordinary’s most loved product, but it is also an ingredient that provides several benefits for your skin! If you aren’t using niacinamide in your skincare routine, this is a sign for you to start. If you want to get to know Niacinamide just a little better, we at Beauty Insider have got you covered. Not only will we share what the rave of niacinamide is all about, but get ready for some product recommendations at the end too! Whether it’s moisturisers or serums, we’ve got em all. 

What Is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is actually a form of Vitamin B3. It can be commonly found in both serums and moisturisers with the benefits of brightening up the skin. Besides being a topical treatment in skincare, did you know that niacinamide is also consumable? Of course, not the serums and moisturisers. Niacinamide can also be found in foods and medication. In supplement form, it can be used to treat pellagra. As a skincare product, niacinamide can actually treat many concerns such as hyperpigmentation and acne. Although niacinamide is quite mild, it can also have a few side effects. Some side effects of applying niacinamide include a burning sensation, itching and sometimes redness. 

The Benefits of Using Niacinamide

Applying niacinamide can also provide several benefits. Some of which include helping to heal hyperpigmentation, acne and protecting against the sun. Besides that, it can also help improve the texture of the skin and helps with ageing. As it boosts cell turnover, it also helps strengthen our skin’s protective barrier. Niacinamide also protects our skin against environmental stressors such as pollution and toxins. If you have concerns about fine lines and wrinkles, niacinamide can help as well! Although, some of these benefits may take time for results to show. But, that’s just skincare and everyone’s skin is different. So take your time and have patience! 

Why Your Skin Needs Niacinamide

1. Combat Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

For all the oily and acne-prone skin peeps, niacinamide might just be your saviour! Since niacinamide inhibits sebum production, it has the benefit to help treat and soothe acne. Since it is also considered quite a mild ingredient, those with dry or mildly sensitive skin can use it as well. So, hurry up and add this gem to your skincare routine before it’s sold out! 

2. Soothe Redness

We know for some people with sensitive skin, this may not be the case. Sometimes the application of niacinamide can actually cause irritation and redness. But for some, it can actually soothe and reduce redness. Thus, if you don’t have sensitive skin, niacinamide can actually help treat acne and inflammation. Thereby reducing redness on the skin’s surface. Whether you apply it topically or consume foods containing niacinamide, it can both help soothing redness as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Strengthening Skin Barrier Functions 

niacinamide

Niacinamide helps strengthen your skin’s barrier function and this can lead to a healthier and glowing complexion. It is able to help achieve this by reducing and limiting the amount of water your skin losses to the environment. As it improves the levels of moisture in your skin, it also helps in stimulating ceramide production. Thus, it helps strengthen your skin and keep dullness, fine lines and wrinkles at bay. 

4. Fading Hyperpigmentation

niacinamide

Applying niacinamide can also help with fading hyperpigmentation. Just know that hyperpigmentation doesn’t just mean dark brown spots. Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by residue from acne. Those red marks on your skin that look like pimples? Yup, that’s hyperpigmentation too. So, if you want to start treating your hyperpigmentation get a hold of some niacinamide serums or moisturisers. If you have dark spots, wrinkles or fine lines, niacinamide can help too as it is great for skin lightening! 

Best Niacinamide Products

1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

A cult favourite of the beauty community is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. With a high percentage of niacinamide present, this serum contains a “High Strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula”. As well as being lightweight, this serum harnesses the powers of vitamins, minerals and science. With the addition of zinc in its formula, this serum also has the benefit to help regulate the production of sebum. Thus, balancing the formula and providing you with a clearer complexion! 

Price: $10.00

Where to buy: LookFantastic Singapore

2. Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

Another serum with high concentrations of niacinamide is Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster. This booster serum is suitable for all types of skin and helps improve uneven skin tones and textures. Along with reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores, its ultra-light, sheer liquid formula helps promote a brighter and younger complexion. 

Price: $63.00

Where to buy: Paula’s Choice

3. Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion 

niacinamide

The Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is yet another cult favourite that took the world by storm when it went viral. Most of its products are compatible with all skin types. This night moisturiser is perfect for well, nighttime use! Its formula contains both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help hydrate and calm your skin. Protecting your skin’s barrier through the night while you sleep, it also helps retain moisture in your skin. Besides being hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, it uses patented MVE controlled-release technology to steadily release ingredients for hydration all night. 

Price: $19.90

Where to buy: Lazada

4. Skinceuticals Metacell Renewal B3

niacinamide

If you are worried about early signs of ageing, then the Skinceuticals Metacell Renewal B3 is perfect for you! Its formula contains 5% of niacinamide and 15% of pure glycerin. This potent mix has the benefit to help with signs of photoaging and protecting your skin from the sun. Suitable for daily use, this emulsion has the benefit to increase the turnover of cells which in turns, helps resurface the skin. As it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, it also strengthens your moisture barrier and boosts elasticity.   

Price: $149.00

Where to buy: Skinceuticals

5. Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum

niacinamide

Another great anti-ageing serum is Olay’s Regenerist Regenerating Serum. It provides the benefits of hydration and boosts the turnover of cells. It does this by gently exfoliating your skin and also helps target concerns such as wrinkles. Its formula uses Amino-peptide Complex that helps deliver ingredients that are anti-ageing to your skin. As it helps visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this’ll be your new favourite product for anti-ageing! 

Price: $32.90

Where to buy: Watsons

6. The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum

niacinamide

If your main concern is oily skin and acne, get The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum. This serum contains both niacinamide and 1% of hyaluronic acid. Don’t underestimate the 1% as this blend has the benefit to help hydrate your skin. It also helps soothe redness and is suitable for daily use. As it helps regulate excess oils and improve blemish-prone skin, we just know that many will be seeking this serum out!

Price: $12.00

Where to buy: Sephora

7. Skin Inc Vitamin B3+ Serum

niacinamide

The Skin Inc Vitamin B3+ Serum is packed with ingredients such as panthenol, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide that are clinically proven. It has the benefit to help address skin concerns such as enlarged pores, acne, temperamental skin and the skin’s barrier. This powerhouse serum also has the benefit to help target concerns such as redness, congestion and pigmentation. With panthenol within its formula, it can also help with healing scars and bruises. 

Price: $68.00

Where to buy: Sephora

8. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

niacinamide

Glow Recipe is who you turn to when you want glowing skin! Their Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops is a multi-use serum that has the benefit to help reduce hyperpigmentation. Instead, it helps achieve a reflective and dewy glow! Coming in a lightweight gel form, this serum has the benefit to help hydrate, highlight and brighten your skin. Tested by ophthalmologists, this niacinamide serum is non-irritating and suitable to incorporate into skincare and makeup routines. 

Price: $52.00

Where to buy: Sephora

9. Drunk Elephant F-Balm™ Electrolyte Waterfacial Hydrating Mask

niacinamide

Something for your nighttime routine is Drunk Elephant’s F-Balm™ Electrolyte Waterfacial Hydrating Mask. This mask is super hydrating and plumps up your skin overnight. With the help of electrolytes, it also strengthens the acid mantle of your skin. Its formula consists of ingredients such as niacinamide, omega fatty acids, plant squalane, powerful antioxidants, sodium PCA and 5 forms of ceramides. If your skin feels parched, this mask can help rehydrate and restore the moisture levels in your skin. 

Price: $74.00

Where to buy: Sephora

10. Glossier Super Pure

niacinamide

If you prefer something on the lighter side, check out the Glossier Super Pure! It contains just 5% of niacinamide and zinc PCA to help nourish your skin. As this duo helps reduce the appearance of congested pores, it also balances the complexion. Without drying out your skin like acne treatments, it also doesn’t irritate your skin at all! Its water-gel formula sinks into your skin quickly and leaves no sticky residue. Thus, you can achieve skin that is smoother in texture as well as improved clarity. 

Price: $37.68 (USD 28)

Where to buy: Glossier