ACTIVE
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 in its niacinamide form: a multifunctional active studied for helping skin look more balanced and less shiny, supporting a comfortable-feeling skin barrier and calming the look of redness.
Source
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide form)
Used for
Uneven-looking tone, shine, the look of fine lines
How it works
Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is the form of vitamin B3 used in skincare. Research shows it helps skin look less shiny and more balanced, and supports the skin's own lipids in the outermost layer, so the barrier that keeps moisture in feels comfortable and resilient.
A comprehensive review of niacinamide found it well studied for a more even-looking skin tone, smoother-looking texture and a calmer-looking complexion, with good comfort even over prolonged use.
Niacinamide is one of the more flexible actives to build a routine around: it suits morning or evening use and layers well alongside exfoliating acids, vitamin C, and retinoid alternatives alike, which is part of why it appears so often alongside other actives rather than on its own.
A comprehensive review of niacinamide found it well studied for a more even-looking skin tone, smoother-looking texture and a calmer-looking complexion, with good comfort even over prolonged use.
Niacinamide is one of the more flexible actives to build a routine around: it suits morning or evening use and layers well alongside exfoliating acids, vitamin C, and retinoid alternatives alike, which is part of why it appears so often alongside other actives rather than on its own.
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01
Helps skin look less shiny and more balanced
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02
Supports a comfortable, resilient-feeling skin barrier
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03
Calms the look of redness and suits long-term daily use
Questions
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is one of the two water-soluble forms of vitamin B3. The other is niacin, or nicotinic acid. They are related but not the same molecule, and the body converts niacin from food into niacinamide. In skincare, niacinamide is the form used. (Marques et al., 2024)
What does the research say about niacinamide and the look of fine lines?
In a study where women applied a niacinamide product to one half of the face and a plain base to the other, the niacinamide side showed fewer visible fine lines and wrinkles, fewer dark spots, less red blotchiness and less sallowness, and it was well tolerated by skin. (Bissett et al., 2005)
Can niacinamide help with a shiny complexion?
Yes. Studies on skin have linked niacinamide to lower surface oil levels, for a less shiny, more balanced-looking complexion. (Draelos et al., 2006)
How does niacinamide support the skin barrier?
Laboratory research shows niacinamide boosts the production of ceramides, the fats that help hold skin's outer layer together and keep moisture in. A 2024 review also reports that it showed no irritation in the skin tests it summarises, which is part of why it is so widely used. (Marques et al., 2024)
Where it comes from
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a water-soluble vitamin that also comes in a second form, niacin (nicotinic acid). (Marques et al., 2024)
In skin, laboratory research links niacinamide to the production of ceramides, the fats in the outer layer that help keep moisture in. (Marques et al., 2024)
In skin, laboratory research links niacinamide to the production of ceramides, the fats in the outer layer that help keep moisture in. (Marques et al., 2024)
The research
- "Mechanistic Insights into the Multiple Functions of Niacinamide: Therapeutic Implications and Cosmeceutical Applications in Functional Skincare Products," Antioxidants, 2024 (opens in a new tab)
- Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatologic Surgery, 2005 (opens in a new tab)
- Draelos ZD, Matsubara A, Smiles K. The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006 (opens in a new tab)
Found In
Type: Face Care
Niacinamide Smoothing Eye Masks
7 pairsRegular price £28.00Sale price Regular price
