Why niacinamide is the buzziest skincare ingredient of 2021

Niacinamide may be the go-to skincare ingredient your 2021 beauty and skincare routine needs

Text: Shannon T

Before you freak out at the thought of yet another skincare ingredient with a long and unfamiliar chemical name, hear us out! Niacinamide is a skincare ingredient that is nothing new; we’ve been using this unsung beauty hero for yonks. But right now, it’s having a moment and, because we’re nice, we’re going to break it down so you can understand the benefits of niacinamide and why niacinamide is the buzziest skincare ingredient of 2021.

What is niacinamide?

Also known as nicotinamide, niacinamide is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3 found in food such as meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables and grains. A star ingredient in skincare, niacinamide works with natural substances in your skin to achieve myriad positive effects for skincare problems; it helps visibly minimise enlarged pores, tighten lax pores, improve uneven skin tones, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen weakened skin surface. If that’s not enough, other benefits of niacinamide include reducing environmental damage, and improving your skin's barrier while repairing past damage.

What’s more, niacinamide is also a form of vitamin B3, an essential vitamin in the body. Says Purvisha Patel, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare; “You'll find it added to skin care products because it helps balance oil production, reduces water loss in skin, and lessens inflammation.”

Where is it hiding?

Found in toners, serums and highly concentrated leave-on treatments, niacinamide is cream-of-the-crop-compatible with any of the products already in your skincare routine, including those that contain retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHA, Vitamin C and antioxidants. It can stand on its own in serums and creams, but works wonders when combined with other skin-boosting ingredients. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin.

What to look for

Knowing how to choose and use skincare products properly is as important — if not more important — than using skincare products to address skin problems, soak up the benefits of niacinamide and achieve glowy skin.

Look for the right dosage

Effective topical products should contain 2% to 10% niacinamide. Anything less is too little to make a difference; anything more can lead to overdosing and skin irritation. How much to use depends on your skin type and skin problems, which is why a lower dosage and patch testing is a good idea initially.

Read the label carefully

Brands may claim their products contain niacinamide, but it may not be the case. Scan the skincare ingredients list and look for niacinamide. Keep in mind that niacinamide is not the same thing as niacin and nicotinic acid!

Steps for using niacinamide

1.    Apply serum after cleansing skin to remove makeup, dirt and oil.

2.    Moisturise after so that the serum can penetrate your skin more easily. Moisturisers are always the closing item of your routine.

3.    For mornings, apply serums before moisturising and your SPF.

6 excellent skincare products to start

Don’t know where to start on your niacinamide journey? We’ve shortlisted some of our favourites to look out for:

1.    Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution

(SGD 97.73 on Amazon, £49.00 or SGD 90.91 from CultBeauty.co)

A night serum for night use, this powerful 3-in-1 treatment exfoliates, brightens skin and reduces the appearance of pores while you’re off in dreamland. Formulated with niacinamide and 16% AHAs, including lactic and glycolic acid, it helps promote natural cell turnover and refines your skin’s texture for glowy skin.

2.    First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Eye Cream

(SGD 36.00 at Sephora)

Niacinamide is great for the delicate region under your eyes. This illuminating eye cream utilises the ingredient to fade brown undereye dark circles, coupled with Pumpkin Seed Extract and Sodium Hyaluronate to brighten, hydrate, and smoothen the eye area.

3.    Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discolouration Treatment

(SGD 135.00 at Sephora)

With an intensive, expert-level formula powered by a cutting-edge 15% Brightening Complex of niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin and Pentapeptide, this cream works to reduce the look of dark patches, post-blemish marks and uneven skin tone caused by sun damage and ageing.

4.    The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

(SGD 12.00 at Sephora, SGD 20.28 on Amazon)

A lightweight, power-packed serum containing 10% niacinamide reduces excess oil, blemishes and redness. Additionally, it’s formulated with 1% Hyaluronic Acid for added hydration and effective delivery.

5.    Drunk Elephant F-Balm TM Electrolyte Water Facial Mask

(SGD 74.00 at Sephora, SGD 70.60 from Amazon)

With a blend of barrier-replenishing ingredients, including niacinamide, sodium PCA, plant squalene, five forms of ceramides, omega fatty acids, and powerful antioxidants, F-Balm™ is a cooling, quenching overnight mask that rehydrates hungover, overly parched skin.

6.    The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

(SGD 10.00 for 30ml and SGD 18.20 for 60ml at Hush.sg)

A high-strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula with only 11 ingredients, this serum from The Ordinary gets back to basics. It’s simple, it’s affordable, and it gets the job done.

---