Among the seemingly endless list of hero ingredients to be added to your skincare routine, there is one that’s a true workhorse.
Niacinamide – also known as vitamin B3 – offers a vast array of benefits, suits all skin ages and types, and won’t counteract other actives you may have come to count on.
‘There aren’t many ingredients that tick every box but niacinamide is an all-
round crowd-pleaser,’ says Dr Bibi Ghalaie, a Harley Street cosmetic physician.
‘It’s essential for skin growth and function, not only helping to build keratin, which keeps skin firm and supple, but producing ceramides necessary for a healthy lipid barrier.
‘As an antioxidant, niacinamide protects against environmental stresses. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen, and limits sebum production while minimising the appearance of pores.
‘It has anti-inflammatory properties so can help reduce redness and blotchiness, benefiting those with conditions such as eczema and rosacea as well as inflammatory acne, resulting in fewer lesions and improved skin texture over time.’
Unsurprisingly, this hero of heroes is now a welcome addition in everything from eye cream to self-tan.
‘Niacinamide is usually well tolerated by all skin types and compatible with most ingredients, including retinol, AHAs and other antioxidants, the exception being vitamin C, as niacinamide can reduce its efficacy,’ says Ghalaie. ‘As such, it’s easy to incorporate into your routine.’
Even more encouraging news is that to take advantage of this powerhouse you needn’t add another step or decipher complex do’s and don’ts.
Simply swap in one of these hard-working substitutes next time you’re skincare shopping.
Q+A Niacinamide Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
Q+A Niacinamide Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser combines the vitamin’s soothing and anti-blemish properties with jojoba spheres to slough away dead cells, leaving skin clean, smooth and bright without causing irritation.
Buy it for £7.50 from Q+A Skin.
Simple Booster Serum
You can also keep the complexion balanced with a few drops of milky Simple Booster Serum 10% Niacinamide, which improves hydration and texture, plus regulates oil production.
Revolution Skincare’s Brightening Ginseng Eye Cream
Then there’s Revolution Skincare’s Brightening Ginseng Eye Cream, which uses the anti-inflammatory power of niacinamide alongside illuminating ginseng to make the eye area look fresh and awake, while shea butter softens and nourishes.
Buy it for £7.99 from Superdrug.
Trinny London’s Energise Me Moisturiser
Finish by switching to Trinny London’s Energise Me Moisturiser as your day and night cream. The gel cream is cooling and quickly absorbed but the finish is supple and plumped.
Over time, less oiliness means fewer breakouts – and if and when they do happen, they heal faster.
Buy it for £42 from Trinny London.
Emma Hardie’s Lotus Flower Treatment Serum
There’s a place for niacinamide beyond everyday facial products too. If you’re suffering with redness, breakouts and blackheads, Emma Hardie’s Lotus Flower Treatment Serum is a light gel that uses the vitamin to calm high colour and inflammation as well as reduce shine.
Skin Proud Sleep Defence Mask
Kombucha might be the star ingredient in Skin Proud Sleep Defence Mask but it works in tandem with niacinamide to tackle redness overnight while ensuring skin wakes wonderfully soft and nourished.
Flawless Body Therapy
There’s no reason limbs can’t make the most of a vitamin B infusion too. To brighten skin all over and help unclog chest and backne, Dr Sam Bunting’s Flawless Body Therapy combines 5% niacinamide with smoothing lactic acid, firming bakuchiol and a generous dollop of rich hydrators.
Buy it for £29 from Dr Sam Bunting.
St Tropez’s Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse
And – back by customer demand – St Tropez’s Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse (£26.40, sttropeztan.com) has been reworked to include niacinamide, giving a more even, fresh skin tone from which your bronzed body can glow.
Buy it for £26.40 from Feel Unique.
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