Much ado has been made about the merits of vitamin C skin care in recent times, and while the fanfare is very much justified, it may be unfairly stealing the limelight from an equally (if not more) capable competitor: niacinamide or vitamin B3.RELATED: This mask-sanitising spray doubles as an anti-acne treatmentRELATED: 8 detoxifying clay masks to draw out deep impurities
While vitamin C cream and serum, as well as vitamin A cream, rarely stray from a beauty editor’s ‘must-have’ list, niacinamide hasn’t garnered as much traction despite its vast array of brightening and tightening benefits. Until now.Here, we dive deep into the many advantages of including niacinamide in your skin care routine and round up the best products to get you started.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is nothing short of a powerhouse, and particularly important to our body as we cannot produce the vitamin on our own.The vitamin itself is water-soluble, which means that we must either eat it or wear it topically to reap its benefits. Niacinamide also goes by the names “Vitamin B3” and “nicotinamide’, a non-acid form of B3.
What are the benefits of niacinamide on your skin?
Suffer from hyper-pigmentation? Dull skin? Niacinamide is your best friend. Known for its capacity to help repair damaged DNA, improve cellular energy and downgrade the effects of sun-induced UV rays, it is particularly useful for fighting early signs of ageing such as wrinkles and discolouration.”Vitamin B3 helps prevent and treat hyper-pigmentation by slowing down the transportation of melanin to the skin’s surface and it’s also effective in improving the skin’s barrier function to maintain skin hydration,” UK-based clinical facialist Kate Kerr told ELLE UK.But it doesn’t end there, with the vitamin offering similar benefits to that of an antibiotic.”This particular vitamin also has an antibiotic effect, which means it improves skin congestion and acne breakouts, all whilst regulating sebum,” said Kerr.Like vitamin C, studies support its impressive brightening properties, the extent of which come down to the concentration of the vitamin in the product in question. The studies also back its ability to maintain moisture, strengthen the skin barrier and aid in the synthesis of healthy fats—all of which are paramount for healthy, youthful skin.In order to best maximise the vitamin’s many benefits, look for skin care products that also include the likes of silica (a natural anti-inflammatory), zinc (for enhanced blemish reduction), hyaluronic acid (for hydration retention) and fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 (to improve the skin’s natural barrier).Although vitamin B3 and vitamin c may appear to overlap in benefits, vitamin B3 is ideal for those who are specifically seeking skin restoration across pigmentation, dull skin, fine lines and enlarged pores. That being said, in conjunction with vitamin C’s overall brightening properties and free radical protection, the duo become particularly powerful, and will tackle an array of skin concerns across the board.
The best vitamin B3 products to try
Want to treat your skin to niacinamide’s powerful properties? Scroll on to find the best niacinamide products for your skin.
Paula’s Choice Clinical 20% Niacinamide Treatment
Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Treatment
Vitamin B Serum by The Ordinary
Vitamin B3 Serum by APOT.CARE
Vitamin B3+ Serum by Skin Inc
Vitamin B serum by Asap
Words by Sukriti Wahi
Main image credit: @lauren.vandie
Do you use niacinamide in your skin care routine?
Yes, I use it daily. Just because it is there, unsure if it does anything visible. Only 2 things make actual difference that I can see with my own eyes (not placebo) are: high % glycolic and retinol. That is it.
Thank You BH for an Informative Article on Niacinamide showing the benefits of Niacinamide on the Skin.
I have been using this in my moisturising cream every morning and night.
I haven't tried a niacinamide serum yet because I'm stuck in the Vitamin C in the morning and Vitamin A in the evening routine and I want to keep it simple. But once I take a break from either I'll be sure to try it!
The Ordinary have some great products with great prices too, I'm currently using the Glycolic toner and loving it, I'll have a look at the Niacinamide on their website.
Have been using The Ordinary's niacinamide serum for ages & I still enjoy it. I also have a niacinamide serum from Essano that I'm keen to try at some stage. Niacinamide is just about the only vitamin my fussy sensitive skin can tolerate, so I'm glad I can use SOMETHING that's anti-aging at least!
I've been using it for a few years – have tried a few and alot of moisturizers on the market contain this ingredient anyways so im always looking at ingredients list.
I have used the niacinamide in a moisturiser as well as in The Ordinary serum, and am currently using again in the powder form from The Ordinary (mix it into my moisturiser). I'm hoping the mix in powder has a better effect than the serum, as the serum felt like it didn't do much for me.
I have used Niacinamide for at least 2 years and it has transformed my skin. I use The Ordinary Niacinamide and it is such great value for money. I have acne prone/combo skin and have found it super beneficial I buy it over and over again!
Atm do not use any product with B3 in. Did not notice any difference having it or not in my routine. Do not mind if a product has it in as a side kick, would not go and buy it on its own.
I used a niacinamide serum for 3 months and saw a huge difference in my skin (loved it) however, after I stopped, I noticed that my skin became worse. I had redness and small bumps all over my cheeks and face looked red (this was an absolutely new skin condition for me as I have never experienced something like this in the past). I guess you need to continue using it to see the benefits as they are not permanent
Ive never tried a product with B3, but im really interested in giving Paula Choice ago. It contains 20% ! So im going big to hopefully notice a difference. But ive heard really good things about the ordinary
Yes, I use it daily. Just because it is there, unsure if it does anything visible. Only 2 things make actual difference that I can see with my own eyes (not placebo) are: high % glycolic and retinol. That is it.
Have heard lots of great things about this previously as well.
Thank You BH for an Informative Article on Niacinamide showing the benefits of Niacinamide on the Skin.
I have been using this in my moisturising cream every morning and night.
Very interesting article. I wonder if taking Vitamin B3 in tablet form would be of any benefit? Doesn’t hurt to try.
Olay to the rescue yet again 😀
I'm currently using the LRP retinol + B3 serum which has really helped with my skin
Heard so much about this ingredient
Have yet to try any products with this ingredient.
Interesting article! – I will look out for this ingredient!
I'm using a night time lotion with this ingredient and my skin feels more hydrated.
I don't have pigmentation issues, but I'm ageing & zit-prone, so I've added this article to my favourites.
It looks like The Ordinary is the way to go, price-wise. Fingers crossed that TO will become listed on Bh one day.
I haven't tried a niacinamide serum yet because I'm stuck in the Vitamin C in the morning and Vitamin A in the evening routine and I want to keep it simple. But once I take a break from either I'll be sure to try it!
I have pigmentation issues, so must get some of this!
I do find my skin is smoother and brighter since using niacinamide.
Niacinamide is perfect for my skin type (oily, acne prone, hyperpigmentation), and The Ordinary's one is cheap and cheerful. Definitely my pick!
I use Synergie Skin Niacinamide during my evening skincare routine.
The Ordinary looks good.
Thanks for the info
Would love to try Paula's Choice.
Interesting, but nah…
The Ordinary is certainly affordable
Niacinamide is a very versatile ingredient. I use it all the time and won't be without it!
I've only tried the Olay Regenerist, and although it's good, I'd love to try some of the others.
Interesting article.
I have the Ordinary Niacinamide, but haven't been using it long enough to form an opinion yet
The Ordinary have some great products with great prices too, I'm currently using the Glycolic toner and loving it, I'll have a look at the Niacinamide on their website.
Have been using The Ordinary's niacinamide serum for ages & I still enjoy it. I also have a niacinamide serum from Essano that I'm keen to try at some stage. Niacinamide is just about the only vitamin my fussy sensitive skin can tolerate, so I'm glad I can use SOMETHING that's anti-aging at least!
I love The Ordinary!
Love this ingredient for hydration this is in my B2 Hydrating serum by Ultraceuticals.
I must try The Ordinary, the prices seem too good to be true
I've been using it for a few years – have tried a few and alot of moisturizers on the market contain this ingredient anyways so im always looking at ingredients list.
This is incredible. Gotta learn more about this soon.
Can confirm – my husband uses the Ordinary one with zinc and has really helped with his facial congestion
I will have to check out The Ordinary brand.
Great article.
I've tried the ordinary one and it broke me out so I threw it and never again.
I have used the niacinamide in a moisturiser as well as in The Ordinary serum, and am currently using again in the powder form from The Ordinary (mix it into my moisturiser). I'm hoping the mix in powder has a better effect than the serum, as the serum felt like it didn't do much for me.
I have used Niacinamide for at least 2 years and it has transformed my skin. I use The Ordinary Niacinamide and it is such great value for money. I have acne prone/combo skin and have found it super beneficial I buy it over and over again!
I have some pigmentation issues, so must look out for some of this to try
Combine it with N-Acetyl Glucosamine for hyperpigmentation issues!
Atm do not use any product with B3 in. Did not notice any difference having it or not in my routine. Do not mind if a product has it in as a side kick, would not go and buy it on its own.
Very interesting article BH
Great article, very informative especially finding out that nicacinamide is like an antibiotic
This has recently made a big difference in my routine.
I've tried some products with niacinamide but I didn't notice a difference by using them.
I used a niacinamide serum for 3 months and saw a huge difference in my skin (loved it) however, after I stopped, I noticed that my skin became worse. I had redness and small bumps all over my cheeks and face looked red (this was an absolutely new skin condition for me as I have never experienced something like this in the past). I guess you need to continue using it to see the benefits as they are not permanent
Ive never tried a product with B3, but im really interested in giving Paula Choice ago. It contains 20% ! So im going big to hopefully notice a difference. But ive heard really good things about the ordinary
Start with The Ordinary Duaa- you won’t regret it!
I love Niacinamide but it should be combined with NAG!