Dealing with, well, pretty much any kind of complexion concern? Odds are good that niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can help you with a solution. This superstar ingredient can assist with everything from brightening and clearing the skin to even reducing fine lines and wrinkles. What’s not to love?!
Marvellous multitasker
The Glow Recipe brand is inspired by Korean beauty routines, which focus on healthy, dewy skin as the end goal rather than a face full of make-up. Watermelon Dew Drops is a lightweight gel that can be used as a hydrating, brightening and highlighting serum, or as the last step in your beauty routine for an instant glossy, almost pearlescent finish.
The French approach
La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum, is the dermatologist-recommended French brand’s first pure niacinamide serum and was developed to suit all skin types, including sensitive. The range includes Pure Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3 which pairs niacinamide with retinol, another skincare heavy-hitter, to create an effective anti-ageing formula.
B plus C
Boost Lab Brightening Vitamin C Serum, is a high-performance wonder with five percent niacinamide and three percent vitamin C for bright, glowing and radiant skin. Also in the mix is natural bisabolol (chamomile), which helps to soothe skin as it gradually transforms.
Budget friendly
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the cult brand’s best-selling product, with one sold every two seconds around the world! Originally targeted towards blemish-prone skin due to its ability to help regulate sebum production, it has now been proven to address multiple concerns, including significantly reinforcing skin barrier function, improving skin smoothness and increasing radiance over time.
Calm and protect
With its no-frills philosophy and commitment to high-quality, plant-derived ingredients, Kit products allow you to do more with less. Its potent No. 3 Concentrate Goji Berry reduces the appearance of redness and texture, for calmer looking and feeling skin, all thanks to niacinamide working alongside soothing botanicals like liquorice root and goji berry.
New Zealand natural
Local all-natural brand Essano’s Skin Tone Perfector Niacinamide is a light-as-water formula developed with antioxidants to calm breakouts, reduce excess oil and gently hydrate. You’ll also find niacinamide in its Visible Repair Night Cream which was formulated to nourish and firm mature skin.
Double duty
Where suncare meets skincare, Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum is an ultra-lightweight formula offering sun protection, bolstered by three percent niacinamide to smooth the appearance of fine lines and boost radiance.
Dermaplaning after care
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive skin treatment that reveals a healthy and glowing complexion by removing any dead skins cells as well as peach fuzz. These ones from Bondi Blades are made with a bio-degradable wheat straw handle and stainless steel blades, giving you the perfect results. After dermaplaning, wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser, followed up by your favourite niacinamide serum and moisturiser to achieve healthy-looking skin.
From the expert
Mecca skincare education manager Giorgi Strachan says, “Niacinamide is a highly efficient ingredient that can fit into any skincare routine, even if you have sensitive skin. It is known as a key skin regulator and has well-documented benefits, which include oil and pigment regulation and skin-barrier support through its ability to positively influence ceramide production.
“For those who experience patchiness, skin irritation and congestion, niacinamide is a wonderful solution to address both the primary skin goals (through its ability to support the skin’s lipid barrier and regulate oil, as well as pigment production) and can assist with on-going maintenance to ensure your skin is functioning at an optimal level.
“For those looking to implement niacinamide in their routine, I suggest using it three days a week and building it into your daily line-up.”
