Niacinamide Skincare Benefits: Anti-Aging and Brightening 2-in-1

Niacinamide, or nicotinamide, is a derivative of vitamin B3 and a well-known and widely debated star ingredient in skincare in recent years. From oil control, tightening pores, improving acne, to effective brightening and anti-aging benefits, niacinamide is applauded as an all-in-one powerhouse in the skincare world. Its gentle nature and high versatility further adds to its reputation.

No matter if you're troubled by a dull complexion, acne scars, or stretched and visible pores, or want to get into mild and beginner-friendly anti-aging care, niacinamide will be an invaluable addition to your skincare regime.

What is niacinamide? What are its Benefits on Skin? 

Niacinamide, or nicotinamide, is a stable form of water-soluble vitamin B3. It has a small molecular structure that easily penetrates the stratum corneum and can be effectively utilised by skin cells. Taking part in cell energy synthesis (DNA repair) and other crucial metabolic processes in the human body, this ingredient offers fundamental support for the skin to restore health and stability.

So niacinamide, in a nutshell, is a gentle yet effective skincare ingredient that, thanks to its mild nature and high stability, can be used safely on sensitive skin, during breakouts, or after medical and aesthetics treatments.

Niacinamide: 8 Key Benefits

Brightening and Blemish-Fading:
Niacinamide helps suppress melanin synthesis and reduces hyperpigmentation, which keeps skin luminous and fades breakout scars and blemishes to keep your complexion radiant and clarified. This skincare powerhouse also has anti-glycation benefits, which work to improve dullness and sallow skin.

Antioxidant and Anti-Glycation:
As a powerful antioxidant, niacinamide can combat free radical damage and repair UV damage to delay cell aging. Its anti-glycation properties also help to fight dull, sallow skin tones, restoring skin to a healthy, vibrant tone.

Sebum Control and Pore Minimising:
Niacinamide helps to regulate sebaceous gland activity and reduce excess oil production. It's a lifesaver for oily skin types, which are often bothered by stretched, open pores, closed comedones, and acne.

Barrier Strengthening and Hydrating:
Niacinamide promotes ceramides synthesis to fortify the skin's natural barrier. This improves moisture retention and keeps skin hydrated for longer periods of time, effectively preventing water loss. Skin is left quenched, stronger, and healthier. 

Gentle Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory:
Equipped with gentle antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities, niacinamide soothes sensitivity-induced redness and irritation, as well as discomfort caused by breakouts and eczema.

Anti-Aging and Collagen Boosting:
Niacinamide increases the production of collagen in the dermis layer, helping to maintain skin elasticity, smooth existing fine lines and wrinkles, and prevent the formation of new creases.

Acne Treating and Anti-Breakouts:
Niacinamide's dual functions of sebum regulation and inflammation control suppress acne with double the power. Repair for blemished and compromised skin is also accelerated thanks to niacinamide's anti-inflammatory nature.

Post-Aesthetics Treatment Repair:
Niacinamide speeds up skin recovery and restores it to a healthier, stable state, so it's highly recommended for fragile skin after a medical aesthetics treatment.

Using Niacinamide in Skincare: Q&A

① How to choose my niacinamide concentration?
Niacinamide concentrations mostly fall between 2-4% for most skincare formulas. Beginners or sensitive skin are recommended to start with low concentrations at about 2%, gradually increasing as your skin grows acclimatised. If redness, itching, or other signs of discomfort occur, discontinue use immediately.

② Can I use niacinamide with other ingredients?
Niacinamide is compatible with a range of other ingredients and is good for layering. Pairing it with other actives doubles its effects – for instance, using niacinamide with vitamin C boosts its brightening benefits, while combining it with retinol enhances anti-wrinkle and anti-aging benefits. Use it with the jack-of-all-trades of skincare, hyaluronic acid, and you get a nice, fundamental and yet essential boost of hydration and barrier support. The one thing to be aware of is to avoid pairing it with high concentrations of acids, such as AHAs and BHAs, to avoid irritating your skin.

③ Can I use niacinamide during daytime?
Niacinamide itself is highly stable and not photosensitive, so it can be used during the day. But for better protection from UV rays, it is still recommended to cover up with sunscreen.

Niacinamide: Ingredient Layering Combinations

① For Anti-Aging: Niacinamide + Retinol 
Niacinamide serves as a calming cushion for the potential irritation and flaking retinol may cause. This time-rewinding team promises a more comfortable and effective anti-aging effect. (Most formulas now utilise stabilised retinol for safe usage and layering, but if your skin is sensitive, an alternative is the 'morning C, evening A' routine to avoid using both actives at once.)

② For a Brightening Boost: Niacinamide + Vitamin C
Double the brightener for double the glow! This duo simultaneously anti-oxidize and inhibit melanin for rapid and intensive skin tone and blemish improvement.

③ For Moisture and Repair: Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid/Ceramides
This combo, with its deep hydrating and barrier strengthening capacity, is perfect for changing seasons when skin condition grows unstable, or after aesthetics treatments.

Niacinamide Serum Recommendations

2% Niacinamide Serum for Beginners ｜APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Ampoule Serum

Take brightening to the next level with a compounded brightening boost from glutathione and niacinamide! The serum spreads on skin in a light, watery texture free of stickiness, delivering lasting antioxidant effects with nano-sized brightening actives that penetrate deep into skin. All ingredients are awarded an EWG green rating and are blended into a hypoallergenic and non-fragranced formula free from 9 irritants. Transform dull, waxen skin tones into a dewy, refreshed glow with this sensitive skin-friendly formula now!

10% High Concentration Niacinamide Serum｜SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Niacinamide 10 Boosting Shot Ampoule

Meet the sensitive skin-friendly microneedle serum from SKIN1004! This spicule treatment delivers high concentrations of niacinamide and other actives deep into skin with microneedle ingredients smaller in size than pores, fully maximising brightening and firming effects. The moisture-rich texture is infused with moisturising ingredients like panthenol and hyaluronic acid, as well as Madagascar Centella Asiatica extract for extra calming and repairing bonuses, to protect the skin from external irritation.

10% High Concentration Niacinamide Serum | Medicube TXA Niacinamide 15 Serum

To see brightening results that are not only visible but also quick, go for the Medicube TXA Niacinamide Serum! This clarifying serum leaves skin clear and healthy-looking in just 72 hours, with a lightweight, non-sticky texture. Its highly potent formula of 15% tranexamic acid (TXA) and niacinamide improves uneven skin tone, rough skin texture and dryness. Notably brightening, it restores skin to a flawless, even, and glowing state.

10% High Concentration Niacinamide Serum | ANUA Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum

This serum fuses the brightening active ingredients niacinamide and tranexamic acid (TXA). It helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, reduce pigmentation, and even out skin tone, targeting common skin concerns like acne scars and dullness. Formulated with gentle ingredients, the lightweight yet hydrating texture is easily absorbed by the skin and, in addition to brightening, moisturises and strengthens the skin barrier.

5% Niacinamide Serum for Beginners | Anua 70% Peach Niacinamide Serum

Did you know that peaches have a niacinamide content 2-5 times that of other fruits? Anua's Peach 70% Niacinamide Serum is concocted with 70% fermented peach essence, which suppresses melanin and reduces its deposition on the epidermis of the skin, fading the appearance of blemishes and spots. It also helps to accelerate the metabolism of old, dead skin cells, restoring skin to a clarified, even and smooth state – rosy as a peach.

5% Niacinamide Serum for Beginners | Anua Retinol 0.3% + Niacin Renewing Serum

Looking for a gentle yet effective anti-aging serum? Anua's latest drop is a must-try. Engineered with retinol capsule technology to maximise absorption rate and improve retinol stability, this all-round retinol serum from Anua combats aging by boosting skin elasticity and luminosity. Its unique skin-friendly formula is gentle yet effective for retinol beginners to safely incorporate this holy grail into their daily skincare routine.

15% High Concentration Niacinamide Serum | COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum

This oily skin type-friendly niacinamide serum fades blemishes and breakout scars with a highly concentrated formula of 15% niacinamide and zinc PCA, a zinc derivative. It reduces breakouts and acne scars by controlling sebum production, while improving dullness and shrinking pores. Achieve smooth, luminous, and revitalised skin in no time at all!

2% Niacinamide Serum for Beginners | AXIS-Y Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment

Want smooth, bouncy skin like a boiled egg? Anti-acne treatment and brightening care are both vital to nurturing skin into a flawless state. If you have acne-prone skin, keep reading – because this AXIS-Y treatment serum is acne first aid in a bottle. Infused with ceramide-rich pink nourishing capsules and containing 2% niacinamide and AHA, this treatment soothes, moisturises, controls sebum, and brightens blemishes. It does basically everything you could ask for in skincare.

10% High Concentration Niacinamide Serum | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Niacinamide Cream Recommendations

2% Niacinamide Face Cream for Beginners | APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Cream

Containing glutathione and niacinamide, this high concentration, low molecular formula dives deep into skin for a compounded brightening boost. It activates skin's self-healing function to intensively nourish, repair, and smooth wrinkles. The soft creamy texture absorbs weightlessly and leaves skin smoother, firmer, bouncier, and more youthful!

5% Niacinamide Face Cream for Beginners | Medicube TXA Niacinamide Capsule Cream

A capsule-plus-gel cream designed for dull, rough skin. Skin brighteners like niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and arbutin work in synergy to suppress melanin from the source, fading pigmentation and evening out your skin tone. Skin becomes noticeably smoother, bouncier, and glowing with health from within.

2% Niacinamide Face Cream for Beginners | Anua Peach 77% Niacin Enriched Cream

This brightening moisturiser features peaches as the centrepiece of its formula, the fruit having a niacinamide content 2-5 times that of other fruits. Lactobacillus Ferment and 3 fermented ingredients are also included to help firm and smooth skin, brighten, and minimise pores. The cream gets its natural pink shade from vitamin B12, in a smooth and grease-free pudding-like texture that layers perfectly under makeup.

1% Niacinamide Face Cream for Beginners | Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream

Viral all over Instagram and TikTok, the 345 Cream naturally alleviates breakout aftermath and calms sensitive skin. Not only does it fade blemishes and acne scars, but it also strengthens your natural barrier to improve your skin's moisture retaining abilities and lower sensitivity. More moisture in your skin means higher stability and defence against external aggressors, as well as better skin health overall.

2% Niacinamide Face Cream for Beginners | Medicube Red Erasing Cream

If you have sensitive skin prone to redness, Medicube's Red Erasing Cream is for you. It combats acne scars and breakout marks by reducing melanin and fading hypierpigmentation. Panthenol also soothes redness and strengthens the skin barrier. The rich, dense formula is easily spreadable and layers seamlessly. With every use, see spots, scars, and blemishes growing fainter and your skin restored to an acne-free, pristine state!

Niacinamide Mask/Toner Pad Recommendations

2% Niacinamide Mask for Beginners | Anua Peach 70 Niacin Brightening Collagen Mask

Anua’s exclusive PEACHINIA+™ Complex contains peach fruit extract that has undergone 72-hour fermentation and is rich in minerals, vitamins and polyphenols. Paired with 2% niacinamide and collagen, the formula leaves you with a healthy glow for firm, glowing and revitalised glass skin. The slim, 1mm ultra-thin hydrogel sheet offers a lightweight, comfortable fit for extended or overnight use, and is safe even for sensitive skin.

5% Niacinamide Toner Pad for Beginners | Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pad

Infused with a powerful blend of 5% niacinamide and tranexamic acid, Anua's Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads are meticulously designed to tackle hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and dullness. The doubled-sided design means double the function – it gently exfoliates with PHA and is chock-full of skin nourishers, including vitamin B12 and 7 kinds of peptides. This harmony of active ingredients soothes irritation, enhances your natural barrier, and reveals a luminous and smooth complexion.

2% Niacinamide Toner Pad for Beginners | Biodance Vita Niacinamide Gel Toner Pads

The brightening version of Biodance's collagen gel toner pads boasts a high-concentration, high-purity formula of tranexamic acid, 2% niacinamide and 99% purity glutathione. It illuminates dull complexions, reduces pigmentation and blemishes, and improves skin texture and moisture levels. The unique gel-textured pad, transparent when applied, will turn white once your skin absorbs the active ingredients. This indicates that the toner pad's rich 243Da ultra-low molecular collagen formula has penetrated deep into the skin to fully improve elasticity and firmness.

Niacinamide Toner Pad for Beginners | Abib Glutathione Pad Vita Touch Pad

Brightening pads richly drenched with a whole bottle of essence! Soaked with glutathione, niacinamide, vitamin C and other brightening goodies, Abib's glutathiosome toner pads are ideal for uneven skin tones, dull complexions, scars and blemishes and leaves skin soft and radiant. Many reviews online have reported smoother and brighter skin after use.