Brightening, oil control, barrier repair- there is one ingredient that could do it all niacinamide. So if you have problematic skin, a niacinamide serum is your best bet for tackling multiple skin concerns at once.
You may already have seen niacinamide listed as an ingredient in your face wash, moisturizer, sunscreen and even face mask. Along with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide is probably one of the most commonly used active ingredients in skincare these days and a favourite among skincare enthusiasts.
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What is Niacinamide?
Benefits of Niacinamide Serum For Skin
How To Pick The Best Niacinamide Serum For Your Skin
9. Formula Rx Niacinamide 10% + N-acetyl glucosamine 2% Serum
10. Plum 5% Niacinamide Serum
Frequently Asked Questions About Niacinamide
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide comes from niacin aka Vitamin B3, a vital nutrient for our body as it keeps our nervous and digestive systems happy. It is found in various food sources like nuts, fruits and grains.
Along with overall health, niacinamide is also a key vitamin to keep our skin healthy as strengthens your skin’s protective barrier function and has anti-inflammatory properties. And when your use it topically, it suits all skin types and helps with all major skin concerns.
Benefits of Niacinamide Serum For Skin
Reduces oil production:
Niacinamide is a boon for people with oily skin as it regulates the amount of sebum aka oil produced by our skin. So it can reduce greasiness, clogged pores and even the occurrence of pimples and whiteheads.
Minimizes the appearance of pores
Since niacinamide regulates sebum levels and prevents pores from getting clogged, it can also minimize the appearance and size of large pores over time.
Soothes irritations:
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties so it can soothe irritated skin and is even suitable for sensitive skin types.
Strengthens skin barrier
Niacinamide helps our skin produce ceramides which are essential for retaining moisture in the skin and improving barrier function.
Reduces acne scars
Serums with at least 5% niacinamide can also fade dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne. They can help your skin look brighter and more even-toned.
Treats active acne
Niacinamide is a popular spot treatment since it reduces the size of acne by soothing inflammation and controlling sebum production.
Reduces signs of ageing
Niacinamide is also helpful in maintaining healthy collagen levels by reducing oxidative stress on your skin caused by the sun.
Also Read: Best Vitamin C Serums in India To target Pigmentation
How To Pick The Best Niacinamide Serum For Your Skin
As you see, niacinamide is quite the multitasker and has a place in everyone’s skincare routine. But not all niacinamide serums are suitable for you. You need to pick a formula depending on which specific concern you wish to target.
The good news is that niacinamide works well with many other skincare ingredients so you can pick a formula that has the best combination of skincare ingredients for your skin type.
For eg. To reduce acne scars, pick a serum with brightening ingredients like alpha-arbutin, licorice. And if you want to target acne and oil control, pick a niacinamide serum with ingredients like zinc, salicylic acid, or green tea.
And if you are looking for barrier repair, pick a serum with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and other skin-soothing ingredients.
Also Read: Step-By-Step Summer Skincare Routine For Oily Skin
Best Niacinamide Serums in India
1. Koko Chemistry 10% Niacinamide Serum
This is one of the best niacinamide serums for oily,acne-prone skin in India. It doubles up as a moisturizer, controls oil secretions, and reduces the occurrences of breakouts as well as dark spots.
Key ingredients are niacinamide, vitamin b5, hyaluronic acid, zinc PCA, witch hazel, jojoba oil, and olive oil.
This lightweight, hydrating gel with 5% niacinamide helps reduce oiliness, dark spots, and under-eye puffiness. It also soothes irritated, acne-prone skin as it has soothing botanicals like green tea, mulberry, bamboo stem, blue agave, daisy, and coffee extract.
This hydrating niacinamide serum is perfect for soothing and repairing skin. It has 5% niacinamide, Centella, hyaluronic acid and panthenol which softens your skin, calms inflammation and brightens your skin.
This brightening serum is perfect for reducing redness and dark spots to reveal brighter, even-toned skin. It has 5% niacinamide, seabuckthorn juice, alpha arbutin, and gluconolactone which help reduce hyperpigmentation while glycerin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and allantoin hydrate and soften the skin.
This lightweight nonsticky serum helps tackle hyperpigmentation and freckles caused by tanning and sun damage. It has 10% Nianciamde, 0.3% alpha arbutin, and licorice extract as key ingredients while glycerine, marshmallow root extract, and rapeseed oil improve hydration levels.
This spot-correcting serum reduces dark spots to even outs your skin tone. It has 10% niacinamide to reduce pigmentation while blue lotus, hyaluronic acid, and seaweed extracts hydrate the skin and the ceramide complex strengthens your barrier function.
This non-sticky high-strength niacinamide serum is perfect if you want to boost ceramide production or get rid of blemishes. The serum has a botanical cell-renewing broth made from extracts like watermelon, green tea, passion fruit, etc. which aids delivery of actives into the skin and fights harmful free radicals to protect your skin.
This potent formula is designed to strengthen your skin barrier, even out skin tone and texture, reduce moisture loss and fight signs of premature ageing. It has 10% niacinamide and 1% Pro-vitamin B5 to deeply hydrates and soften your skin and even reduce the appearance of large pores or dark spots.
9. Formula Rx Niacinamide 10% + N-acetyl glucosamine 2% Serum
This non-sticky lightweight formula helps balance oil production, minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores, and reduces hyperpigmentation caused by acne. It also has soothing ingredients like allantoin while hyaluronic acid and panthenol help hydrate the skin and improve the skin barrier. The formula is vegan and safe for Malassezia (fungal acne).
The vegan, beginner-friendly 5% niacinamide serum is a great choice to brighten your skin and reduce blemishes. It has various amino acids and rice water that hydrates and smoothens skin texture while leaving you with even-toned skin.
Niacinamide is a safe ingredient for most people but always conduct a patch test before use to see if the formulation suits your skin.
Can niacinamide serum be used with vitamin c serum?
Yes, you can but I would recommend using them at different times of the day for a more minimalist approach.
Can niacinamide be used with retinol?
Yes, niacinamide can be used with retinol in the same routine.
How to use niacinamide serum?
After cleansing and toning, take 3-4 drops of the serum and gently pat it into slightly damp skin. Follow up with your mositurizer.
Can I use niacinamide serum every day?
Yes, niacinamide can be used every day, in your morning and evening skincare routine.
How long does niacinamide take to show results?
It varies from person to person but usually takes 3-4 weeks to start seeing changes in your skin. You have to use it continuously to maintain the results.
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1. Koko Chemistry 10% Niacinamide Serum. This is one of the best niacinamide serums for oily,acne-prone skin in India. It doubles up as a moisturizer, controls oil secretions, and reduces the occurrences of breakouts as well as dark spots.
Speaking of, the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum and Glossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc Serum are two of our go-to niacinamide-based serums; the former is great for anti-aging, while the latter for acne-prone skin.
“An effective product should have between two and 10 percent niacinamide,” South Florida-based board-certified dermatologist Janet Allenby, MD, has told Allure.
La Roche Posay's first pure 10% niacinamide serum is a multi-tasking dermatological serum developed to suit all skin types including sensitive skin. This serum with niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid helps to even out skin tone, hydrate and brighten, whilst improving the appearance of dark spots.
Suits normal to oily skin: Niacinamide is proven safe ingredients for all skin types and that is why it is so popular but 10% niacinamide is the best daily serum for oily skin or acne-prone skin. People with dry or sensitive skin can use The Minimalist 5% Niacinamide with 1% Hyaluronic Acid for extra hydration.
"Because it's a mild acid, vitamin C also gives you more of an exfoliating and brightening effect than niacinamide," says Dr. Lee. "Niacinamide has a greater impact in terms of hydrating the skin." Niacinamide is the gentler of the two, making it a great vitamin C alternative in those with sensitive skin.
Researchers found Niacinamide is an important ingredient in skin lightening, which works to stop the transfer of melanin pigment (responsible for the darkening of the skin) to skin cells (keratinocyte). Niacinamide decreases hyperpigmentation and lightens skin gradually after using it for a long duration.
As a mild acid, Vitamin C is better for exfoliating and brightening skin than niacinamide. On the other hand, niacinamide is better for keeping skin moisturized.
Niacinamide is dermatologist-approved for brightening skin tone. Some research suggests skin care formulas with 5% niacinamide can also help lighten dark spots. In one small study, a combination of skin brighteners including retinol and niacinamide reduced dark spots and fine lines.
If you have dark patches, sun damage, or age spots, consider them covered. “In specific concentrations, niacinamide is thought to be able to block the enzyme responsible for producing pigmentation, or melanin, and improve skin tone,” says Dr. Gonzalez.
The 82°E founder's next step introduced us to the latest product from Padukone's skincare brand, 'Gotu Kola Dew' toner serum that she pats into her skin.
She uses the Byoma Balancing Face Mist which has probiotics and tri-ceramide complex. Ceramides are the building blocks of the skin carrier and is meant to nourish the skin, while probiotics help in balancing out your skin, even out your skin tone, brighten it and work on reducing your acne, dry skin, irritation etc.
Niacinamide is an acid which is a godsend for those who have oily skin. It helps control sebum production, fades acne marks and helps prevent further breakouts. The best dupe out there is The Derma Co, which has the same chemical composition as The Ordinary and is easily available here.
Niacinamide inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps in producing pigment melanin. By blocking tyrosinase, you are preventing the formation of hyperpigmentation. You can use these if you have patchy, uneven skin tone or post-acne blemishes. You can use niacinamide any time in the morning or night.
- 7 Best Products With Niacinamide For Glowing Skin!
Pilgrim Squalane Glow Moisturizer For Face With Niacinamide & Vitamin C | Moisturizer For Dry Skin| Face Moisturizer With Vitamin C For Glowing & Hydrating Skin | Non-Greasy (50 g) ...
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Pilgrim Oil-free Gel Moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid and Willow bark, 50gm. ...
Shirazi says that higher concentrations of niacinamide—“particularly those at 10% or higher—“can potentially cause irritation such as redness and rebound oil production.” On that note, Dr. Green recommends that sensitive-skinned folks start with a lower concentration to avoid potential irritation and redness.
Niacinamide is a fairly safe ingredient, so even if you did overdo it with the powder, it's unlikely your skin would have a reaction. Not impossible, though, so always patch test before trying a new product.
Similar to retinol, niacinamide should not be used with acidic skincare ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and even vitamin C. Ordinary niacinamide combined with an acid can cause a bad chemical reaction of redness and flushing.
You should use the Niacinamide 20% if you have advanced concerns such as stretched, sagging pores, orange peel-like texture, or stubborn oil-related bumps. If your concerns are enlarged pores and uneven skin tone, the 10% strength is ideal.
Niacinamide is a great choice for those with acne-prone skin. "Niacinamide reduces sebum production, which can both help prevent acne and also diminish shine," says Kenneth Howe, MD, board-certified dermatologist of UnionDerm in New York City.
Anyone dealing with oily skin and mild acne will benefit from the ingredient's ability to calm breakouts. Regular use can also lead to tighter-looking pores. 'Niacinamide reduces sebum production in the skin, which may indirectly help to reduce pore size'.
Can you use niacinamide every day? Yes. In fact, you can use niacinamide-containing topical products in the morning and night because it's generally a gentle ingredient.
How often should you use your serum? Gentle and well-tolerated, a niacinamide serum is ideal for twice-daily use. Morning and night. While acids and retinol can increase sun sensitivity, niacinamide does not, so it's fine to use in the morning.
How long will it take to see the results of niacinamide? While some niacinamide-containing products start to show initial benefits in two weeks, most results will show in four weeks or more.
I tend to use it once a day, either morning or night but it can be used twice a day too. If you're oily, acne-prone my post on The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin might be helpful for you. All you have to do is take 2 drops of the niacinamide serum in your palms and pat in on the skin.
"Vitamin C is a perfect choice for pigmentation and dull, tired-looking skin. Niacinamide would be a better choice for those suffering from acne or spot-prone skin. Niacinamide is also gentler, so if you tend to have sensitive skin, that would be a better choice.
One of the prime niacinamide benefits includes its ability to lighten dark spots and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is proven to prevent the transfer of pigment within the skin, thereby curbing dark spots. Incorporating niacinamide in your skincare routine can help you get clear and glowing skin from within.
Results: Analyses of the data revealed a variety of significant skin appearance improvement effects for topical niacinamide: reductions in fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing).
Niacinamide stimulates both collagen and elastin, leading to the rebuilding of the supportive foundation of the skin. Skin that once sagged and showed wrinkles is visibly plumped. It fills in those wrinkles from the inside out, leading to an overall younger-looking appearance.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps build proteins in the skin and retain moisture. Signs it's not working: You're not seeing results and notice that the product is pilling on your skin. Also, if you experience redness, itching, or burning, you might want to skip this ingredient.
Here's where things get hairy: Older research has shown that mixing vitamin C—specifically the unstable ascorbic acid—with niacinamide can convert it to the compound niacin, which can cause flushing (think blotchy, inflamed skin).
The short answer is yes, you can use these two ingredients together and see some serious skin benefits! Niacinamide and vitamin C have complementary benefits, and when applied correctly they can be a powerful combination.
Can I use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night? Yes, you could use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night. Both ingredients are highly effective and are able to deliver impressive results whenever they are applied to the skin.
Best Natural Face Serum In India - TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum. Expert Comment: Featuring natural and organic ingredients, this face serum is soothing, reduces all age scars, acne, and breakouts, and is suitable even for sensitive skin.
“Using a vitamin C serum helps to brighten the skin, even skin tone and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Garshick. Retinol or retinoids, a science-backed vitamin A derivative, are critical in boosting collagen production and improving signs of aging, like wrinkles and brown spots.
In the clinical studies, niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use.
- Niacinamide: Fades the appearance of brown under-eye dark circles. - Pumpkin Seed Extract: Soothes and visibly depuff eyes to minimize the appearance of blue under-eye circles. - Sodium Hyaluronate: Supports skin's moisture content, smooths, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
While some niacinamide-containing products start to show initial benefits in two weeks, most results will show in four weeks or more. "You have to remember that it doesn't take two days for spots to form so you can't expect them to be removed in two days either," explains Engelman.
Powered by niacinamide and hexylresorcinol, this formula works overtime to reduce the appearance of dark spots. Better still, an infusion of shiitake mushrooms and blackcurrant oil helps brighten the skin. Just a few drops of this serum is enough to keep problematic skin at bay.
Western Drugs Ltd. is the manufacturer of Niacin (Nicotinic Add) and Niacinamide (Nicotinamide) and the production facility has been set up at Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Dr. Li explains that "the scientific literature suggests 5% as optimal for achieving desired effects" and she goes further to caution that higher concentrations may cause skin irritation.
“Five percent niacinamide is the ideal concentration to minimize retinal's potential drying effect, while also improving the look and feel of skin. It's the ultimate balance of strength and function.”
The pipette– The bulb of the pipette on real products is soft and white or white/grey. I have read reports that fake The Ordinary products come with a firmer bulb that can appear more yellow white. There will be a small gap between the bulb and the cap on an original productThe glass portion is quite sturdy.
Shirazi says that higher concentrations of niacinamide—“particularly those at 10% or higher—“can potentially cause irritation such as redness and rebound oil production.” On that note, Dr. Green recommends that sensitive-skinned folks start with a lower concentration to avoid potential irritation and redness.
Some products go up to 10%, however this levl of concentration is much more likely to cause skin irritation. We do not recommend exceeding 10% niacinamide for any over-the-counter skincare product.
Similar to retinol, niacinamide should not be used with acidic skincare ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and even vitamin C. Ordinary niacinamide combined with an acid can cause a bad chemical reaction of redness and flushing.
With three benefits in one jar, Olay Regenerist Niacinamide + Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer strengthens skin*, evens complexion, and visibly corrects wrinkles. It's crafted by our top scientists with our clinically proven technology, with 99% pure Niacinamide, to improve skin's moisture barrier for 2x stronger skin***.
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