The niacinamide is the active form of vitamin B3. It belongs to the family of multifunctional active ingredients and is probably the ingredient with the best ratio of documented benefits to ease of use in all of dermocosmetics.
In the cell, it converts into NAD+, a coenzyme involved in hundreds of reactions, which explains its versatility. It supports the synthesis of the ceramides that make up the skin barrier; it moderates sebum production and the appearance of enlarged pores; it affects the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to surface cells, the step that makes a blemish visible. It therefore works on several fronts at once, something very few active ingredients can do.
It works well for almost all skin types: oily and blemish-prone skin because of its effect on sebum and pores, mature skin because of its effect on dark spots and firmness, and sensitive skin because it strengthens the barrier instead of challenging it. Use it morning and evening, before moisturizer. For shine, changes appear within four weeks; for a more even complexion, it takes longer.
It is one of the active ingredients that combines best with others: it works without problems withhyaluronic acid, peptides, azeloglycine, and vitamin C, which is why it appears in very different formulas. It is the ingredient to start with when building a routine from scratch.
On our blog, you can find an in-depth article on the ten benefits of niacinamide for the skin.
