Published on January 6, 2025 |10 min read

Keeping up with the latest skincare trends can be daunting. It seems like there’s always a breakthrough discovery, or new trend to try. There is, however, one ingredient that’s been getting a lot of hype that’s worth looking into: niacinamide.

Niacinamide has been credited with a wide variety of skin benefits, including improving the skin's tone, keeping it clear, making it look brighter, and more. In this article, we’ll look at this multi-functional ingredient in detail, how it works, and its uses.

Niacinamide, which is also called nicotinamide, is the active form of niacin or vitamin B3. Another name for this water-soluble vitamin is Anti-Pellagra-Vitamin or PP (Pellagra-Preventive)-Factor for its incredible ability to combat pellagra, a skin condition characterized by rough, sun-exposed skin with severe, scaly dermatitis.

Renowned for its versatility, niacinamide brings a wealth of skin benefits to the table. Whether you're looking to hydrate, brighten, or strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, products containing niacinamide are a must-have in any skincare routine.

There’s a reason so many have adopted niacinamide into their skincare routine. This multifunctional ingredient works mainly for all skin conditions, for a variety of skin concerns, and has many benefits.

• Niacinamide can stimulate new collagen synthesis. Niacinamide has a positive impact on connective tissue and gel matrix components of the skin, which is of particular significance in aged and photoaged skin.
• Minimizes Pore Appearance: collagen synthesis can positively impact on the pore aspect. With increased collagen, skin becomes firmer and smoother, reducing the surface appearance of enlarged pores and enhancing overall texture.
• Improve Hyperpigmentation: Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes. This could lead to a reduction in pigmentation with time without inhibitory effects on melanocyte tyrosinase activity.
• Minimizes Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Studies have shown that niacinamide can help reduce visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.
• Boosts Hydration: Niacinamide up-regulates epidermal ceramide synthesis with concurrent benefits to the epidermal barrier and consequently increasing the level of hydration.

According to Maria Giulia Simonazzi, International Education Manager and skincare expert at [ comfort zone ], niacinamide can be incorporated into both your morning and evening skincare routines. But before starting it is essential to consider not only the niacinamide concentration but also the product’s overall formulation and ingredient combinations.

It’s essential to assess where niacinamide fits within your beauty routine, especially if you’re using active treatments like peels or other invasive and aggressive methods. In such cases, consulting a skincare professional can ensure optimal product layering and compatibility.

For daily application, Simonazzi recommends following the "golden rule of skincare": apply products from the thinnest to the thickest consistency, always finishing with sunscreen in the morning to protect and lock in the benefits of your routine.

• Hyaluronic acid: If you’re looking for hydrated, glowing skin, the combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid is a game-changer. Hyaluronic acid acts as a hydration powerhouse, attracting and retaining moisture to keep skin plump and refreshed. Niacinamide, meanwhile, works to strengthen the skin barrier, helping to lock in that moisture for longer-lasting effects. When used together, these two ingredients provide a radiant, dewy look that leaves skin visibly more hydrated and luminous.
• Vitamin C: Combining niacinamide and vitamin C in your skincare routine can be a powerful way to achieve a more radiant, even skin tone. Together, they create a synergistic effect, working to reveal a more luminous complexion associated with an improved skin texture appearance.
• Retinol: Retinol and niacinamide can work beautifully together to fight signs of aging—but it’s essential that formulations are designed with care to incorporate both ingredients! Interactions and instability need to be evaluated carefully to provide effectiveness and safety to the product! Retinol promotes smooths fine lines, while niacinamide brightens and enhances skin texture. When combined thoughtfully, retinol and niacinamide create a powerful synergy that rejuvenates and refines, helping to reveal a youthful, radiant complexion.

Niacinamide tends to work best in serums and moisturizers or in other products that are meant to be left on the skin. Rinse-off products like cleansers are less effective because they have a shorter contact time. We recommend using the following [ comfort zone ] products:

Hydramemory Hydra & Glow Ampoules: This concentrated formula uses niacinamide 5% and Polyglutamic Acid (PGA) to brighten and hydrate, resulting in a healthier-looking complexion and softer, smoother skin. 

Renight Bright & Smooth Ampoules: The formula combines 2% niacinamide with retinal, working in perfect synergy to rejuvenate the skin and boost its natural radiance. Retinal not only combats the early signs of aging but also inhibits the transfer of melanin to the skin’s surface, promoting a more even complexion and a luminous glow.

Literature:

Matts P.J.: A review of the range of effects of niacinamide in human skin. IFSCC Mag. 5(4), 285-289. 2002.

Gensler H.L.: Prevention of photoimmunosuppression and photocarcinogenesis by topical nicotinamide. Nutr & Cancer 29(2), 157-162. 1997.