To date, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review's Safety Assessment of niacinamide has only tested the ingredient at up to 20% for irritancy potential. So at best, using a niacinamide product that's that potent may just not be necessary or useful. At worst, it might really cause your skin to freak out.
The Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment visibly reduces stretched and enlarged pores, smoothes rough (orange-peel) skin texture and minimises bumps caused by accumulated sebum. It reveals a smoother, more refined skin texture. You can use niacinamide-containing products around your eyes, too.
If a person's concerns are mostly around enlarged pores and uneven skin tone, the 10% strength is a great option. For those with more advanced concerns such as sagging pores, orange peel-like texture or oil-related bumps, the 20% strength is preferred.
Prescription products containing niacinamide are safe when taken as directed. Niacinamide-containing foods or supplements are safe when taken in doses lower than 35 mg daily. Niacinamide is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 900-1500 mg daily.
What it is: A highly concentrated, effective niacinamide serum that visibly minimizes stretched pores, smooths tenacious bumps, and addresses excess oil. Highlighted Ingredients: - Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 20%: A first-ever strength that improves the look of tenacious pores and hard, clogged bumps.
With 15% of blemish-busting hero Niacinamide, this soft, moisturising formula is perfect for all skin types to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and pores. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, when applied to the skin it can help build keratin that keeps skin firm and healthy.
"An effective product should have between 2 and 10 percent niacinamide," she explains. Dr. Allenby adds that products with niacinamide concentrations under 5 percent are especially well-tolerated.
When selecting niacinamide products, Dr Ho advises that “a concentration of 4-5% niacinamide is ideal—enough to improve acne and fine wrinkles”. Higher concentrations, like The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc, have not yet been proven to exhibit a higher rate of efficacy.
Using a product with, say, 10% niacinamide won't cause any major issues, but you may experience some irritation and redness, especially because niacinamide is quite easily absorbed into skin.
Another possibility is that you're overdoing it on niacinamide, according to one expert. "When used in high concentrations, it can cause skin irritation and redness," Talakoub says. "Especially in sensitive areas such as around the eyes."
Yes, it is safe to use niacinamide and BHA together. Both formulas are effective yet gentle and contain additional calming and restoring antioxidants. Some people with extra-sensitive skin may find that alternating them by using one in the morning and one at night works best.
The bottom line. When used topically every day, niacinamide may have a positive impact on your overall skin health. The ingredient can help reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation, smooth your overall skin texture, and brighten your skin.
"Research has shown niacinamide can interrupt the terrible inflammation UV light causes in the skin, so using a niacinamide booster under your sunscreen is a great way to protect and repair."
“Purging” is another term for breakouts, though there are some differences. Though some people do report experiencing irritation and breakouts after using the ingredient, niacinamide is unlikely to cause purging. That's because it doesn't affect the skin in a way that usually triggers purging.
If your skin is dull and/or dry and/or moisturizer alone just doesn't seem to do much, Dr. Frieling suggests adding this serum to your routine. She lauds it for combining reparative niacinamide with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, both humectants that attract water to and hold it in the skin.
Shrinks Pores and Smooths Texture
You've probably heard that you can't shrink your pores. But actually, you can—with niacinamide.
If you're looking to add niacinamide into your skincare regimen, keep potency in mind. 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.
Great stuff in here including 4% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, capric/caprylic triglyceride, dimethicone, and repairing skin identical ingredients like ceramides and cholesterol.
Most niacinamide products also contain a variety of other ingredients. If any of these ingredients increase skin cell turnover then they may be behind any 'purging'. Some ingredients can also be 'comedogenic' which means that they are more likely to clog pores and cause breakouts.
As it's well tolerated by most people, niacinamide can be used twice a day everyday. It works at any time of the year although it comes in particularly handy in winter during cold, dry weather and frequent use of central heating. Use it in the run-up before starting your retinol treatment and alongside it, too.
With 15% of blemish-busting hero Niacinamide, this soft, moisturising formula is perfect for all skin types to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and pores. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, when applied to the skin it can help build keratin that keeps skin firm and healthy.
Apply a few drops to the face morning and evening and massage into the skin. Best used alongside Niacinamide Essence Spray. Precautions: Discontinue use if redness or irritation occurs. Keep out of eyes.
Niacinamide is one of the most versatile skincare ingredients and is super easy to incorporate into your routine. Suitable for all skin types and all ages (from teens to mature skin) it can be used both morning and evening but remember consistency is key if you want to see results.
Niacinamide is an ingredient that is gentle enough to be used twice a day, seven days a week, Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Rabach say. To apply niacinamide, first wash your face and, if you use one, apply a toner.
"It helps with dark circles and wrinkles, two of the major complaints of the skin around the eyes." Because there's a low risk of irritation or inflammation from using it, you can apply it to the delicate, thin skin around the eyes without worry.