When considering the most effective active skincare ingredients, there’s many worthy of the top spot: retinol, vitamin C, BHAs, hyaluronic acid and the list goes on. But, there might be one that can do it all. Dubbed a ‘hero ingredient’, niacinamide is one everyone should be using in their skincare routines—yep, it’s even safe for those with sensitive skin and could even help combat ongoing irritation. With a long list of benefits, such as soothing, hydrating, anti-aging and even strengthening, niacinamide could be the answer to all of our skin concerns. An ingredient that plays well with others, it can be incorporated into just about any already established routine, so there’s no excuse not to add to cart. 

Desperate to know more? Here, we put the hero ingredient under the spotlight and breakdown everything you need to know.

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and is an ingredient used widely in skincare products due to its skin-restoring benefits. A water-soluble vitamin, niacinamide works together with the natural elements in our skin, helping to keep it happy and healthy. With powerful antioxidant abilities, it can assist in protecting the skin from external stressors, such as UV damage and airborne pollutants, as well as contribute to overall skin health. Unlike some of its counterparts, such as vitamin C, niacinamide is stable when exposed to heat and light, meaning there’s no need to keep it hidden in your beauty cabinet out of sight. 

Niacinamide’s most famous benefit is arguably its ability to reduce the appearance of pores and brighten dull and uneven skin tones—but it doesn’t stop there. Other benefits include: 

• Restores moisture loss and hydration, preventing the depletion of ceramides and protecting against sensitivities
• Brightens the complexion and helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation
• Assists in skin immunity, keeping it firm and healthy by promoting keratin production
• Helps to regulate oil, in turn, preventing clogged pores and congestion
• Protects against environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage, including minimising fine lines and wrinkles that can often come along with it
• Helps to ease symptoms of eczema and other sensitive skin conditions

Due to its recent rise in popularity, niacinamide can now be found in a variety of different products like moisturisers, masks and face mists. However, its most common and most beneficial form is that of a serum. 

Safe for use twice a day, incorporating a niacinamide serum is as simple as adding it to your routine after cleansing and before your favourite moisturiser. Although, it’s important to remember, that just like when you add any new ingredient or skincare product to your routine, it’s best to introduce it slowly to ensure there is no irritation and always start with a patch test. 

Suitable for all skin types, niacinamide can be introduced to any established routine and pairs well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, AHAs and BHAs and salicylic acid that you might already be using.

With use twice daily, you can expect to start to see results like minimised pores, even skin tone and an overall radiant complexion from as soon as two to four weeks. However, as always, ongoing use is recommended to maintain results.

asap Super B Complex, $90 from Adore Beauty 

Alpha H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide, $59.95 from MECCA

Rationale #1 The Serum, $196 from Rationale 

Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum, $55 from Adore Beauty

Paula’s Choice CLINICAL Niacinamide 20% Treatment, $70 from Paula’s Choice