If there’s one skincare ingredient that’s garnered a ton of buzz over the past year, it’s niacinamide—a form of vitamin B3. Niacinamide’s benefits range from minimizing hyperpigmentation to helping with overall skin texture. Read on to learn all about niacinamide, including how La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum can work for all skin types.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide—also known as “niacin”—is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. Because of its water solubility, it makes an excellent topical ingredient in skincare products, like face serums and moisturizers. Niacinamide stars in multiple La Roche-Posay products across many different skincare ranges, from the brand’s Lipikar line (the soothing Lipikar Baume AP+M is an ultra-gentle body balm) to the Toleriane collection, which is created for sensitive skin types. Even La Roche-Posay’s acne-focused line, Effaclar, contains niacinamide. It’s the hero ingredient in Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum and helps with acne scars. The fact that niacinamide is used in so many different forms of skincare products for all different types of skin speaks to its versatility.
What are the benefits of niacinamide on the skin?
Niacinamide skincare has multiple benefits. It’s anti-inflammatory, brightening and soothing, and it can be used on all skin types from oily to sensitive and everything in between. Using a niacinamide serum like La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum helps with minimizing dark spots and marks on the skin. In addition to its brightening properties, it can help repair the skin barrier, which in turn helps to keep the skin hydrated and supple. Also on the list of niacinamide benefits? It’s great for oily skin as it can help with the appearance of large pores and curbing oil production.
Can niacinamide be used with other skincare ingredients?
Generally, yes. Niacinamide can be found in lots of skincare products, and it plays nice with other actives like retinol as well as exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).
How do you add niacinamide to a skincare routine?
While niacinamide is gentle on the skin, it’s best not to rush it when you’re adding a new skincare product or active ingredient to your morning or evening regimen. If your skin is on the sensitive side, do a patch test before applying any niacinamide skincare products all over your face. If there’s no reaction, add niacinamide to your morning or evening routine once or twice a week and slowly build up your applications from there.
What skincare products contain niacinamide?
Niacinamide plays a starring role in some of La Roche-Posay’s bestselling skincare products, including:
La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum: This potent serum packs 10% pure niacinamide into a concentrated formula. Created to brighten skin, it helps to minimize dark spots and prevent new ones from forming. Dermatologically tested, this niacinamide serum also gently exfoliates and acts as an anti-inflammatory while being suitable for all skin types, including dry and easily irritated skin.
La Roche-Posay Baume AP+M: A body balm that’s safe to use on skin of all ages, even babies, this skin saver helps to relieve dry, irritated, eczema-prone skin. Formulated with a combination of shea butter, thermal spring water, glycerine and, you guessed it, niacinamide, this balm works to rebalance the skin barrier, lock in moisture and decrease inflammation.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum: Using niacinamide for acne is an excellent way to combat breakouts. Safe for daily use, this blemish-fighting serum contains a blend of salicylic and glycolic acids along with niacinamide to refine uneven skin texture, diminish the appearance of large pores and minimize sebum production. Perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, it works as a gentle exfoliating peel to target early signs of aging.
