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You know the credibility of an ingredient when it’s plastered all over bottles and jars followed by an influx of customer reviews (we’re talking happy customers), and expert-appreciated benefits. Introducing the industry’s most talked about ingredient. Niacinamide. Pronounced as nai-ya-sina-mide (you’ll get used to it), also known as nicotinamide, is a popular ingredient that is a form of vitamin B3 designed to work with the natural chemistry of your skin for optimum health. According to research, niacinamide helps build proteins, protect your lipid layer (which is your moisture barrier) from environmental damage and reduces redness—great for those who experience acne and eczema.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Niacinamide Serum
In a clinical trial it was found that niacinamide is the ultimate spot-corrector that helps improve your skin barrier and its ability to retain moisturise while minimising redness, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. However, hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and acne scars vary from skin to skin and person to person. Depending on where you are on your skincare journey, you might need a different formulation. So here are a few things to bear in mind before buying a niacinamide serum:
Look at the concentration
An ideal concentration of niacinamide should be between 5–10% for effective skin renewal. Anything less than that acts as an additional ingredient and an aid to other actives, like glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid for dark spot removal and skin brightening, respectively.
Healthy skin is a journey
Apart from the aforementioned benefits, a study suggests, niacinamide lends anti-ageing properties when you incorporate it into your skincare routine properly. But all these benefits won’t be visible overnight. Remember, your route to naturally healthy skin is a slow and long journey, and a little patience will go a long way.
How To Use A Niacinamide Serum
● Cleanse your face thoroughly with a face wash for better product absorption.
● Take 2–3 drops of the product and apply it directly to your face and neck. As serums have a higher absorption rate, try dispensing the solution directly to not waste any product.
● Dab lightly with clean fingertips and let it sink into your skin.
● If you are applying it during the day, follow it up with sunscreen, and at night, follow it up with your night cream.
● To avoid any irritation or discomfort, do a patch test 24 hours before you use the product on your inner elbow to see how it reacts on your skin.
What Active Ingredients Can Be Mixed With Niacinamide?
Niacinamide has a low pH level; it usually mixes well with other active ingredients, as the concentration is up to 10%. However, due to its basicity, there are a few elements you should not combine with niacinamide, because they will neutralise one another, making both products entirely ineffective. Some examples are vitamin C, retinoids, and higher concentrations of acids. You can always wait for 15–20 minutes between applying two actives—for both to be absorbed by your skin optimally.
What Skin Type Benefits The Most From Niacinamide?
Niacinamide offers anti-inflammatory and oil-control benefits; it primarily helps acne-prone and oily skin types as it reduces acne marks, fights active acne, and regulates oil production. If you have dry skin, opt for products with lower concentrations of niacinamide, as it may dry out your skin further.
Product Recommendations
Here’s a list of the top niacinamide products in India.
Nykaa SKINRX 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
This heavy-duty niacinamide serum means business. Born from our in-house launch, Nykaa SKINRX is a gender-neutral skincare line that strictly promotes clinically proven ingredients, is cruelty-free, and most importantly very kind to your skin. It tackles blemishes and dark spots to give you a noticeably fresh-faced, balanced glow.
The Derma Co. 10% Niacinamide Serum For Acne Marks
Although niacinamide is widely known as a reliable skin brightener, it also comes with some serious assistance in clearing stubborn acne marks. This lightweight serum combines zinc and niacinamide that promise to control sebum production, work your pores and fine lines and reduce signs of ageing.
Mamaearth Skin Correct Face Serum With Niacinamide And Ginger Extract
From one of the most respected beauty brands with a loyal customer base across the nation, Mamaearth’s niacinamide and ginger serum works as a potent antioxidant that reduces inflammation and restores the skin's elasticity. It also prevents collagen degradation (which is very important) and promotes melanin production to even out skin patches.
Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum
Famous for being one of the fastest-selling niacinamide bottles of the year, this serum by Minimalist is free from both fragrance and greasiness that sinks right in and gets to work—fighting dullness for every skin type. It’s rather hydrating thanks to the 1% hyaluronic acid present in this elixir, making it the ideal moisturising daily serum that’s fantastic for sensitive skin.
The Face Shop White Seed Brightening Serum With 2% Niacinamide
This product is perfect for those who are just starting out with this active ingredient. The iconic white seed brightening range by The Face Shop offers an effective serum whipped with a mild 2% concentration of niacinamide that effectively penetrates your skin, giving it a rich dose of radiance. The white lupin seed present contains a natural brightening substance, while the white daisy flower extract steps in to significantly reduce dullness.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary is one of the most trusted brands among consumers in the skincare community—renowned for their simple, albeit science-backed formulations and their efficacy. This product is the perfect blend of niacinamide and zinc, tailor-made for those with acne-related issues such as blemishes, uneven skin tone, and dull skin. It’s a water-based serum that soothes, brightens, and supports all skin types.
Plum 10% Niacinamide Brightening Face Serum
With a 100% vegan formula, this product is made with a meld of natural ingredients and non-toxic chemicals, which means there are no nasty chemicals such as parabens, sulphates, alcohol, or silicones. 10% niacinamide fades blemishes and brightens the skin, while rice ferment extract and liquorice extract soothe redness and inflammation.
Plum 5% Niacinamide Face Serum With Amino Acid
This is a more beginner-friendly formulation by Plum. If your skin type tilts slightly to the drier side of the spectrum, this product is ideal for you. It boasts 5% niacinamide and essential amino acids that boost hydration and fade blemishes, all at the same time. This lightweight, quick-absorbing formula is suitable for all skin types for clear, bright skin.
Dr Sheth's Centella & Niacinamide Serum
Dr Sheth’s is quickly rising to fame among everyone in the skincare ecosystem for its ingredient combinations and expert formulations. Other than niacinamide, zinc, and liquorice, which are commonly found in other products, this elixir from Dr Sheth’s also has Centella. With potent antioxidant properties and a rich source of amino acids, Centella is a hero ingredient for your skin.
Dot & Key 10% Niacinamide + Cica Face Serum
One of the best niacinamide products in India, this Dot & Key 10% Niacinamide with Cica Face Serum is perfect for oily, acne-prone skin. It’s formulated with super cica and active fusion technology to reduce pimples and calm redness. It also features 3% tranexamic acid that fades hyperpigmentation and blemishes, leaving you with improved skin barrier health.
Hyphen Golden Hour Glow Serum with Niacinamide
Another efficacious niacinamide product is the Hyphen Golden Hour Glow Serum. This product will give you visibly glowing skin in just two weeks. The magic lies in the ingredients, consisting of niacinamide, alpha arbutin, Kakadu plum, peptides, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and aloe vera extract. This product is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free, making it suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
FAQ's
1. Can niacinamide be used for oily skin?
Yes, Niacinamide is great for oily skin, as well as all skin types. This magic ingredient controls oil production, unclogs pores, and helps treat acne.
2. Noes niacinamide have side effects?
When used in regulated proportions, niacinamide won’t have any side effects. If applied more than the recommended dosage, it may cause irritation and swelling. Always do a patch test before applying any new product.
3. How long does it take for niacinamide to work?
Depending on regular use and maintaining a proper skincare routine, the effects of niacinamide can start appearing within four to five weeks.
