What Is Niacinamide And Why Does K-beauty Love It?
December 30, 2020
What Is Niacinamide And Why Does K-beauty Love It?
You may have heard the old saying, “if you can’t pronounce the name of an ingredient, then it doesn’t belong on your face”.
Well, throw the saying book out because you’re unlikely to be able to pronounce this ingredient, but you’ll definitely want it all over your face.
It’s niacinamide. K-Beauty’s crazy about it, and here’s why you will be too.
What Is Niacinamide?
Forget pronouncing it. The key thing to know is that niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3.
It’s a popular skincare ingredient for a number of reasons, first and foremost among which is that it’s perfect for brightening dull skin.
What Does Niacinamide Do In Beauty Products?
Niacinamide visibly improves the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and a weakened skin surface.
It’s capable of protecting the skin from the damaging effects of UV exposure, as well as heat.
Who Should Use Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a jack of all trades, working for a wide variety of skin types, ages and skin concerns. Be prepared to fall in love if you have:
A weak skin barrier – niacinamide increases the production of ceramides (which are crucial to support the skin’s lipid barrier). It also helps prevent water loss. Over time, use of niacinamide will help reduce redness, blotchiness and sensitivity, all of which are aggravated when the skin’s barrier is compromised.
Acne – because it’s non-irritating and anti-inflammatory and helps to regulate sebum, niacinamide is perfect for people battling oily skin and acne.
A dull complexion – Niacinamide brightens a dull complexion by taking care of pigmentation and boosting the skin’s barrier, which contributes to a sallow complexion (particularly if it is damaged).
Aging skin – Niacinamide boosts collagen production, assisting with better synthesis and formation of collagen and elastin.
Hyperpigmentation – Niacinamide reduces the appearance of uneven pigmentation and redness by slowing down the transfer of melanin.
K-Beauty loves to throw niacinamide into the mix to boost a formula. Some of our K- favourites include:
Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream – make like a Korean empress with this luxury moisturising cream containing time-honoured Korean oriental herbs, combined with niacinamide, ginseng and orchid extract.
iUNIK Propolis Sleeping Mask – this creamy overnight mask has all the on-trend K-favourites, including niacinamide, propolis, hippophae rhamnoidesfruit extract, centella asiatica, which intensively nurture, soothe and hydrate tired skin.
Tosowoong Green Tea Essence – ideal for anyone with acne-prone, red and irritated skin, Tosowoong’s Essence combines green tea with niacinamide, galactomyces and rh oligopeptide 1.
Tl;DR
If you’re looking for one ingredient to rule them all, niacinamide may just be it! This nifty form of Vitamin B3 is available over the counter and brightens, repairs, regulates, soothes and supports the skin. It’s also non-irritating and anti-inflammatory.
Get STYLE STORY’s other Korean Skincare ingredients breakdowns, including propolis, ceramides, collagen, hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, licorice, bee venom, rice and more!
"The key thing to know is that niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3. It’s a popular skincare ingredient for a number of reasons, first and foremost among which is that it’s perfect for brightening dull skin."
