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.

Our Favourite K-beauty Products Containing Niacinamide

K-Beauty loves to throw niacinamide into the mix to boost a formula. Some of our K- favourites include:

• Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask: Meet the mask chosen by Beauty Crewas one of this year's "Best K-Beauty" products. In addition, it just won a 2023 Prevention Beauty Award!
  
  
• Bubble Tea Steam Cream: This is a deliciously hydrating drink for your skin made with super ingredients Niacinamide, Vitamin E, Beta Glucan, Pearl, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Arginine, Adenosine and Allantoin.
  
  

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.

STYLE STORY – Your Go-To For K-Beauty

Get STYLE STORY’s other Korean Skincare ingredients breakdowns, including propolis, ceramides, collagen, hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, licorice, bee venom, rice and more!