Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): What It Is and What Benefits It Offers for the Skin
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is one of the most universal and well-studied ingredients in modern cosmetology. If you are looking for a way to improve the appearance of your skin, this ingredient can become your main ally.
What is niacinamide and how does it work?
From a scientific point of view, niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. Its main role is to participate in oxidation-reduction processes in cells. It stimulates the synthesis of ceramides — lipids responsible for the skin’s protective barrier — helping the skin retain moisture better and become less sensitive.
It is a cosmetic ingredient with a broad spectrum of action.
Benefits of vitamin B3
- Improves the condition of acne-prone skin thanks to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Visibly reduces post-acne marks by up to 52% at concentrations from 4%.
- Reduces sebum production.
- Helps in the care of skin with rosacea and couperose.
- Acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from photo-damage.
- Reduces glycation.
- Increases the synthesis of lipids — ceramides — in the stratum corneum by 34%.
- Strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.
- Reduces pigmentation by up to 68% at concentrations from 2%, inhibiting the transfer of melanin granules from melanocytes to keratinocytes.
- Improves microcirculation.
Who Is Niacinamide Recommended For?
The deficiency of this component or damage to the skin barrier may appear through the following signs:
- Excessive oily shine and enlarged pores.
- Dull complexion and hyperpigmentation.
- Frequent inflammation and post-acne marks.
- Increased sensitivity, flaking, and redness.
What percentage should you choose?
The choice of concentration depends on your goals and skin type:
- 2–5%: ideal for beginners, dry and sensitive skin. It is optimal for strengthening the protective barrier, hydration, and evening out the skin tone.
- 10% and more: suitable for oily, porous skin and for targeting pronounced pigmentation. A high concentration, for example 15%, requires caution, as it may cause temporary redness due to capillary dilation.
What Can This Active Ingredient Be Combined With and What Should Be Avoided?
Niacinamide is a “skin-friendly” ingredient, but there are a few nuances to keep in mind:
Ideal combinations: retinol (niacinamide helps reduce the irritation caused by it), zinc (for blemish-prone skin), hyaluronic acid (for hydration), and SPF filters.
Use with caution: vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid. In an acidic environment, niacinamide may convert into nicotinic acid, which can cause itching or flushing. It is recommended to use them at different times of the day (morning/evening) or choose a stable form of vitamin C.
Common mistakes: using high concentrations (10%+) on compromised or very sensitive skin without an adaptation period may cause a burning sensation.
How to Introduce Niacinamide: Oily and Problematic Skin
Regulating sebum, reducing the appearance of pores, and helping to control breakouts.
Concentration: from 4%; 10% is an optimal choice.
What it combines with: look for combinations with niacinamide + zinc (Zinc PCA) or salicylic acid (BHA). These help control oily shine and dry out inflammation.
Use the serum morning and evening after cleansing. It also works well as a makeup base, as it helps mattify the skin.
Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Restoring the protective barrier and reducing flaking.
Concentration: 2–5%. Higher percentages may temporarily cause dryness.
What it combines with: hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and ceramides. Niacinamide stimulates the production of the skin’s own lipids, helping it retain moisture.
Choose niacinamide in cream formulas or hydrating toners. If you use a serum, apply a more nourishing cream afterward.
Sensitive Skin and Skin with Couperose
Reducing redness and strengthening capillaries.
Concentration: start from 2%.
What it combines with: centella asiatica, azulene, and probiotics. Niacinamide helps reduce the skin’s reactivity to external factors.
Introduce the product gradually (2–3 times per week), while monitoring the skin’s reaction. Avoid combining it with high concentrations of acids in the same routine.
Mature Skin (Anti-Age Care)
Increasing skin elasticity, targeting wrinkles and age-related pigmentation spots.
Concentration: 5–10%.
What it combines with: retinol or peptides. Niacinamide is one of the best “partners” for retinol: it reduces side effects such as dryness and flaking and supports the anti-aging result.
In the evening, niacinamide can be applied before retinol to create a protective layer for the skin barrier.
The MoonGlow range includes products for every skin type, and fast delivery throughout Moldova and Chișinău allows you to start transforming your skin as early as the next day.
For example:
- For radiance and an even tone: JMsolution Skin Boost Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water — gentle cleansing with a focus on skin radiance.
- For fighting imperfections: APRILSKIN TXA Niacinamide Toning Shot 99 Serum.
- For pore care: SKIN&LAB Niacinamide Recovery Serum.
- For tone correction: Dr.Melaxin Astaxanthin Whitening Ampoule — a gentle yet effective concentration for daily care.
For the body: Mizon Niacinamide Smoothing Body Lotion — for pigmentation and uneven body skin texture.
Products with niacinamide do not make the skin photosensitive and can be used daily, in the morning and/or evening, depending on your preferences. Discover the power of this vitamin and visibly transform the appearance of your skin!
Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum 30ml
Original price was: 578,00 MDL.497,00 MDLCurrent price is: 497,00 MDL.APRILSKIN TXA Niacinamide Toning Shot 99 Serum 30ml
Original price was: 395,00 MDL.340,00 MDLCurrent price is: 340,00 MDL.JMSolution Skin Boost Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 1.5 500ml
Original price was: 289,00 MDL.249,00 MDLCurrent price is: 249,00 MDL.Mizon Niacinamide Smoothing Body Lotion 300ml
Original price was: 420,00 MDL.361,00 MDLCurrent price is: 361,00 MDL.Ac non ac hac ullamcorper rhoncus velit maecenas convallis torquent elit accumsan eu est pulvinar pretium congue a vestibulum suspendisse scelerisque condimentum parturient quam.Aliquet faucibus condimentum amet nam a nascetur suspendisse habitant a mollis senectus suscipit a vestibulum primis molestie parturient aptent nisi aenean.A scelerisque quam consectetur condimentum risus lobortis cum dignissim mi fusce primis rhoncus a rhoncus bibendum parturient condimentum odio a justo a et mollis pulvinar venenatis metus sodales elementum.Parturient ullamcorper natoque mi sagittis a nibh nisi a suspendisse a.
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