Why do skincare brands continue to use niacinamide in their products? Why are consumers seeking out products with niacinamide? Is it because of its well-known luminosity-enhancing effect? Or does it have other, lesser-known benefits?
In this article, we will answer these questions and learn more about niacinamide.
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinamide, is one of the most common water-soluble vitamins used as a skin care ingredient. In Korea, niacinamide is listed as a "certified ingredient for treating pigmentation," so it can easily be found in many products related to improving radiance.
Certified ingredients for treating pigmentation
It is great for improving skin luminosity, but it is also a great ingredient with a variety of effects, including improving pores, sebum, skin texture, etc.
Niacinamide is a smart solution for a variety of skin concerns, from acne to blemishes. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of niacinamide.
▶ Various effects of Niacinamide
1. Improve skin tone · Brightness enhancing effect
Ultraviolet rays are one of the main causes of skin pigmentation. When UV rays stimulate melanocytes deep in the skin, the pigment melanin is produced and gradually moves to the skin's surface, causing spots and discolorations such as dark spots and freckles visible to the naked eye.
Niacinamide has the effect of reducing pigmentation by preventing the movement of pigment produced by melanocytes to the skin's surface.
[Reference] British Journal of Dermatology, 147, p20–31 (2002).
2. Sebum improvement effect · Pores
An adequate amount of sebum is necessary to protect the skin and maintain moisture in the skin. However, when sebum secretion becomes irregular and excessive, the pores fill with sebum and gradually expand. Since pores can be easily dilated not only by excessive sebum secretion but also by external factors such as UV rays, if left untreated, the pores can become visible, resulting in a bumpy skin texture.
Niacinamide helps to properly control sebum secretion, preventing excessive accumulation and improving pores.
[Reference] Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 8, p96–101 (2006).
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 6, p243–249 (2007).
3. Effect of improving skin problems
Skin problems such as acne are caused by a variety of factors, including external environment, lifestyle and hormones in the body, etc., and can appear in different ways depending on the progress. There is initial acne, which is non-inflammatory, such as blackheads and whiteheads. In addition, there is also inflammatory acne, which features inflammation and pain caused by acne-causing bacteria (P. Acnes).
Niacinamide not only improves non-inflammatory acne through its ability to control sebum secretion, but it can also improve inflammatory acne by inhibiting the overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria.
[Reference] International Journal of Dermatology, 52, p999–1004 (2013).
4. Improve acne scars
Unlike initial acne, severe acne with a damaged skin barrier and inflammation can leave different types of blemishes, such as red pigmentation, uneven skin tone, and more, even after the acne has cleared. These marks are not easy to restore and can remain on the skin for a long time if not managed in time.
Niacinamide has the effect of improving the skin barrier damaged by skin problems, reducing excessive pigmentation to improve acne spots.
[Reference] Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 18, p454-459 (2019)., International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 441, p192-201 (2013).
5. Improving the skin barrier - Dryness soothing effect
When the skin is frequently irritated by a variety of factors, including UV exposure, temperature changes, stress, physical friction, etc., the skin barrier can become weak and damaged. When the barrier is in a damaged condition, the skin loses its natural ability to moisturize itself, which can lead to dryness and even worsen skin problems.
, because harmful things like allergies and bacteria can easily penetrate the skin.
Niacinamide works to improve the damaged skin barrier, reducing water loss and improving skin hydration levels.
[Reference] International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 441, p192-201 (2013).
▶ Is it okay to continue using Niacinamide?
As mentioned at the beginning, niacinamide is one of the ingredients approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a "certified functional ingredient," meaning that its safety and efficacy have been proven based on multiple research data. According to numerous research papers, niacinamide has numerous beneficial effects on the skin and has proven its effects for various skin problems, with studies showing that it is safe in concentrations up to 20%.
Of course, as with any ingredient, some people may not tolerate it or find it irritating, depending on their individual skin conditions. A small percentage of users may experience a slight tingling sensation when niacinamide is absorbed and applied to the skin, but rest assured that it is not harmful to the skin. If you monitor your skin condition and use it consistently, you will achieve more satisfactory results.
[[Reference] International Journal of Toxicology, 24, p1-31 (2005).
▶ What types of products contain Niacinamide?
Because niacinamide is quite stable to heat and light, it can be used in different types of products.
COSRX has used niacinamide in various skincare products and is constantly launching new products related to this ingredient.
Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Water
Micellar Water with Niacinamide →
Niacinamide Serum 15
Niacinamide Serum 15 →
COSRX's most popular product worldwide, "Advanced Dual Serum with Snail Secret," also contains niacinamide.
In particular, the "Advanced Dual Serum with Radiant Snail Secret," which is highly satisfactory for its effect of improving acne scars and uneven skin tone, also contains niacinamide as a key ingredient for its effect, along with the snail ingredient.
Advanced Dual Serum with Radiant Snail Secret
Advanced Dual Serum with Snail Secret →
▶ Recommended products that work well together!
A great ingredient to use with any product, but especially if acne is your biggest concern?
6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum Niacinamide Serum 15
Acne Treatment Serum →
The combination of 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum + Niacinamide 15 Serum can effectively improve your acne skincare routine.
We recommend these two COSRX skincare products to effectively address skin concerns.
Question: When should it be used?
Answer: Niacinamide is a heat and light stable ingredient, so it can be used every day, day or night.
Question: What skin types should it be used for?
Answer: This ingredient is effective for a wide range of skin issues, from pigmentation to skin concerns like sebum, pores, texture, tone, and acne. If you suffer from one of these skin issues, we recommend giving it a try.
Question: Can it be used on acne-prone skin?
Answer: Niacinamide has been shown in several studies to be effective for a variety of acne conditions, from initial acne to severe inflammatory acne. However, it is difficult to completely eliminate acne with skin care products alone. If you have severe acne-prone skin that requires treatment, we recommend consulting a dermatologist before using this product.
Question: Can it be used with exfoliating products?
Answer: Excessive accumulation of dead skin cells can interfere with the absorption of active ingredients into the skin, so exfoliation and use of niacinamide may be more effective. However, we recommend performing a patch test before using high levels of exfoliants or niacinamide, as using just one product may cause irritation depending on your skin type and condition.
This time, we introduced the hidden charm of niacinamide.
It's definitely worth experimenting with niacinamide, which has such diverse and complex effects, isn't it? We'd like to recommend that you take a look at niacinamide with the niacinamide-containing products from COSRX, which we featured earlier.
Author: COSRX R&D CENTER
Reference link: https://www.cosrx.com/blogs/skinsights/about-niacinamide
