What are the benefits of Niacinamide?

Also known as vitamin B3, nicotinamide or vitamin PP (Pellagra Prevention), niacinamide is one of a group of water-soluble B vitamins with antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide within niacinamide strengthen its effectiveness as a skincare ingredient.

The history of niacinamide goes as far back as the end of the 19th century. In 1873, Austrian scientist Hugo Weidel extracted niacinamide from nicotine, and in 1937 American biochemist Conrad Elvehiem isolated niacinamde from animal liver. Science has confirmed that vitamin B3 is present in our diet, but our bodies have difficulty absorbing it.

Niacinamide is made up of nicotinic acid (niacin) and nicotinamide. It’s naturally present in cereals, legumes, tea, coffee, and offal. Vitamin B3 is so important because it’s involved in the production of NAD and NADP, essential coenzymes which are key to energy transfer.

• Dry and sensitive skin.

  Vitamin B3 activates lipid synthesis to reinforce your skin’s hydrolipic film and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier. Its regenerative properties help to stimulate the healing process. For skin that is sensitive, irritated, or suffers with atopic eczema, niacinamide helps to relieve discomfort and inflammation, especially when used as a soothing toner in the mornings and evenings, after cleansing.

• Mature skin.

  For mature skin with fine lines and wrinkles, niacinamide acts as a prevention as well as a treatment. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it limits the harmful effect of free radicals from sun exposure and pollution, and slows down the skin’s ageing process. Its moisturising properties help to stimulate collagen production and improve the skin’s elasticity.

• Skin with blemishes and dilated pores.

  Certain skin types regularly suffer with blocked or dilated pores and spots, thanks to an overproduction of sebum. Try our unifying cleansing gel, followed by our niacinamide serum, both of which have antibacterial properties to tighten pores and reduce the appearance of imperfections.

Lastly, don’t forget that one of the biggest benefits of niacinamide, which explains why it’s so widely used in skincare, is that it’s extremely well-tolerated by the skin thanks to its chemical structure, which limits the risk of redness or allergic reactions.