For those wanting to achieve a healthy glow for our skin (read: everyone), there are plenty of products on offer that promise remarkable results.
With many ingredients touted as “skincare superheroes”, there is one that stands out above the rest for being both gentle and effective: high performance niacinamide.
Hard to spell but easy to understand, niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 known for its soothing and healing properties. It’s also a proven multitasker (aka a bit of a showoff) for our skin, boosting hydration and helping to fade and visibly reduce pigmentation (most often caused by the sun) at the same time.
It’s also suitable for almost every skin type and compatible with other active ingredients, making it easy to slip into your already existing skincare routine without the worry of adverse reactions.
Here are the niacinamide skincare products that are staples when it comes to giving our faces a radiance reset and achieving a healthy glow and pigmentation-free skin.
The Best Niacinamide Brightening Duo
Olay Luminous Niacinamide Honey Peptide Brightening Super Serum and Moisturiser, $59.99 each.
A powerful brightening duo, the Olay Luminous Niacinamide Honey Peptide Brightening Super Serum and Moisturiser combine the power of bioavailable niacinamide with premium honey extract (rich in antioxidants and known for its calming benefits) to visibly reduce sun pigmentation for a healthy glow.
The niacinamide formula has increased bioavailability, penetrating five times more* to visibly reduce pigmentation spots caused by the sun. Dermatologically tested, the serum and moisturiser work together to visibly improve skin radiance in one week**, with skin appearing visibly smoother and more even in two weeks**. After eight weeks, 87 per cent of users showed a reduction in visible sun pigmentation†.
Start with the fast-absorbing and lightweight super serum, then follow with the hydrating, non-greasy moisturiser. Of course, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen for skin that has a healthy glow, all year round.
The Best Niacinamide Mask
Youth To The People Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask, $60, from Sephora.
This vegan clay mask is boosted with niacinamide to deep clean and visibly reduce pores, packing the effects of a pro-grade facial into a 10 minute at-home treatment. Sustainable clays absorb impurities that can trigger breakouts, while exfoliating salicylic acid, balancing kombucha and blue algae support clearer skin.
The Best Niacinamide Overnight Treatment
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial, $86, from Mecca.
An ultra-hydrating overnight mask featuring a cocktail of hydrating ingredients like niacinamide to repair the skin’s barrier function and ceramides to improve the appearance of stressed-out skin. Simply apply 4-5 pumps as the last step of your nighttime routine, and wake up with soft and supple skin.
The Best Niacinamide Cleanser
Mecca Max FOAM-O Gentle Gel Cleanser, $16, from Mecca.
Heralded as a “get-it-done” cleanser, this gel cleanser transforms into a lightweight foam to remove dirt, makeup, and oil. A seriously satisfying clean, it contains aloe vera, niacinamide and beta glucan to soothe and hydrate, day or night.
The Best Niacinamide Exfoliant
Philosophy The Microdelivery Daily Resurfacing Solution, $68, from Adore Beauty.
This leave-on exfoliating solution is packed full of “the good stuff”: AHAs, vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides and hyaluronic acid. The solution works to brighten the look of skin, reduce the look of pores and increase skin hydration, all with a single sweep over the face after cleansing.
The Best Niacinamide Makeup Prep
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer, $41, from Sephora.
The key to getting your makeup to last all day? Healthy, hydrated skin. Enter this primer, specifically designed for that (at times) dull and dry eye area to keep your concealer and shadow sticking around. The 93 per cent natural and transparent formula, with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, creates a smooth base to boost the colour and performance of eye makeup.
Brought to you by Olay.
* vs. regular serum
** Consumer study, 102 subjects, 8 weeks of use
** Consumer study, 102 subjects, 8 weeks of use
† Based on dermatologists rating after 8 weeks in a consumer study, 2021
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