Niacinamide

Nicotinamide (also known as vitamin B3 or niacinamide) is a unique skin-restoring ingredient that offers a multitude of benefits for skin. It is best known for its ability to help visibly reduce enlarged pores and improve uneven/dull skin tone. It also strengthens a weakened skin barrier.

An advantage of nicotinamide’s antioxidant power is that it can help visibly repair damage from UV light while offsetting other sources of environmental attack (including the negative impact of airborne pollutants). Another helpful benefit is that niacinamide helps fortify skin’s surface against moisture loss and dehydration by boosting its natural production of skin-strengthening ceramides. Studies have also shown nicotinamide has a positive effect on reducing wrinkle depth.

Unlike many superstar anti-aging ingredients, nicotimanide is stable in the presence of heat and light. It is water soluble and presents as colorless needles or white crystalline powder in its raw material state.

Nicontinamide offers benefits for skin starting in concentrations as low 0.2%, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded it is safe in concentrations all the way up to 20%.