What is Niacinamide?

You may not have heard of a skincare ingredient called niacinamide – which normally gets less airtime than the likes of retinol or glycolic acid. Yet despite being lesser-known, it’s no less mighty. In fact, niacinamide is a real all-rounder, brilliant for any skin type – so everyone can weave it into their regular skincare regime.

Niacinamide from Superdrug Me+ feature image

What Exactly is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide forms part of the Vitamin B3 molecule, one of the essential nutrients for your skin. It is found naturally in foods such as meat and fish, but it has also been utilised as a great ingredient in topical skincare.

How Does Niacinamide Benefit the Skin?

Niacinamide falls into a category of skincare known as ‘antioxidants’. These are vital to help the skin protect and repair itself from free radicals (unstable molecules) that damage skin tissue and are caused by environmental aggressors such as pollution and sunlight. This means that over time, your skin will look and feel healthier, with less chance of wrinkles and an improved glow and ‘bouncy’ texture. Niacinamide is particularly good for reducing fine lines around the eyes too.

Dealing with oily skin or a shiny complexion? Niacinamide can help here as well, as it regulates the skin’s sebum (oil) levels so it’s a lot less greasy. This minimises the chance of a breakout and reduces the appearance of pores in the process.

Is uneven skin tone the bane of your life? Niacinamide can help there too (we told you it was an all-rounder!). It’s been clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation that causes the discolouration, for a brighter and more balanced out complexion.

And for all of you suffering from dullness and dehydration, niacinamide works to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier making it less likely to dry out. The result? Less fine lines and a complexion that’s more plump and radiant.

Choosing the Best Niacinamide Products

Thinking of giving niacinamide a whirl for yourself? We don’t blame you. We recommend you try these out for starters …

Me+ Niacinamide & Zinc Booster

This is a skincare superhero if you’re battling pigmentation and acne scars. With niacinamide as its star ingredient (at 10% concentration), it helps reduce discolouration, while the addition of zinc works as a trusty sidekick to prevent and combat breakouts. What’s more, 84% of people surveyed said it reduced shine and gave them a more matte complexion after just four weeks of use.

Sorry, this product is currently out of stock.

Me+ Me+ Niacinamide & Zinc Booster 30ml £7.99 Buy 1 get 2nd 1/2 price Members Only! on selected Me+

Revolution Skincare Niacinamide Tonic

If you’re prone to acne, sweep this over your skin every morning after you wash your face. Not only will the niacinamide stop your complexion becoming greasy and congested (the perfect environment for spots), but it also contains witch hazel to keep any acne-causing bacteria at bay. This is our go-to SOS product, especially when our skin flares up at certain times of the month!

Revolution Skincare Revolution Skincare Niacinamide Tonic £1.00

Revolution Skincare Moisture Cream

Just because you might have oily skin doesn’t mean you should skip the moisturiser. (Skin can be oily and dehydrated don’t forget.) Lightweight and non-greasy, it protects against sun damage with SPF30, while the niacinamide helps to control the skin’s oil levels in the bargain, leaving your skin feeling matte and fresh.