Niacinamide is the workhorse you need in your grooming regimen
It almost seems too good to be true. A single grooming ingredient that tackles nearly all of your skin concerns: It smoothes out the texture of your skin and shrinks pores, it repairs sun damage and fights breakouts while soothing inflammation and minimizing redness. But that's exactly what niacinamide does. And the great news is that this is not some buzzy, unproven ingredient—this is a water-soluble derivative of niacin or vitamin B3. Board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, M.D., says B vitamins are “essential” vitamins, meaning the body doesn't make them or does not make enough to be sufficient. So an outside source of vitamin B is needed. And while the exact mechanism by which niacinamide works in skin cells is not fully understood, he says several studies have shown clinical benefits when applied topically. So we pulled together the best products featuring this super ingredient in various concentrations. Take your pick and upgrade your daily regimen.
If you want a simple shot of niacinamide added to your routine, The Dewy Dudes say this is a great place to start and we agree. You can use this as a serum or just add a drop or two to your daily moisturizer. You really can't beat the price and quality of The Ordinary's products and this one will deliver noticeably smaller pores and smoother skin in about a week.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum,
$5.90 by The Ordinary
Serums tend to penetrate more readily and deeply into the skin. Niacinimade “may help the barrier function of the skin,” says Dr. Camp, so starting with a serum is a smart move. It's hydrating, but not shiny or heavy, and because it's rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, it's great to use after shaving or to simply calm redness and irritation from environmental stressors.
Stress Rescue Super serum,
$74 by Dr. Dennis Gross
This lightweight gel lotion is like skin food, leaving your face feeling good and satisfied without a greasy, oily finish. It absorbs into skin quickly and the niacinamide is joined by antioxidant-rich white tea and sea kelp to further boost your skin's health. The result after continued use is smaller pores and excess oil is kept in check, even in warmer weather.
Clean Break moisturizer,
$30 by Jack Black
Toner is a great way to clear out and shrink the appearance of pores, especially around your nose. This mildly astringent formulation completes the cleansing process and balances the skin—preparing it for the more potent products you'll apply (especially before bed). But the added lavender and chamomile help soothe skin while tightening everything up.
In Two Minds toner,
$35 by Aesop
A favorite among dermatologists, this formula is completely safe for blemish-prone skin, but it's also infused with high-purity niacinamide. The mineral-based sunscreen is lightweight and sheer—so no need to worry about it not rubbing in. And while it protects you from UVA and UVB rays, it moisturizes and refines the skin texture.
UV Clear SPF 46,
$37 by EltaMD
This prescription-strength team is customized via a telehealth appointment with a Hims dermatologist and includes a trio of retinol, azelaic acid and niacinamide. The formula helps your skin produce more collagen and smoothes out fine lines and discoloration, so you wake up looking both refreshed and healthy.
Anti-Aging Cream,
from $34 a month by Hims
Niacinamide’s neutrality means it can pair with any product without any counteractions and it’s suitable for all skin types and colors, plus it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin.
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