FOR years, vitamin A (retinoids) and vitamin C have taken home the trophy for most-talked-about skincare ingredients, but things are changing.
Middle-child vitamin B (or technically, niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3) is finally getting its dues.
Online searches for the overlooked ingredient are up 97% in the last six months, and Beauty Pie Superdrops Brightening Niacinamide 10%, £15 for members, was the second-bestselling item from the brand in 2024.
Beauty Pie Superdrops Brightening Niacinamide 10%, £15 for members
If you’ve already learned your skincare alphabet, you’ll be well aware of the results offered by the multitasking active, but for the uninitiated, buckle in, because it’s a long list.
Niacinamide helps improve moisture, reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots, minimises fine lines and wrinkles by improving collagen production, controls and balances oil production, reduces the appearance of pores and increases skin elasticity.
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It’s anti-inflammatory, so helps bring down redness and reduce the signs of skin conditions like acne, rosacea and eczema.
Plus, it also helps even skin texture and reduce scarring, increase brightness and prevent spots.
Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops with Niacinamide, £35
Basically, whatever your skin concerns, niacinamide can help.
Very gentle, it’s well-tolerated by even sensitive skin, with virtually no negative side effects (unless you happen to be allergic).
It also works well with pretty much every other skincare active - including vitamin C, exfoliating acids like glycolic and salicylic, and retinol - practically supercharging their effects, so you don’t need to worry about layering it with the wrong thing and causing trouble.
Because it’s so gentle, you can use it twice a day, but don’t expect to see results overnight.
In fact, I didn’t notice what a difference it was making to my face until I stopped using it and my skin became dry and bumpy within days - so now, I never go without.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Facial Gel Cleanser with Melasyl and Niacinamide, £22
It’s available at many different concentrations, with 4-5% being the best for reducing fine lines, 10% for reducing breakouts and balancing oil production, and higher for discoloration and texture.
My favourite way of incorporating it into my routine is via a serum, which I use immediately after cleansing my face, but if you have especially dry skin, you can use a hydrating serum first.
It just so happens that both of my favourite niacinamide serums cost under £20.
Byoma Brightening Serum, £12.99
Byoma Brightening Serum, £13, is alcohol-free, essential-oil-free and fragrance-free, and it contains a potent combination of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, vitamins C and E and ceramides, which make the lightweight serum especially great for dry and sensitive skin.
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%, £18
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%, £18, has a slightly thicker consistency and comes in a pump, which I find more user-friendly, and the addition of spot-fighting zinc makes it especially good for acne-prone skin like mine.
The surprisingly short ingredients list also contains vitamin E, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, to immediately boost hydration.
Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment, £52
For something even stronger, Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment, £52, is one of the highest concentrations available over the counter - it’s specially formulated to minimise the look of stretched pores, orange-peel texture and clogged bumps.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops, £32
Serums aren't the only way to add it to your routine - both Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops, £32, and Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops, £35, contain the wonder ingredient alongside make-up pigments that make them a great final step for no-make-up days, or as a primer underneath foundation for extra glow.
Q+A Niacinamide Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, £7.50
While Q+A Niacinamide Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, £7.50 and La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Facial Gel Cleanser with Melasyl and Niacinamide, £22, are great second-step cleaners to use after a make-up remover.
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If you want to reap the greatest rewards however, a leave-on product is best.
When it’s this easy, there’s no reason not to give it a go!