How to find the best niacinamide product for you?Updated a year ago
Niacinamide is easy and versatile, especially compared to pickier molecules like retinol or vitamin C. That said, we still have a few suggestions on what to keep in mind when looking for your ideal niacinamide product:
- As research shows, niacinamide is extremely effective at 2-5%. For some odd reason, brands love to sell products with 10% niacinamide, when the reality is that your skin doesn’t need so much of it. In fact, dermatologists like Dr. Shereen Idriss note that higher percentages may lead to irritation.
- Leave-on formula. All of niacinamide’s researched benefits come from leave-on formulas like serums and creams, so we don’t know if it can work in a cleanser or mask. Realistically, it probably wouldn’t, because it’s water-soluble and would simply wash off.
- Pick a texture you like. Niacinamide is water-soluble, so it’s most effective in serums. That said, there’s been some research showing that niacinamide creams still have visible and impressive skin benefits, so don’t feel constrained - any leave-on format will still show results.
- Fits your routine. With niacinamide’s versatility in mind, choose a niacinamide product that will fit into your routine easily! We love having it in our moisturizer or as part of a serum that also includes other actives. You can also find it in sunscreens, toners, and essences.
- That’s about it. No need to splurge, it’s an easy ingredient.