Niacinamide: the quiet multitasker
Oil balance, barrier support and a more even tone from one of the best-tolerated actives there is.
Niacinamide — vitamin B3 — is the active most likely to suit almost everyone. It regulates sebum, supports the skin barrier, calms redness and, over time, softens the look of enlarged pores and uneven tone. It's also exceptionally well tolerated.
Why we keep it at 5%
Higher isn't always better. Five percent delivers the studied benefits while staying comfortable; much higher concentrations can cause flushing in sensitive skin for little extra gain. The old warning about pairing it with vitamin C is largely a lab artefact, not a real-world problem.
What to pair it with
Niacinamide is friendly with nearly everything — acids, retinoids, vitamin C, peptides. Use it morning or night, before heavier creams. For oil-prone skin, zinc PCA alongside it adds extra sebum control.
