NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 and belongs to the vitamin B complex. It has a wide range of skin care properties. Niacinamide is an intensively researched active ingredient that has been proven effective in numerous studies for improving the appearance of the skin.
Effects of niacinamide:
Regulation of sebum production: A clinical study showed that 2% niacinamide can reduce the skin's sebum production, minimizing blemishes and oily shine.
Lightening of pigment spots & even skin tone: Niacinamide can inhibit the transfer of melanosomes to surrounding skin cells, which can visibly reduce hyperpigmentation. (4)
A study from 2010 also showed that a combination of niacinamide and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) can lead to a significant lightening of pigment spots.(8)
Strengthening the skin barrier & reducing moisture loss: By promoting ceramide and lipid synthesis, niacinamide improves the epidermal barrier function and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), making the skin more supple and less prone to irritation.
Anti-aging & skin refinement: Studies show that niacinamide can improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines, redness, and roughness.
Thanks to its multifunctional effect on sebum regulation, pigment lightening, barrier strengthening, and anti-aging, niacinamide is a versatile and scientifically proven active ingredient that is suitable for many skin types and skin needs. (8)
(1) Draelos ZD, Matsubara A, Smiles K. (2006). The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production. J Cosmet Laser Ther, 8(2), 96-101.
(2) Bissett DL, Miyamoto K, Sun P, Li J, Berge CA. (2004). Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin. Int J Cosmet Sci, 26(5), 231-238.
(3) Tanno O, Ota Y, Kitamura N, Katsube T, Inoue S. (2000). Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier. Br J Dermatol, 143(3), 524-31.
(4) Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J, Chhoa M, Matsubara A, Miyamoto K, Greatens A, Hillebrand GG, Bissett DL, Boissy RE. (2002). The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. Br J Dermatol, 147(1), 20-31.
(5) Boo, Y. (2021). Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation. Antioxidants, 10.
(6) Wohlrab, J., Kreft, D. (2014). Niacinamide - Mechanisms of Action and Its Topical Use in Dermatology. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27, 311-315.
(7) Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Final report of the safety assessment of niacinamide and niacin. Int J Toxicol. 2005;24 Suppl 5:1-31.
(8) Kimball AB, Kaczvinsky JR, Li J, Robinson LR, Matts PJ, Berge CA, Miyamoto K, Bissett DL. (2010). Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation after use of moisturizers with a combination of topical niacinamide and N-acetyl glucosamine: results of a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial. Br J Dermatol, 162(2), 435-41.
