 |
| Image credit: Bookofchemistry.blogspot.com |
Niacinamide
What is it? A physiologically active form of Vitamin B3 used in skin care formulations. You can find it in serums, moisturizers, masks and professional treatments.
Claims: There are a lot of skin care claims made for this multifunctional ingredient. Niacinamide is said to help the skin repair itself and maintain its barrier, reduce the appearance of pigmentation (when used in certain percentages), regulate sebum (oil) production, and possess both antioxidant and calming properties. Yes, That's a lot!
Concerns raised: Wait for it.... None!
I can't find any (not even from a certain website, which I won't give press to this time around)! This is a very good thing, most ingredients have at least a caveat or two.
What I've found: There's a decent amount of research out there on this ingredient, including a study on safety, one on the ability to inhibit melanin transfer (lessen the appearance of pigmentation or dark spots), and another showing a range of anti-aging benefits.
Bottom Line: I absolutely love this ingredient and suggest it both in formulations and use it in my treatments as well. Aside from the scientific literature, I've seen a noticeable change in the skin of clients using products with niacinamide. Perhaps more importantly, so have they! Its multidimensional benefits, combined with the range of skin types that can use it make it a hero in my book.
Find it in: Total Age Corrector, Clarifier, Refiner, Redensifier, Eye serum, Rapid Repair
