All The Reasons Niacinamide Is Your Best Friend
Jo is a former Adore Beauty staffer and qualified dermal therapist with over decade of experience in the beauty industry.
She co-hosted our award-winning podcast Beauty IQ Uncensored for 4 years, interviewing names like Caroline Hirons, Katie Jane Hughes and Chris Appleton to name a few.
Hands down, the most underrated ingredient in the skincare world. Everyone goes on and on about vitamin C and A, but poor vitamin B tends to get forgotten amongst all the show-off ingredients.
But Vitamin B (B3 and B5) aren't show-offs. They're quiet achievers. I remember trying a vitamin B serum for the first time many moons ago, and it was like discovering wine for the first time. But instead of waking up with mascara smudged all over my face, I woke up with the glowiest skin I'd ever had. And I've never turned back.
On dull, dehydrated, reactive, ageing, redness-prone skin, niaciamide (B3) and panthenol (B5) are absolute game-changers, and I think they deserve much more credit than they get.
Let's Focus On Niacinamide (B3):
If you’re into skincare, you might know vitamin B3 better as niacinamide - it’s a water-soluble vitamin that can work with literally every other ingredient in your skincare routine. It’s the ingredient I recommend most to anyone starting on a new skincare routine because it’s not only versatile, but highly effective.
This powerhouse ingredient helps to brighten the complexion, improve uneven skin tone, balance oil production and help to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
But my favourite thing about niacinamide is how it supports the skin’s delicate barrier, and can help to protect the skin from dehydration and inflammation, which is why it’s an excellent ingredient for acne-prone and sensitive skin types. I’ve got rosacea, and it’s an ingredient I rely on to calm my skin and add a boost of radiance to my complexion.
Luckily, niacinamide is really well tolerated by nearly all skin types - even sensitive skin can use this ingredient with no irritation, and it pairs really well with hydrating and calming ingredients like B5 and hyaluronic acid.
What About Panthenol (B5)?
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant - meaning it draws moisture into the upper layers of the skin, and it has the ability to retain that moisture to boost hydration levels in the skin. You can expect it to leave your skin feeling smooth, supple and moisturised.
This ingredient has anti-inflammatory, soothing and regenerative properties, making it an excellent option for sensitive or reactive skins - plus it aids in healing and helps to support the skin's delicate barrier.
Panthenol (B5) is the perfect complementary ingredient to skincare formulas that also contain niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
Speaking of B3, B5 and hyaluronic acid, there's a product I'd like to introduce you to, because I know by now you're furiously Googling niacinamide serums. Say hello to Aesthetics Rx B Serum.
What Does This Serum Do?
- Helps to reduce redness and inflammation in the skin
- Supports skin barrier function (super important!)
- Gives the skin a plump, firm appearance
- Offers oil-free hydration (making it great for all skin types)
This serum has an ultra-lightweight, quickly absorbed texture that layers well with other serums and instantly quenches thirsty skin. It's also packed with some brag-worthy ingredients like:
Niacinamide (duh!) which brightens, reduces inflammation & offers anti-ageing properties
Panthenol (again, duh!) which has soothing and reparative properties, perfect for calming the skin
Hyaluronic Acid plumps and firms while providing long lasting, water-based hydration
Sodium PCA offers extra hydration and nourishment to all skin types
And if I still haven't sold you on the benefits of vitamin B and why it should be in your skincare routine, check out my wrap-up on niacinamide in the video below:
