This Holy-Grail Ingredient Targets Acne, Rosacea, Fine Lines, and Wrinkles

When you're shopping for skincare, you want to make sure the products you're buying feature ingredients that really do the work for your skin. If they don't, then what's the point of spending your money (or sometimes splurging) on them? That's why it's so important to arm yourself with knowledge about common skincare ingredients so you know which ones will work best for your specific skin type and concerns. Of course, a dermatologist might be your best source for figuring all of this out, but you can do your own research too.

One powerhouse ingredient that you might have heard of before is niacinamide. It's starting to gain traction much like hyaluronic acid, which has been a popular skincare buzzword for years. But what is the ingredient, and why is it so beneficial? Well, I asked a derm to explain.

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(Image credit: @kat.shearer)

"Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a water-soluble vitamin that helps support repair mechanisms in the body's cells. It can help to reduce damage from free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support the skin barrier," explains Michele Farber, MD, FAAD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Farber adds that niacinamide can be used topically as an anti-inflammatory for conditions like acne and rosacea. It can help support hydration, improve the skin barrier, brighten skin, and reduce dark pigment. It also can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

"Niacinamide can also be used orally for reducing the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer in the appropriate setting and also for acne when other oral medications are contraindicated or not tolerated," Farber says.

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(Image credit: @allisonmcnamara)

For the most part, pretty much all skin types can use niacinamide because it's generally well-tolerated. Farber says it's best for people dealing with inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. But it's important to note that it may be irritating on sensitive skin in higher concentrations.

"While it has many benefits, niacinamide is best as an adjunct treatment," Farber explains. "Most people with acne, rosacea, or pigment changes will need other ingredients and possibly prescriptions to complete a skin regimen."

One way to add niacinamide into your skincare routine is through a serum, which Farber says would be a great addition if you're dealing with acne, rosacea, redness, and generally sensitive skin. "It's ideal in combination with other ingredients depending on skincare goals, but it's also a nice option for people who have trouble tolerating other products," she adds.

When choosing a serum, Farber recommends looking for one with a percentage between 2% to 10%. She also suggests looking for it in combination formulas. When it's paired with kojic and tranexamic acids, it targets pigmentation; with vitamin C, it's for brightening; with hyaluronic acid for hydration; and with retinol, for acne.

Take a look at some niacinamide serums below.

1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

2. SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

3. Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum

4. Glossier Super Pure

5. Alpyn Beauty Wild Nettle & Niacinamide Firming Serum

6. Olay Wrinkle Correction Serum

7. Naturium Niacinamide Serum

8. Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

9. PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum

10. The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

11. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum

12. TruSkin Niacinamide Facial Serum

13. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Stress Rescue Super Serum

14. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

15. Insta Natural Niacinamide Serum

16. Sobel Skin Rx 15% Niacinamide Gel Serum

17. Skin Inc. Supplement Bar Vitamin B3+ Serum

Next: These Cheap Serums Are Just as Good as Their Expensive Counterparts

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019.

In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot).

She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.