Our skincare hero: Niacinamide

Once an industry secret, niacinamide is now being openly heralded as the do-it-all ingredient that provides every skincare solution. But what is this ‘hero’ ingredient and what does it do?

A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is found in many foods - including meat, fish, eggs, cereals and green vegetables. Commonly used as a dietary supplement, it plays an important role in supporting the nervous system and helping to release energy from the foods we eat.

However, it’s not just known as an oral supplement. Niacinamide is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the most effective and all-round topical solutions in modern skincare. This versatile ingredient is suitable for all skin types: whatever your age or the skincare issues you want to address. Whether you're dealing with acne, fine lines, hyperpigmentation - or just seeking a more radiant complexion - niacinamide is a game-changing ingredient.

Usually niacinamide is synthetic (manufactured within a laboratory), however natural versions are making their way onto the market now too; giving beauty brands more versatility than ever before. Whatever source you opt for, adding this super-ingredient to skincare formulations means you’ll be helping to create flawless complexions for your customers.

Let’s look in more detail at how niacinamide boosts the benefits of beauty products…

What are the benefits of niacinamide?

One of the very best things about niacinamide is its versatility - whether you’re targeting sensitive, oily, or combination skin, it’s an active ingredient that’s well-tolerated by all skin types. So, what is it known for?

• Anti-ageing.  Niacinamide promotes collagen production. It’s known for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving the elasticity and resilience of the skin - creating a more youthful complexion!

• Improving skin barrier protection.  By incorporating niacinamide into your beauty routine, you can help to add a protective layer to your skin. As an antioxidant, niacinamide is reputed to protect from environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution, and toxins.

• Addressing uneven skin tone.  If you're dealing with dark spots or hyperpigmentation, niacinamide can help reduce discoloration. By inhibiting the transfer of melanin to the skin's surface, niacinamide works to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone.

• Moisturising skin.  Niacinamide helps boost the production of ceramides, which are essential lipids that retain hydration. This ensures your skin stays moisturised and supple, particularly when used in conjunction with hydrating serums.

• Controlling oil production.  For those with oily or combination skin, niacinamide is a fantastic ingredient for controlling sebum production. It gently regulates the skin’s oil levels without stripping away moisture, helping to reduce the frequency of breakouts.

• Fighting acne.  Looking for blemish-free skin? Niacinamide helps minimise the appearance of pores by balancing the skin’s oil production and improving elasticity. It’s a gentle alternative to stronger acne treatments that may cause irritation and dryness.

• Reducing inflammation.  One of the fantastic benefits of niacinamide is its ability to reduce inflammation and redness. This super-ingredient’s anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe and calm irritated skin.

Making niacinamide part of your beauty care routine

If you're looking for a multitasking ingredient that can address several concerns at once, niacinamide is the hero your skin has been waiting for. Thankfully, this well-tolerated ingredient can easily be incorporated into various formulations; including serums, moisturisers, and toners.

Niacinamide is very stable to formulate with. It’s also compatible with all groups of cosmetic ingredients. Want to discuss with Hera Beauty about how we can manufacture bespoke niacinamide-containing formulations for your brand? Arrange a call with us today.

Alternatively, are you looking to select from our extensive range of private label products? Our Niacinamide Booster serum is perfect for targeting breakouts and large pores. With 10% niacinamide, this potent serum helps reduce excess oil, blemishes and redness while hydrating the skin. 

In addition, our SPF 30 Moisturiser is a mineral only formula based around non-nano zinc oxide and rice bran wax. This cream is designed to be absorbed quickly with even coverage and it contains niacinamide to help protect the skin’s barrier; providing enhanced environmental and UV protection. 

At Hera Beauty, we’re excited to launch a whole new range of niacinamide-containing beauty formulations in spring 2025. If you want to hear about our new private label products first, then make sure to sign up to our newsletter.