Ever feel like there’s a new beauty ingredient you can’t stop seeing and hearing about? That all of the sudden it’s in every product and all over your Instagram feed? This is what our Beauty Buzzwords series is all about – to help you learn more about these mysterious ingredients and why everyone is raving about them.

Today we’re talking all things Niacinamide, the ultimate skin rejuvenating multitasker. I’m going to breakdown what it really is and why it’s the perfect ingredient to add into your summer skincare routine.

What is it?

Niacinamide is a form of water-soluble vitamin B3. Although there are many amazing ingredients out there, niacinamide’s superpower is how incredibly versatile it is in treating nearly any skin issue and its compatibility with all skin types. With a pH close to neutral, it’s more stable and therefore less irritating than other active ingredients like vitamin C and retinol.

What are the Benefits?

Vitamins from this group are especially well-known for their calming and restorative capabilities. Niacinamide supports the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, therefore increasing hydration, reducing signs of aging, and fading hyper-pigmentation. It can also help minimize the appearance of pores, improve the overall texture of skin, and calm inflammation like acne.

Who Should be Using It?

Almost everyone can benefit from adding niacinimide to their skincare routine, it’s just a matter of finding out what kind of products suits each skin type best. For those with oily skin, a light, water-based serum would work well with a higher concentration of niacinimide, around 8-10%, while a more emollient moisturizer or hydrating toner at a lower percent will compliment dry skin better. Concentrated, leave-on treatments work best for everyone, so it can soak right in and work its magic. Another great feature is how compatible it is with other products you may already have in your skincare routine. It’s safe to use with those that contain retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHA, and most types of antioxidants. The only combo to avoid is using it with vitamin C.

My Favourite Products:

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: Here’s another super effective product at a very reasonable price from The Ordinary. This high concentration serum is light and best suited for those with oily skin who are looking to control acne or reduce redness. Use by itself or add a few drops to your favourite moisturizer.

CeraVe Salicylic Acid Cream for Rough and Bumpy Skin: This one is great for dry skin, as its rich, non-greasy formula provides all the hydration. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and can be used on the entire face or just problem areas.

Have you added niacinamide to your skincare ritual yet?