Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is one of the most researched active ingredients used in facial cosmetics. Its versatile properties make it an indispensable ingredient in professional skincare—for dry, reactive, oily, or mature skin. In this article, we examine the properties of niacinamide, its use in cosmetics, and its presence in Rue de Skin cosmetics.
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, is a water-soluble derivative of niacin. In the body, it acts as a precursor to the coenzymes NAD and NADP, essential for the proper functioning of skin cells. In cosmetics, it acts as an active ingredient with proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and barrier-forming properties. Numerous studies (Bissett and Oblong, 2005; Kim and Lee, 2023) show that niacinamide improves skin texture, helps combat discoloration, reduces redness, and regulates sebum production. This makes it useful in both anti-aging skincare and the treatment of acne-prone or reactive skin.
Its role in rebuilding the epidermal barrier is also significant – niacinamide stimulates the production of ceramides and free fatty acids, strengthening the skin's protective layer and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). As a result, the skin becomes more resistant to irritation, better moisturized, and less reactive to environmental factors. This makes cosmetics with niacinamide particularly recommended after aesthetic procedures, during dermatological treatments, and in daily facial care.
Check what is the best niacinamide serum
Niacinamide facial serums are one of the most effective forms of skincare, enabling intensive delivery of active ingredients deep into the skin. Light, fast-absorbing formulas make them easy to incorporate into both your morning and evening skincare routine. However, the key factor is not only the concentration of niacinamide (the most common is 5-10%), but also the presence of supporting ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin, and kojic acid.
This multi-layer formula offers niacinamide serum, combining niacinamide with soothing panthenol and brightening kojic acid. This serum is designed for overactive, oily skin, or skin with a compromised hydrolipid barrier. This lightweight emulsion also works perfectly as a support in between-treatment care, reducing redness and strengthening the skin's defenses.
Niacinamide in a face cream provides long-lasting protective and regenerative benefits. Combined with ceramides and peptides, it forms the basis for effective care for dry, mature, and sensitive skin. Good niacinamide creams should also contain occlusive ingredients and biomimetic emollients, which retain water in the epidermis and support its regeneration.
An example of such a comprehensive approach is cream with niacinamide and ceramides – a cream based on next-generation ceramides, niacinamide, and biomimetic peptides. Thanks to the synergy of these ingredients, the cream not only strengthens the skin's barrier but also promotes firmness, elasticity, and microbiome balance. It can be used alone or as a complement to retinoid or anti-inflammatory treatments.
Check what is more important, peptides or ceramides or which is better, niacinamide or ceramides?
Combining niacinamide with retinoids, such as retinyl retinoate, is an example of synergistic active ingredient action in anti-aging skincare. Retinoids accelerate cell renewal and increase collagen production, while niacinamide mitigates potential side effects of therapy, such as irritation and flaking. Research (Lee and Kim, 2023) indicates that using niacinamide improves skin tolerance to potent ingredients, reduces the risk of hyperreactivity, and accelerates epidermal regeneration.
It is precisely on this combination that the formula is based anti-wrinkle serum – a cosmetic containing retinyl retinoate, vitamin E, peptides, and niacinamide. This firming serum works deep into the skin while supporting the hydrolipid barrier. It's ideal as a nighttime anti-wrinkle treatment, even for those with sensitive and thin skin.
Read also What should the daily care of mature skin look like? i What active ingredients are best for fighting wrinkles?.
Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient, but there are situations in which its inclusion in skincare is particularly beneficial. This applies to both dermatological issues and temporary conditions, such as after treatments or during seasonal changes. In such cases, it's worth reaching for professional facial cosmetics that combine niacinamide with other substances that support skin function.
Indications for using cosmetics with niacinamide include:
Choosing the right products—serums, creams, and facial care kits—should be based on skin condition, not just skin type. Premium cosmetics, such as those offered by Rue de Skin, are designed with specific physiological skin needs in mind, not marketing segmentations.
It has anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and brightening properties. It strengthens the epidermal barrier, improves skin texture, and reduces discoloration and redness.
Yes – modern cosmetic formulas combine niacinamide with vitamin C without the risk of destabilization, offering powerful antioxidant and brightening benefits. Check it out What does vitamin C serum do for your face? i which vitamin C serum is the best
Yes, it is considered a safe ingredient during pregnancy and lactation, even in high concentrations (up to 10%).
The most commonly used is 5–10%. Higher concentrations may be irritating to sensitive skin and should be used with caution.
Definitely yes – in the morning and evening, as a serum, cream or in products supporting regeneration after treatments.
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