Let me simply say: Niacinamide itself is not recognized to be irritating; in reality, most individuals discover it very tolerable, versus potent acids or retinol. Quite, it is niacinamide overload that may pose issues, as you don’t want a super-high focus to reap its benefits. “Most niacinamide research use 2% to five% of the ingredient,” beauty chemists Victoria Fu and Gloria Lu beforehand wrote for mbg. “There is no purpose to suppose 30% niacinamide is six occasions as efficient as 5% niacinamide. You are extra more likely to irritate your pores and skin with ultra-high concentrations than the rest.” Whereas the B vitamin is beloved for strengthening the pores and skin barrier, an excessive amount of of it might probably really result in sensitivity, pores and skin irritation, and redness—however when you keep on with a 2 to five% focus, you need to be set.
Right here’s the place issues get difficult: Niacinamide has shortly grow to be the crown jewel of skincare, given its bundle of advantages (moisture! Oil management! Brightness!), and types are formulating with it at breakneck velocity. “You possibly can be getting increased percentages of niacinamide than you suppose you’re, as a result of it’s included in loads of merchandise,” Landriscina explains.
It’s additionally some of the easy-going actives on the market—it even pairs properly with notoriously finicky vitamin C. “So manufacturers usually throw it into merchandise as an additional,” provides Landriscina. However that “further” hit of niacinamide can simply tip the scales from nourishing to irritating, particularly when you’re piling on types of vitamin B3 with out even understanding it.
