Niacinamide, explained

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, and it is one of the few skincare ingredients with years of solid research behind it. It is in our balancing tonic because it helps with the two things people with oily and combination skin ask us about most: shine and texture.

What it does

• Balances oil. It reduces how much oil the skin produces over a few weeks, so the T zone stays matte for longer.
• Refines texture. Pores do not actually shrink, but with less oil in them they look smaller and the skin looks smoother.
• Strengthens the barrier. It helps the skin make more of its own ceramides, the fats that hold the outer layer together.
• Evens tone. Used daily, it fades redness and marks left by old spots.

What it does not do

Niacinamide is not an exfoliant and will not clear active breakouts on its own. It also works slowly: expect to see a difference after four to six weeks, not overnight.

More is not better either. Formulas above 10% are common, but research shows most of the benefits at 4 to 5%, with less chance of irritation. Our tonic uses 4%.

How to use it

Sweep the tonic over clean skin with your hands or a cotton pad, morning and evening, before your serum. Niacinamide works well with almost everything, including hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol and sunscreen, so there is no need to change the rest of your routine.