Ingredients
Niacinamide in the Korean routine: what it does and how to use it
Niacinamide is one of the most used ingredients in Korean skincare. What does it do for your skin, what's the right concentration, and what does it go well with?
4 November 20265 min read
Read the ingredients of any Korean brightening product and you'll most likely find the word Niacinamide. It's a form of vitamin B3, and one of the few ingredients that work for most skin types. That's why you find it in toners, serums, moisturizers and even sunscreens.
What does it do?
Niacinamide is a multi-purpose ingredient, and its best-known roles are:
- Supporting the skin barrier: it helps skin hold on to its moisture, which matters with air conditioning and dry weather.
- Regulating oil: with consistent use, many women with oily skin notice less shine and less visible pores.
- Evening out tone: it helps reduce the look of dark spots and redness over time.
Results are gradual. Most studies measure the change after eight to twelve weeks of regular use.
What concentration?
Concentrations from 2% to 5% are enough for most people and are gentle. A high concentration like 10% may suit stubborn spots, but some sensitive skin turns red with it or feels a slight tingle. Start with a medium concentration, and if your skin is comfortable, go higher.
More isn't always better. Sticking with a comfortable concentration makes more difference than a high one you give up after a week.
What does it go with?
Niacinamide is easy to combine, and it goes well with:
- Hyaluronic acid and centella: for hydration and calm.
- Retinol: many people use it to ease retinol's dryness.
- Exfoliating acids: in the same routine, but not necessarily in the same step if your skin is sensitive.
- Vitamin C: there's an old belief that they don't go together, but modern formulas combine them without a problem. If you feel irritation, use one in the morning and the other at night.
Where do you find it?
- As a toner: Anua Peach 77 Toner, with light hydration plus niacinamide.
- As a brightening serum: Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide serum.
- For dark spots: Anua Niacinamide 10 + TXA serum. TXA is tranexamic acid, an ingredient used to reduce the look of pigmentation.
And with any product for dark spots, the result depends on sunscreen. Without daily sunscreen, the sun brings spots back faster than the serum can fade them.
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