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Enter, theAllure Ingredient Index.
But none of this is news to experts.
Cosmetic chemist Shuting Hu, concurs.
It’s earning a lasting designation as one of the most respected and in-demand ingredients in skin care.
“It’s naturally occurring and essential to healthy skin cell functions,” she explains.
Not only does it do numerous favors for skin, but it also works for numerous skin types.
But which format makes the most out of niacinamide’s benefits?
Hu believes serums are the most effective vehicle for niacinamide products.
Furthermore, because niacinamide is water-soluble, it’s more readily absorbed into the skin through a water-based serum.
Dr. Allenby, however, says moisturizers may be the best way to get your niacinamide.
Consider Dr. Garshick’s advice: The intended outcome determines which formulation is ideal.
Hu agrees that a higher percentage of an active ingredient like niacinamide isn’t always better.
“An effective product should have between 2 and 10 percent niacinamide,” she explains.
Dr. Allenby adds that products with niacinamide concentrations under 5 percent are especially well-tolerated.
But that doesn’t mean you should dive headfirst into it all willy-nilly.
The big exception: vitamin C. But not because of anything that will cause harm to your skin.
And luckily, using niacinamide in the morning doesn’t pose an increased UV risk.
That said, you should stillalways wear sunscreen.
Now watch Lilly Singh’s 10-minute UV-protected beauty routine:
