The Beauty Shelf: What can niacinamide do for your skin?

If retinol has a reputation for getting results while demanding a little patience in return, niacinamide is the ingredient that tends to get along with almost everyone. It turns up in serums, moisturisers, cleansers and eye creams, often alongside other ingredients, and has become a popular choice for people looking to improve uneven tone without making their skincare routine more complicated.

Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide helps support the skin’s moisture barrier, which is particularly welcome when skin feels dry or easily irritated. With consistent use, it can also improve the appearance of redness and dark spots. It won’t erase years of sun exposure, and the results depend on the product, but there is good evidence behind its place in a skincare routine.

For mature skin, the appeal is that niacinamide can address several concerns at once. If pigmentation is your main concern, daily sunscreen still does much of the heavy lifting. And if a product combines niacinamide with retinol or exfoliating ingredients, introduce it gradually and see how your skin responds.

Here are six ways to give it a try, including one for the bloke who might be ready to stop borrowing your moisturiser.

Palmer’s Skin Success Extra Strength Tone Correcting Cream, 75g – $29.99

This moisturiser contains 10 per cent niacinamide alongside hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and retinol, making it one to consider if uneven tone, dark marks and dryness are all on your mind. Because retinol is also in the formula, start slowly if your skin is sensitive and use sunscreen during the day.

ST.SAJ Niaglow Clarity Boost, 50ml – $54.95

If you prefer a dedicated niacinamide serum, this Australian-made option contains five per cent niacinamide and several forms of hyaluronic acid. It’s designed to help with the appearance of uneven tone, redness and visible pores while adding hydration. Apply a few drops after cleansing, then follow with moisturiser. It’s up there with one of the best niacinamide serums I’ve used.

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Niacinamide Clarifying Cleanser, 200ml – $37.99

Niacinamide isn’t limited to products you leave on your skin. This gel cleanser pairs it with Melasyl and a gently exfoliating ingredient, with the aim of leaving skin looking brighter and evener. It’s an option if you want to start with a change to your cleansing routine, although anyone prone to dryness may prefer to ease into an exfoliating cleanser.

RoC Derm Correxion Eye Repair Dark Circle Cream, 15ml – $59.99

Dark circles can have several causes, which is why one ingredient rarely tells the whole story. RoC combines niacinamide with retinol, resveratrol and other ingredients in this eye cream, which has a cooling applicator. It’s aimed at the appearance of under-eye discolouration; as with any retinol product, follow the directions and take it slowly if the delicate skin around your eyes is easily irritated.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum, 30ml – $45 RRP

This serum combines 10 per cent niacinamide with hyaluronic acid for anyone who wants to focus on hydration as well as the appearance of pores and uneven texture. It’s a straightforward addition between cleansing and moisturising, though it’s worth checking the shelf price, as it may be available for less than its recommended retail price.

For the blokes: Patricks SL1 Superleggera Moisturiser, 50g – $105

For a bloke who wants to moisturise without feeling as though he’s wearing a heavy cream, this lightweight gel has a matte finish and is designed to hydrate without leaving skin oily. Niacinamide is one of its key ingredients, alongside hyaluronic acid and peptides. It can be used morning and night, with sunscreen over the top during the day.