We love to highlight top performing ingredients in our products that make them great for your skin! One of our favorites is Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide. It is an active form of vitamin B3 (niacin) and is used both orally and topically. It is a water-soluble vitamin which means it is not stored in the body, so must be ingested or applied topically with some regularity to continue to get the benefits.

Niacinamide is pH neutral, making it relatively stable and non-irritating in topical formulations. This also makes it a great team player amongst ingredients, and it is compatible with so many other actives such as vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, peptides, AHAs and BHA.

Why We Love Niacinamide in Skincare
This workhorse of an ingredient has several skin benefits:

1. Prevents free radical damage
2. Reduces inflammation
3. Evens out skin tone
4. Improves the skin’s barrier function
    

Free Radical Damage
Niacinamide is well researched and has been found to protect skin cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules in the environment that can damage our skin cells. These molecules are missing electrons in their outer shell, causing them to constantly search for atoms and other molecules to bond with, to become stable again. The resulting oxidative stress damages DNA and other parts of the cell. Some examples of what this damage looks like include fine lines and wrinkles, and dull and uneven skin tone.
 

Reduces Inflammation
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good solution for inflammations such as mild to moderate acne and rosacea. It has been shown to control sebum production, as unchecked production can lead to sebum becoming trapped in pores, resulting in breakouts.
 

Evens Out Skin Tone
Niacinamide is an excellent treatment for hyperpigmentation and age spots and has been shown in studies to decrease both pigment production and the spread of pigment through the layers of the skin. This is particularly important after a breakout.

Improves Skin’s Barrier Function
Finally, it has been shown to help the skin increase its natural production and synthesis of ceramides. Ceramides are fats and oils in the epidermis that protect and strengthen the skin’s barrier, preventing moisture loss. For dry skin sufferers, this ability to help prevent moisture loss makes niacinamide a great friend! 

As you can see, at Bolden we treasure niacinamide as an ingredient. It is a cornerstone ingredient in our
bestselling brightening toner and a testament to why it’s so well loved.