The 8 Niacinamide Skin-Care Products Dermatologists Swear By

You may not have heard of the ingredient niacinamide—a form of vitamin B3—by name, but chances are you’ve already used it on your face. The ingredient has been a staple in skin-care products for literally years, but has recently come into the spotlight as a shining star, particularly for those prone to breakouts, or for sensitive skin types. Niacinamide is also water-soluble, which makes it an easy ingredient to be added into cleansers, serums, creams or sunscreen, Shasa Hu, M.D., F.A.A.D, co-founder of BIA Life, and associate professor of dermatology at Miami University tells SELF.

Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties which, when applied topically, help minimize the impact of acne, and moderate rosacea. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the ingredient can also neutralize free radical damage, helping to prevent skin cancer as well as fine lines and wrinkles in the process. “The amount of niacinamide in products varies in formulations, and depends on what other ingredients are in the product,” says Marnie B. Nussbaum, M.D., Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. “There are topical formulations ranging from two percent to 10 percent.”

If you’re considering trying it out at home but unsure where to start, check out some of these over-the-counter niacinamide products dermatologists swear by.

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