What is a Niacinamide serum?
Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a great skincare ingredient for both acne-prone and mature skin types.
Even at low concentrations, Niacinamide can reduce sebum production and inflammation, and can leave the skin with less shine and a reduction in acne. It can also reduce transepidermal water loss and improve the appearance of pores, pigment spots and fine lines.
It’s a rockstar ingredient, which is why it’s the headline ingredient in this Niacinamide Serum.
Why 6%?
Niacinamide can be safely used at up to 10% of the total formulation, but beneficial effects can begin as low as 2% concentration. We consider 6% to be more than enough to enjoy all the benefits Niacinamide has to offer, while lowering the chance of irritation during the introductory phase. This concentration and specific formula is balanced toward controlling sebum production and reducing inflammation for oily or acne-prone skin, though other skin types can also benefit.
Watch this space for a lower concentration serum aimed at deeply moisturising very dry skin.
Key ingredients:
- Niacinamide
Our star ingredient, it’s here to help with sebum production, reduction in acne, hydration, dark spots, skin surface structure and elasticity. - Hyaluronic Acid
Found naturally throughout the body, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) acts as a powerful moisturising agent on the skin. It helps keep the skin flexible and retains incredible amounts of water, and can help with reducing the appearance of wrinkles. This serum has both medium and low molecular weight forms of HA. - Hyaluronic Acid is useful for super dry hands, cracked heels and sad elbows too – you’ll also find it in Thiccboi.
- Kawakawa hydrosol & Kawakawa extract
Kawakawa’s many active compounds are reported to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which is good news for acne-prone skin. This wonderful bush is endemic to Aotearoa. - You’ll find Kawakawa in plenty of Treebrush Apothecary’s product range, including the whole kawakawa balm range and our Anti-Grav Foot & Bath Soaks.
- Harakeke extract
Also beneficial for acne-prone skin, harakeke has traditionally been used for wounds, burns and eczema. Also endemic to New Zealand, and one of our most useful plants. - Centella (Gotu Kola) extract
A fantastic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredient that can increase collagen production. Brilliantly soothing for irritated skin. - Allantoin
The key active compound found in comfrey, Allantoin stimulates new skin cells to grow, enhances skin smoothness, and soothes irritated skin.
You’ll also find Allantoin working hard in Thiccboi. - Panthenol
Also known as Provitamin B5, Panthenol helps to build up the skin barrier and guard against water loss. It can help soothe red skin and inflammation, and helps with wound healing. - Propanediol
A very lightweight humectant and emollient, Propanediol is a nature-derived alternative to Butylene Glycol. It helps to moisturise the skin and absorbs quickly, helping this serum to soak in completely without the product feeling heavy on the skin.
For a thicker, more body butter-like moisturiser, check out The OG.
Who is this serum for?
This gentle formula offers hydration, nutrients and oil control, making it suitable for those looking for an oil-free one-step moisturiser, or those looking to include Niacinamide in their skincare routine.
- For oily skin types, this serum works well right after your toner. Yes, oily skin needs moisture too! Benefits may include a reduction in sebum production (and less shine as a result), a reduction in acne and associated inflammation, and more even skin tone in their aftermath.
- For normal skin types, this serum provides lightweight oil-free hydration to promote even skin tone, and may help with the reduction of fine lines and pores, reducing water loss throughout the day, and reduction of pigment spots.
- This product is also great for dry skin types, helping to strengthen the skin barrier. It’s packed with two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and other humectants, and will help to moisturise and retain that moisture.
If you wear makeup, use this at the start of your routine, or in the evening.
If you have a beard, good news – this oil-free serum won’t feel greasy underneath or in contact with it.
How long does a bottle last?
Using 1-2 pumps once a day, a 30mL bottle will last 3-4 months on average. This amount should be enough to cover most people’s face and neck.
How to use Niacinamide Serum:
Apply 1-2 pumps to the face and neck in the morning or evening (or both). Apply as the first step in your skincare routine, or after toner. Or, you can use this product on its own as an oil-free moisturiser.
If you are using an AHA/BHA (eg: glycolic, salicylic or lactic acids), consider using Niacinamide at least 30 minutes apart, or alternate morning and evening, as they may interfere with each other’s pH. Try using your AHA/BHA in the evening and Niacinamide, Retinoids and Vitamin C in the morning if using AHA/BHA and actives in your routine – although the other way around also works.
Good to know:
- Niacinamide may occasionally cause minor irritation during the first few applications for some skin types while the skin builds tolerance. This product includes Niacinamide at a lower percentage to reduce the chance of this happening, but if continued irritation occurs, discontinue use.
- Niacinamide can potentially increase photosensitivity for some people. Apply at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, or consider using in the evening. High SPF sunscreen is always a good shout, whether you’re using Niacinamide or not.
- An older study suggests a conflict between Vitamin C and Niacinamide. The study itself combined pure forms of both ingredients outside of the conditions found in the skin, or in your product bottle. More recent research has found these ingredients to be complimentary, and can be used together. If you’re still unsure, you can alternate your Vitamin C and Niacinamide products morning and evening. Navigating AHA/BHA with your other actives is still the bigger consideration.
Ingredients:
Water, Macropiper excelsum (kawakawa) water, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Kawakawa extract, Harakeke extract, Centella / Gotu kola extract, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglyerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose
