What is a Niacinamide serum?
Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a great skincare ingredient for both acne-prone and mature skin types.
Low concentrations of Niacinamide are enough to reduce transepidermal water loss and improve the appearance of fine lines, pigment spots and pores. At slightly higher concentrations, it can also reduce sebum production and inflammation in acne-prone skin and reduce the shine of oily skin.
It’s a rockstar ingredient, which is why it’s the headline ingredient in this Niacinamide Serum.
Why 3%?
While Niacinamide can be safely used at up to 10% concentration, the benefits can begin as low as 2%. This 3% formulation is supported by plenty of other moisture-packed, soothing botanicals and has been developed with retaining moisture for dry skin types in mind. It also reduces the chance of mild irritation that some skin types can experience at the highest concentrations.
It layers well with many other moisturising products, but can also function just fine as your only moisturiser too.
This 3% serum is gentle, soothing and developed for normal through to dry, sensitive skin types. If you’re new to Niacinamide, this lower concentration is a great place to start before jumping up to our 6% serum for more firepower.
Key ingredients:
- Niacinamide
Our star ingredient, it’s here for moisture retention, 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 heavy duty hand cream and our 6% Niacinamide Serum. - Pohutukawa bark extract
Packed with Ellagic Acid’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, pohutukawa has traditionally been used for wounds and abrasions. - Kawakawa extract
Kawakawa’s many active compounds are reported to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, used in this formulation for soothing dry and irritated 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. - Kelp extract
Kelp is full of phyto-compounds that may help with premature ageing, collagen and elastin support, and soothing reactive skin types. - Aloe vera
Most often used for calming sunburn, aloe vera is an excellent natural moisturiser. It features in this serum for both its soothing and moisturising capabilities, adding a delicious rich skin feel. - Cucumber hydrosol
Wonderfully cooling and refreshing, cucumber hydrosol gives this Niacinamide serum its delectable fragrance and calming skin feel. Fuelled by both aloe vera and cucumber hydrosol, this serum makes for a fantastic summer moisturiser. - 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 moisture 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 dry skin types, and those prone to irritation, this gentle formula helps to strengthen the skin barrier and to retain moisture. With so many moisturising ingredients supporting it, it makes for a fantastic soothing moisture boost as one of the first steps in your skincare routine.
- 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.
- Oily skin types can also benefit from this formulation. Starting with a low concentration of Niacinamide is a good shout for irritation-prone skin, with so many moisturising factors, this serum works well as a standalone oil-free moisturiser while also providing the oil controlling benefits of Niacinamide.
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, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) water, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Glycerol, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Kawakawa extract, Pohutukawa extract, Kelp extract, Hyaluronic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglyerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose
