Vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acids are always top of mind when it comes to brightening skin. The former protects and reverses sun damage usually in the form of dark spots, while the latter reveals a healthier, more even layer of your skin through exfoliation. Both are heavy lifters when added to your routine for sure, but there exists a less intimidating ingredient in that same brightening family tree: Niacinamide.
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is in many skincare products in the market for its long list of benefits. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas says that it can reduce inflammation and redness, minimize the appearance of pores, and for its most lauded effect, it can brighten pigmentation and the complexion in general with regular use. Niacinamide is also gentler in comparison to retinols, AHAs, and vitamin C—to the point where you can actually safely combine it with those three to boost your regimen.
It's therefore no surprise that niacinamide is a favorite ingredient. And if it isn't already yours as well, here are some products that might just convince you:
Thinking of adding niacinamide to your skincare routine? Here are some products to check out:
Natural Essential Mask Aqua Brightening (P135) from AHC
Sheet masks are your one way ticket to an instant glow, but what makes this mask from AHC stand out is its hydrating and brightening combo of ceramide, berry extracts, and niacinamide. It makes all the difference in 20 minutes or less!
Available at Watsons.
Miracle Repair Serum Niacinamide 2% (P499) from Luxe OrganixÂ
This 2% niacinamide serum from Luxe Organix is perfect for those who are still dipping their toes into the tone-evening ingredient. Boosted with licorice extract and vitamin E, it also helps soothe irritation and protect the skin from sun damage.
Available at Watsons.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (P629) from The OrdinaryÂ
Not a niacinamide newbie? Upgrade your skincare routine to this potent formula from The Ordinary. It'll help you with your active breakouts and it has a sebum-balancing perk thanks to the 1% zinc.
Available on BeautyMNL.
PHA Toner (P825) from The Inkey ListÂ
We've already sung our praises over the moisture-locking and gently exfoliating benefits of poly-hydroxy acids. You'll get all that and more in this toner from The Inkey List, which contains 3% niacinamide to brighten and a dash of aloe juice to cool down redness.
Available on Beauty Bar.
Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence (P1,000) from COSRX
The 95 in this essence's name by COSRX stands for its whopping 95% concentration of galactomyces ferment filtrate—a K-Beauty favorite for maintaining smooth and supple skin at any age. Right next to it on the ingredients list is—you guessed it—niacinamide, to further battle dullness and discoloration.
Available on BeautyMNL.
White Radiance Whip (P1,999) from OlayÂ
Here's a hint: Olay's facial skincare is hardly ever without vitamin B3. But if you're looking for a convenient radiance booster, the Luminous Whip is the lightweight, brightening moisturizer you need on your vanity.
Available at Watsons.
Capture Totale Super Potent Age-Defying Intense Serum (P4,950) from DiorÂ
This light, lotion-like serum from Dior boasts a powerful type of hyaluronic acid and skin-revitalizing technology pulled from the longoza flower that helps "restore the full power of the skin's mother cells." As if that isn't impressive enough, it has niacinamide high up on its ingredients list, so you know you'll also be getting those spot-fading benefits.
Available at Dior SM Aura Premier.
