Aroma-Zone Niacinamide active ingredient

PURIFYING SOOTHING EVENING


The active ingredient that improves the overall appearance of the skin


Here is the ultimate "Swiss Army knife" of dermocosmetic ingredients. Complexion perfector, anti-blemish, anti-dark spot, soothing, moisturizing... It improves the overall appearance of the skin, refines pores, reduces wrinkles, and evens out skin prone to redness and dark spots. A must-have.


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Niacinamide Aroma-Zone profile

INCI Name : Niacinamide

VEGAN

BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Niacinamide is a molecule naturally found in vitamin B3.

TRACEABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY

Synthetic active ingredient* The niacinamide used in cosmetics is produced through organic synthesis and is identical to the natural molecule.

*We only use synthetic active ingredients when there is no natural equivalent and the ingredient is essential for addressing specific skin concerns. Our toxicology department always ensures that the ingredient is safe for health and the skin. This is the case with niacinamide.

Niacinamide : what effect does it have on the skin ?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 with multiple benefits for the skin. By regulating sebum production, it mattifies the skin and reduces blemishes. It also diminishes pigmentation spots, an effect believed to be linked to its ability to limit the transfer of melanin into epidermal cells. Niacinamide also soothes redness thanks to its ability to reduce the expression of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, and thanks to its stimulating effect on skin microcirculation.

By stimulating skin cell renewal and collagen synthesis—which is responsible for skin firmness—niacinamide also acts as an excellent anti-aging agent. Wrinkles are reduced and the facial contour is firmed.

Is your skin dehydrated? Niacinamide promotes the synthesis of ceramides, the lipids in the skin’s outer layer, the stratum corneum. This helps preserve the skin’s natural barrier, limits water loss from the skin’s surface, and reduces redness and irritation.

Niacinamide : scientifically proven efficiency

A study** demonstrated the effectiveness of a 5% niacinamide cream in reducing fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation spots. 

In another study, volunteers with rosacea applied a 2% niacinamide cream. For 96% of them, skin hydration improved and redness was reduced.

**See the Scientific Bibliography for more information.

Skin tolerance

A note from Adeline Nalin, our Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist at Aroma-Zone

“A comprehensive safety assessment (“final report of the safety assessment of niacinamide and niacin”) by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR, US) concludes that there is very good local tolerance at a 10% concentration in facial cosmetic products. These findings are supported by international clinical studies in subjects with all skin types, including sensitive skin.”

Adeline Nalin - Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist

A safe ingredient for your health

A note from our Aroma-Zone Toxicologist

“Niacinamide’s safety profile is further reinforced by simple formulations (such as our 10% Niacinamide, Copper & Zinc Concentrated Serum), which respect the skin’s natural pH.”

Adeline Nalin - Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist

A note from the Dermatologist



“Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a versatile ingredient suitable for almost all skin types. It is best known for its sebum-regulating properties, but it also helps reduce redness and fade pigmentation spots. It improves the complexion’s radiance and skin texture without causing irritation. For me, it’s an ideal choice for combination to oily skin or skin prone to breakouts. For best results, I recommend applying it in the morning before your moisturizer.”



Dr. Dima Haidar - Dermatologist

Formulation focus with the Aroma-Zone R&D laboratory

Niacinamide is highly valued by formulators due to its high water solubility and versatility, which allows it to be easily combined with many other ingredients. Behind this ease of use, however, lies an important requirement : niacinamide naturally contains a fraction of nicotinic acid, a molecule known to be irritating beyond certain concentrations. To ensure excellent skin tolerance, we have therefore selected a niacinamide with an extremely low nicotinic acid content.

For which skin types ?

It is suitable for blemish-prone skin, mature skin, sensitive skin, dehydrated skin, skin prone to redness, and skin prone to pigmentation spots.

What issues does this address ?

Excess sebum, comedones, and blackheads, hyperpigmentation spots, loss of firmness and elasticity, wrinkles and fine lines, redness and irritation, dehydration.

What the Niacinamide does for the skin

  • Mattify the skin

  • Fight imperfections

  • Tighten pores

  • Fade dark spots

  • Firm the face

  • Reduce redness

  • Protect the skin barrier

  • Maintain optimal hydration.

Niacinamide : an essential ingredient for the skin

10% Niacinamide, Copper & Zinc Concentrated Serum

This serum is a concentrate of natural active ingredients with a "flawless skin" effect. Developed for skin prone to imperfections, it combats shine and blackheads while preventing signs of aging. Its fresh texture absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy finish. Once your bottle is empty, consider purchasing an eco-refill to protect the environment!

Discover our 10% Niacinamide, Copper & Zinc Concentrated Serum

Niacinamide 5%, Zinc & Hyaluronic Acid Toner

Radiant skin and a visibly more even complexion thanks to our facial lotion enriched with 5% Niacinamide. Formulated with Zinc, Hyaluronic Acid, and Organic Inulin, it reduces blemishes and blackheads, tightens pores, soothes redness, and protects the skin barrier. Lightweight and non-drying, it can be used undiluted, is fragrance- and alcohol-free, and complements your daily beauty routine.

Discover our Niacinamide 5%, Zinc & Hyaluronic Acid Toner

Concentrated Eye Contour Serum 5% Caffeine & Helichrysum

Brighten your eyes with this innovative serum containing 5% decongesting caffeine and 3% plumping hyaluronic acid. The botanical complex of Helichrysum and Wild Ginger visibly reduces dark circles and puffiness by strengthening microcirculation and capillaries, for an immediate tightening effect. Applied with its roll-on applicator, enjoy instant freshness without a sticky residue.

Discover our 5% Caffeine & Helichrysum Concentrated Eye Contour Serum

FAQ

Niacinamide + sun = danger?

Niacinamide is not considered a photosensitizing active ingredient. Therefore, there are no specific contraindications for sun exposure. However, sunscreen remains essential during sun exposure, especially for blemish-prone skin, to prevent the worsening of blemishes and the risk of a rebound effect caused by UV rays.

Can I use a serum with Vitamin B3 if I’m pregnant?

Unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional, niacinamide and pregnancy are compatible. It is therefore perfectly safe to use a niacinamide-enriched skincare product on your face if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If in doubt, please consult a healthcare professional.

My niacinamide cream gave me breakouts. Is that normal?

Generally speaking, niacinamide is not supposed to cause a “purge.” If you experience a flare-up of blemishes, we recommend reducing the dosage of your skincare product. For example, you can switch from a 10% concentration of niacinamide to a 5% concentration. If the issue persists, the answer may lie with another active ingredient in your skincare product.

How does niacinamide work on pigmentation spots?

Niacinamide works bylimiting the transfer of melanin to cells on the skin’s surface. It does not block melanin production, but reduces its migration, which helps even out skin tone and gradually reduce the appearance of dark spots. It also helps strengthen the skin barrier, which improves the complexion’s radiance.

Is niacinamide suitable for sensitive skin or skin prone to redness?

Yes. Niacinamide is known for its excellent tolerance, even on sensitive skin. By strengthening the skin barrier and improving hydration, it helps reduce discomfort and can help minimize the appearance of redness. Purified forms with low nicotinic acid content (which is the case with our products) are particularly suitable for reactive skin.

At what concentration is niacinamide truly effective?

At 2%, niacinamide is already effective. It is recommended to start with a low concentration (2–5%) and gradually increase it if your skin tolerates it well. Higher concentrations can target specific concerns, but those with sensitive skin should avoid exceeding 5%.

Can niacinamide and vitamin C be combined?

Yes, it is entirely possible to use niacinamide and vitamin C in the same routine. There is no incompatibility between these two active ingredients, but those with sensitive skin may choose to apply them at different times for greater comfort.

Spotlight on our specialist editor, Delphine Duc.

Delphine Duc 02.jpg

Delphine DUC, a biological engineer specializing in cosmetology, has been passionate about the field of cosmetics for nearly 10 years. I started making my own homemade cosmetics using Aroma Zone products to address my skin concerns, then decided to train as a cosmetologist, and finally to create a custom-made cosmetics brand to address everyone’s unique skin concerns.

Bibliography

1

SKINCARE, The Skin, an Aroma-Zone publication by La Plage

2

Bissett, D. L.; Oblong, J. E.; Berge, C. A. Niacinamide: A B Vitamin That Improves Aging Facial Skin Appearance.

Dermatol Surg 2005, 31 (7 Pt 2), 860–865; discussion 865. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732.

3

Draelos, Z. D.; Ertel, K.; Berge, C. Niacinamide-Containing Facial Moisturizer Improves Skin Barrier and Benefits Subjects with Rosacea.

Cutis 2005, 76 (2), 135–141.

4

Matts, P.; Oblong, J.; Bissett, D. L. A Review of the Range of Effects of Niacinamide in Human Skin.

Int Fed Soc Cosmet Chem Mag 2002, 5, 285–289. Vitamin B3 – Dietary supplement. VIDAL.

5

https://www.vidal.fr/parapharmacie/complements-alimentaires/vitamine-b3-pp-niacine.html (accessed 2025-01-31).