Niacinamide in Skincare: Benefits, How to Use It & Best Korean Products

Niacinamide — also known as Vitamin B3 — is one of the most versatile and gentle active ingredients in Korean skincare. Whether you struggle with acne, dark spots, redness, dullness, or enlarged pores, niacinamide can help.

It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and plays well with almost every other ingredient. No wonder it’s a K-beauty staple found in many bestselling serums, toners, and moisturizers.

What Is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3 that helps strengthen the skin barrier, balance sebum production, and improve skin tone. It’s beloved in Korean skincare for its multifunctional benefits and gentle, non-irritating nature.

Key Benefits of Niacinamide

• ✅ Reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation
• ✅ Minimizes the appearance of pores
• ✅ Regulates sebum production for less oil and fewer breakouts
• ✅ Improves skin texture and tone
• ✅ Calms redness and inflammation
• ✅ Strengthens the skin barrier for healthier, more resilient skin

How to Use Niacinamide in Your Routine

Niacinamide is a non-acidic, non-irritating ingredient that can be used:

• Morning or night
• Every day, even for sensitive skin
• In toners, serums, or moisturizers
• With most actives like Vitamin C, retinol, and acids

It works best when applied after your toner and before your moisturizer.

Recommended usage:
✔️ 2–10% concentration is ideal (5% is the sweet spot for daily use)
✔️ Use daily for 4–8 weeks to see significant improvements in tone and clarity

What You Can Safely Combine Niacinamide With

Best Korean Skincare Products with Niacinamide

Here are the top-rated Korean products with niacinamide, available at Lakinza and loved by customers across Canada:

🟡 1. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide

Best for: Dull skin, redness, post-acne marks
A cult-favourite serum combining 60% propolis with 2% niacinamide for a bright, healthy glow. Soothes irritation while evening out tone.
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🟠 2. AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

Best for: Hyperpigmentation, sensitive skin, dark spots
Contains 5% niacinamide with squalane and plant extracts. Lightweight, hydrating, and gentle enough for daily use.
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🟤 3. COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum

Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin, large pores
A high-strength niacinamide serum (15%) designed to control excess sebum, reduce acne, and shrink pores. Use 2–3x/week if you're new to high concentrations.
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🟢 4. I’m From Rice Toner

Best for: Uneven skin tone, dryness, dullness
Made with 77.78% rice extract and enriched with niacinamide to brighten, soften, and hydrate the skin from the first step.
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🔵 5. Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum

Best for: Brightening, dark spots, tired skin
Combines 10% niacinamide with 4% Tranexamic Acid and glutathione for a powerful brightening boost.
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❓ FAQ: Niacinamide in Skincare

Q: Can niacinamide cause irritation?
It’s generally well tolerated. Some may experience mild flushing or tingling at high concentrations (10–15%). Start with 5% if you’re sensitive.

Q: Can I use niacinamide with Vitamin C or retinol?
Yes. Newer research shows that niacinamide works well alongside both ingredients — just pay attention to your skin's reaction.

🛍️ Shop Korean Niacinamide Skincare in Canada

Build your glow, reduce breakouts, and strengthen your skin barrier with authentic Korean skincare featuring niacinamide — shipped Canada-wide from our Montréal and Toronto hubs.

👉 Shop Niacinamide Skincare Products