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
| Safe to Pair With |
Benefits |
| Retinol |
Calms irritation, boosts barrier |
| Vitamin C (new research supports it) |
Brightens and fades spots |
| AHA/BHA |
Reduces irritation, supports healing |
| Hyaluronic Acid |
Boosts hydration and glow |
| Ceramides & Panthenol |
Strengthens barrier and repairs skin |
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.
👉 Shop Now
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 Black 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.
👉 Shop Now
❓ 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
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