Niacinamide B3 Skincare Clinical Research Results

Niacinamide is one of the most studied ingredient for the skin. It's one of the golden three essential skin vitamins - Vitamin A (Retinol), Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).

Most published and peer reviewed studies are at a low concentration between 2-4% in Asian countries primarily, due to its efficacy in reducing hyperpigmentation and skin whitening benefits. People with darker skin tones respond extremely well towards B3 as it's non-irritating and can be formulated into non-acidic products such as ACTIVITA B complex, which also contains B5, another skin soothing ingredient in the B family.

B3 (Niacinamide) at 4-5% has shown significant clinical results in reducing spots when combined with other treatments and products without causing irritation, tolerated by even sensitive skin types. However, at this concentration, there is no clinical data to show its efficacy in oil reduction at a sebaceous glands level. 

10% Niacinamide

More products came into the market in recent years featuring 10% Niacinamide to reduce sebum and refine the skin texture. At this concentration, oily and congested skin types can tolerate the active ingredient well without causing irritation, but very sensitive skin types can develop a Niacin rush - temporary redness due to B3 interactions with the dermis. This is a sign that B3 is getting into deep skin layers for it to work. However, even at this concentration, there's still no convincing data to suggest its efficacy in sebum reduction for oily skin. 

25% Niacinamide (Niacinamax)

25% Niacinamide is the highest percentage clinically studied to be effective in reducing acne, spots and correcting skin texture. At this concentration, the skin tolerance is similar to its 10% counterpart but with significantly more results for reducing acne, dark spots and wrinkles. The results are ranked among the highest for re-texturising to minimise pore appearance and reduce lines in advanced ageing groups. This is also a concentration to visibly improve skin blemishes to have an 'instant' results. 

ACTIVITA B is a skin vitamin B power booster with 25% Niacinamide and 2% B5, both combined together to build skin barrier while correcting blemished texture for a smoother and rejuvenated anti-ageing result. At this concentration, Niacinamide may form a slight white cast but can be easily blended in if spread evenly all over the face. ACTIVITA B proprietary form of B3 is highly purified and concentrated, the formula of Niacinamax is exclusive to the ACTIVITA brand and is currently the maximum clinical concentration to show visible blemish reduction results. When applied under a sunscreen, Niacinamax shows spot correcting results for all skin types.