Ingredient Highlight - Niacinamide

Retinol, AHAs, and vitamin C make the cornerstone of any decent skincare routine. Niacinamide is one ingredient that any skincare lover in the know should incorporate into their routine regardless of their skin type.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid.

What does niacinamide do?

Treats acne - several studies show that topical use of niacinamide successfully treats acne because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Likewise, because it decreases transepidermal water loss and moisturizes the skin, it helps maintain a healthy skin barrier and regulates oil production. Both are crucial in helping to reduce the severity of acne.

Hydrates the skin - niacinamide helps increase the levels of ceramides in Stratum corneum and prevents transepidermal water loss.

Decreases hyperpigmentation - hyperpigmentation is an uneven distribution of melanin. Niacinamide works by blocking the accumulation of melanin and helps brighten the skin. It also works on melasma.

Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - niacinamide boosts collagen and elastin production both of which are essential in order to prevent and target fine lines and wrinkles. Because it maintains healthy lipid barrier and moisturizes the skin, it keeps it plump, even and smooth.

Reduces sensitivity and redness - niacinamide protects the skin against the external stressors and has anti-inflammatory properties. Because it also helps maintain healthy lipid barrier, it will soothe sensitive and redness prone skin. A study has shown that it can be a beneficial ingredient for rosacea-prone skin.

Ishtar products that contain Niacinamide

Brighten Up Pigment Correcting Fluid

Soothing yet powerful, with a unique blend of active ingredients, our Brighten Up fluid corrects uneven complexion and prevents new blemishes.

It uses Chromabright™ (Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate), a high performing active made popular by luxury brands such as La Prairie, that targets hyperpigmentation without any of the sensitising issues associated with hydroquinone.

We combined it with 4% Niacinamide, which also targets hyperpigmentation, moisturizes, balances the oil production, repairs the lipid barrier and prevents new breakouts.

Other notable ingredients include Beta-Glucan (hydrates, calms and soothes), Green Tea extract (has anti-aging benefits and helps prevent environmental stress on the skin), Papaya Seed oil (rich in enzymes and essential fatty acids and increases skin's suppleness) and eco-friendly Bisabolol (has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes sensitive and rosacea-prone skin).

Brighten Up fluid is suitable for vegans and free from silicones and parabens. It can be used by all skin types who want to correct uneven skin tone. It is also suitable for sensitive, rosacea-prone and blemish prone skin.

Do you use products with niacinamide? Have you seen good results?