Why Skincare with 5% Niacinamide Really Works

Niacinamide has quietly become one of the most trusted ingredients in skincare- and for good reason. It’s gentle, versatile, and clinically proven to help with everything from dullness and uneven tone to breakouts and redness. But not all niacinamide formulas are created equal.

So what makes 5% the sweet spot? Let’s break it down.

What Is Niacinamide, and Why Should You Care?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a water-soluble vitamin that helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve elasticity, regulate oil production, and calm inflammation.

Unlike some trendier actives, niacinamide is backed by decades of clinical research. It’s also incredibly well-tolerated by nearly all skin types- including sensitive, acne-prone, or rosacea-prone skin.

Benefits of Niacinamide in Skincare

✅ Reduces the appearance of pores
✅ Brightens dull, uneven skin tone
✅ Improves skin barrier function
✅ Helps regulate oil production
✅ Calms redness and inflammation
✅ Supports smoother, more even texture

Why 5% Is the Ideal Concentration

You’ll find niacinamide in products at concentrations ranging from 2% to 10%- but studies show that 5% is the optimal amount for visible results without irritation.

At this level, you get:

• Improvements in brightness and texture

• Calming effects on redness and sensitivity

• Clearer-looking pores

• A lower risk of dryness or barrier disruption

Higher concentrations (like 10% or more) don’t necessarily offer more benefits- and can sometimes cause flushing or irritation in sensitive skin.

Why We Use 5% in Our Balancing Serum

Balancing Serum was designed to be a daily-use multitasker for all skin types. That’s why we include 5% niacinamide- enough to deliver clear, visible results, while staying gentle enough for sensitive and reactive skin.

It’s paired with:

• Willow bark extract – a natural source of salicylic acid that gently exfoliates and helps unclog pores

• Sodium hyaluronate – to attract and retain moisture, keeping skin hydrated and smooth

The result? Clearer, calmer, more balanced skin without irritation.

Who Should Use Niacinamide?

Pretty much everyone. Whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, or somewhere in between, niacinamide plays well with others and enhances the benefits of your full routine. It's especially helpful if you’re dealing with:

• Uneven tone

• Large pores

• Post-blemish marks

• Redness or blotchiness

• Weak or damaged skin barrier

How to Use It in Your Routine

Apply a serum with niacinamide after cleansing and before moisturizing. It pairs well with other actives like hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol, and even acids- though we recommend patch testing if you’re using multiple actives at once.

And because niacinamide helps improve barrier function, it’s a great year-round ingredient- even in summer, when heat and humidity can cause excess oil or irritation.

Bottom Line: 5% Niacinamide Is Gentle, Effective, and Backed by Science

More isn’t always better. With 5% niacinamide, you get all the benefits- brighter skin, smaller-looking pores, less redness- without tipping your skin into irritation. That’s why it’s a staple in our Balancing Serum, and one of our favorite ingredients for keeping skin calm, clear, and strong.