Niacinamide+

The Daily Active For Oil Control and Blemish Support

The Formulation Philosophy: Why 5% & 0.5%?

Higher percentages on a label sell well, but they do not always perform better. We formulate based on independent clinical evidence, not marketing trends.

• Niacinamide 5.0%: The strongest independent trial evidence for treating blemishes and uneven skin tone sits at 4–5%. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel found no irritation at concentrations up to 5% in cumulative testing. Above 10%, there is no published evidence of additional benefit, while reported flushing and stinging increase.

• Zinc PCA 0.5%: While studies of Zinc PCA alone often use 1–2%, 0.5% sits at the optimal lower end of the documented sebum-reduction range. It is the concentration most frequently cited in formulation literature for the niacinamide-plus-zinc pairing, ensuring maximum tolerability. We would rather tell you the truth than round the number up.

The Mechanism

4-Way Targeted Action

Two actives, two different mechanisms, both aimed at the same problem:

1. Reduces Oil at the Source: Niacinamide suppresses the synthesis of fatty acids and wax esters inside the sebaceous gland, lowering sebum output. Zinc PCA works on a separate pathway, inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase—the enzyme that drives androgen-linked oil production.

2. Calms Inflammation: Niacinamide dampens the inflammatory signaling that turns a blocked pore into a red, painful one. Zinc PCA adds bacteriostatic activity against Cutibacterium acnes without the resistance concerns of topical antibiotics. (In published trials, 4% niacinamide gel performed comparably to 1% clindamycin over eight weeks).

3. Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Niacinamide increases the skin’s own production of ceramides and barrier lipids, reducing water loss. This is why oily skin on niacinamide usually becomes less sensitive over time.

4. Fades Post-Blemish Marks: Niacinamide interrupts the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to surface skin cells. This ensures that brown or red marks left after a spot heals fade faster and more evenly—without the bleaching or cellular damage associated with hydroquinone.

What to Expect (And When)

We believe in honest timelines. Anyone promising a three-day transformation is selling you a shortcut that doesn’t exist.

A Note on “Purging”: Niacinamide has no mechanism that accelerates cell turnover, meaning it does not cause a “purge”. If you break out after starting this serum, it is a reaction to the formula—stop and reassess.

Integration & Layering

• Who it is for: Ideal for oily skin, combination skin in humid climates, blemish-prone skin, and those dealing with enlarged-looking pores or post-blemish marks. It is also highly effective for men due to their naturally higher baseline sebum output.

• How to use: Apply 3–4 drops onto barely damp skin after cleansing, morning and night. Follow with moisturizer (and SPF 30 or higher in the morning).

• Safe alongside: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, azelaic acid, and our Hyaluronic+ serum.

• Space apart from: Prescription retinoids, high-strength AHA/BHA peels, or benzoyl peroxide. Apply these at opposite ends of the day or on alternate nights.

Radical Transparency: The Full Ingredient List

Every ingredient printed. Nothing summarized, nothing hidden.

(Phenoxyethanol is used below 1% as a broad-spectrum preservative. Formulated without parabens, added fragrance, denatured alcohol, mineral oil, or colorants.)

Radical Transparency: The Full Ingredient List (Click to expand)

Every ingredient printed. Nothing summarized, nothing hidden.

Aqua (water) · Niacinamide · Zinc PCA · Sodium PCA · Glycerin (vegetable) · Propylene Glycol · Hydroxyethylcellulose · Polysorbate · Acrylates Crosspolymer · Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is used below 1% as a broad-spectrum preservative. Formulated without parabens, added fragrance, denatured alcohol, mineral oil, or colorants.