Beauty · 2 audits

Niacinamide — Verified Audits

Niacinamide is inexpensive — the raw ingredient costs cents per gram. Any brand charging a premium specifically for niacinamide is selling brand equity, not ingredient value. The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide + Zinc ($7) delivers the same concentration as niacinamide-forward luxury serums at $60–$150. Look for 5% minimum on the INCI list.

Niacinamide material texture

Audits using Niacinamide

Dr. Barbara Sturm Niacinamide vs Numbuzin No.5: Glutathione Encapsulation Audit (2026)

Both use 5% niacinamide + liposomal glutathione. The $119 price gap is explained entirely by packaging and brand positioning — not formulation. The encapsulation smell test tells the difference between active and degraded glutathione.

Tatcha Milky Sunscreen vs Bioré UV Aqua Rich: UVA-I Spectrum & Filter Audit (2026)

Tatcha uses zinc oxide — an FDA-approved filter that misses UVA-I (380–400nm). Bioré's Tinosorb S covers the full spectrum at 76% less cost. The UV bead test proves it. Bioré wins on science.

What is Niacinamide?

Vitamin B3. One of the most well-studied skincare actives. At 5% concentration: minimises pore appearance, regulates sebum production, and delivers clinically proven brightening. At 10%: adds additional barrier-repair and anti-inflammatory effects. Highly stable across pH ranges, compatible with most actives.

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