Focus on Niacinamide: How to Use It in a Korean Routine

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, has become a star ingredient in skincare, especially in kbeauty . Highly prized for its multiple benefits, it fits perfectly into a Korean skincare routine, allowing you to treat various skin concerns while respecting the skin's natural balance. Discover how to use this powerful active ingredient in your routine, and why it has become a must-have in the world of Korean skincare .

What is niacinamide and why should you take it?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that offers numerous benefits for the skin. It is particularly effective at improving the appearance of enlarged pores, reducing redness, evening out skin tone, and strengthening the skin barrier. What sets it apart from other ingredients is its ability to be gentle yet incredibly effective.

Unlike some more aggressive active ingredients like retinoids or salicylic acid, it is well tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive skin. This is why it has quickly found its place in many kbeauty formulas, where the priority is to soothe and repair the skin rather than attack it.

Why is she so popular in Kbeauty?

It particularly appeals to k-beauty enthusiasts for its versatility and exceptional skin tolerance . In Korean formulas, it's often combined with other gentle active ingredients to target multiple concerns at once : dull complexion, visible pores, excess sebum, pigment spots, and even signs of aging. It works as a regulator of overall skin balance.

One of the strong points is its compatibility with all skin types . Oily skin appreciates its mattifying and sebum-regulating effect, while dry skin benefits from its ability to strengthen the moisture barrier . On sensitive skin, it helps reduce redness , calm inflammation and stimulate cell repair .

Korean skincare often relies on moderate concentrations of niacinamide (2 to 5%), which are effective without being irritating. This allows for daily use , without the risk of irritation or rebound effect. It is this gradual and respectful approach that makes niacinamide so successful in Korean cosmetics .

By integrating this ingredient into all stages of the routine, we benefit from visible but progressive results , in accordance with the gentle and caring philosophy of kbeauty.

The benefits of niacinamide

It acts as a real booster for the skin. Here are its main effects:

• Sebum regulation : ideal for combination to oily skin, it reduces excess sebum without drying it out.
• Pore ​​reduction : its smoothing effect helps tighten enlarged pores.
• Brightening complexion : it reduces pigment spots and redness and evens out the skin.
• Strengthening the skin barrier : it stimulates the production of ceramides, thus strengthening the skin against external aggressions.
• Anti-aging effect : it reduces fine lines and improves firmness.

Kbeauty , which favors gentle, effective and prevention-oriented treatments, very quickly integrated this active ingredient into its formulations.

How to integrate it into a kbeauty routine?

A Korean routine typically follows several steps to maximize the benefits of active ingredients. Here's how to introduce it step by step:

🧼 1. Gentle cleansing (double cleansing)

Start by removing impurities with a double cleanse. Choose a light cleansing oil , followed by a pH-neutral cleansing gel .

Product advice :

• Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil – Skin1004
• Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser – Cosrx

This gentle cleansing prepares your skin to receive active care.

💦 2. Hydrating and soothing tonic

A toner is essential for rehydrating the skin after cleansing and rebalancing its pH. It also helps subsequent skincare products penetrate more easily.

Recommended examples :

• Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner – Anua
• Madagascar Centella Toning Toner – Skin1004

These tonics, rich in soothing ingredients such as houttuynia cordata, combine perfectly to limit the risk of irritation.

💧 3. Niacinamide Serum

This is where niacinamide plays its main role. Apply a concentrated serum , morning or evening, to clean skin.

Recommended example :

• Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide – Beauty of Joseon
  This serum combines niacinamide with propolis , known for its soothing, hydrating and antibacterial properties. Ideal for improving radiance while regulating imperfections.

🧴 4. Moisturizer

Even oily or acne-prone skin needs hydration. Simply choose a suitable, non-comedogenic cream that strengthens the skin barrier.

Recommended example :

• Dynasty Cream – Beauty of Joseon
  This cream, rich in traditional Korean ingredients (ginseng, niacinamide, medicinal roots), provides deep hydration while brightening the complexion.

☀️ 5. Sun protection

Niacinamide also works to combat dark spots. However, without sunscreen, these effects can be reversed. A light Korean sunscreen is essential.

Effective examples :

• Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ – Beauty of Joseon
• Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ – Cosrx

kbeauty sunscreens are known for their invisible texture, high protection and skincare benefits.

Can niacinamide be combined with other active ingredients?

Yes, niacinamide is one of the most compatible active ingredients. It works very well with:

• Hyaluronic acid : for deep hydration.
• Zinc : reinforces its anti-imperfection action.
• Centella asiatica : calms and repairs.
• Peptides : boost cell regeneration.

However, it's best to avoid using too high a concentration (over 10%) on sensitive skin. The ideal in kbeauty is to combine it with other gentle ingredients in balanced formulas.

How often should I use niacinamide?

It can be used daily , morning and evening. It is well tolerated, even on sensitive skin, as long as it is integrated gradually. In Korean routine, we prefer to focus on regularity rather than intensity.

🌿 Tip: Start by using it once a day for a week, then gradually increase according to your skin's tolerance.

Results to be expected

With a consistent routine, the first results are often seen after 2 to 4 weeks:

• More even complexion
• Reduction of redness
• Visibly tightened pores
• Fewer pimples or inflammation

The effects are gradual but long-lasting. In kbeauty , patience and gentleness are the key to healthy, glowing skin.

Where to find the best niacinamide treatments?

You can find all the products mentioned in this article and many more in our online store. We select certified Korean skincare products, formulated with reliable, gentle, and innovative active ingredients, to guarantee you a Korean skincare routine tailored to your skin.

Our site also offers personalized advice, blog articles, and a section dedicated to star ingredients like centella asiatica and AHA/BHA. Don't hesitate to visit us to discover your next beauty gem!