Hyperpigmentation, acne, and scarring - sound familiar? Then you should probably keep reading. In this blog, I’m reviewing haruharuwonder’s Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream. A creamy and cooling gel moisturiser, it works to protect and balance your complexion. But before I get to the review, let’s take a deep dive into its key ingredient: niacinamide.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide, sometimes called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 and a powerful ingredient in skincare. It’s typically man-made and is created through the synthesization of 3-cyanopyridine. But that’s just for those of you who love to geek out over skincare chemistry.
Are niacinamide and nicotinamide the same?
Although they’re both a form of vitamin B3 (they’re chemically identical) they have very different uses. Whereas niacinamide is found in skincare, nicotinamide is often found in food supplements, and is used to help boost energy levels, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair.
What does niacinamide do?
This skincare hero is known to help calm redness, like rosacea, and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne, and acne scars.
Will niacinamide fade dark spots?
The short answer? Yes. After continued use, niacinamide is known to help brighten and even out skin tone, eventually reducing the appearance of dark spots.
How does niacinamide work?
Niacinamide works by building up your skin’s immunity, strengthening its natural barrier, and preserving your skin’s health. This then helps to prevent any damaging effects from external factors, such as pollutants in the air. It also works by preventing the transfer of pigment within the skin, reducing the chances of you developing hyperpigmentation, such as melasma.
Niacinamide side effects
Niacinamide is one of the more gentle skincare ingredients, and is thought to be safe for most skin types. However, it’s always worth doing a patch test, especially if you struggle with sensitive skin.
How to mix niacinamide
Niacinamide is a super-versatile ingredient that can be mixed with a variety of other ingredients. Here are some popular examples:
Can I use niacinamide with retinol?
When paired together, niacinamide and retinol become a skincare powerhouse. For a start, niacinamide can help reduce any irritation and dryness caused by retinol. Secondly, the two work together to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles, leaving you with younger-looking skin.
Note: as always, remember to use a strong SPF when using retinol products.
Can I use niacinamide with hyaluronic acid?
Another skincare powerhouse, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are an absolute dream team. While niacinamide supports the skin barrier function, reduces oil, and brightens your skin tone, hyaluronic acid helps to keep your skin looking plump by delivering a hit of hydration.
Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?
There’s a lot of debate around vitamin C and niacinamide. Some outdated research claims the two shouldn’t be used together. However, this research is approaching 65 years old, and a lot has changed since then. In fact, the Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream features vitamin C, which works with the niacinamide and Centella to brighten your skin so it looks healthier and more radiant.
Can I use niacinamide with azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid also has skin calming properties, so when it's paired with niacinamide the two work together to become the ultimate combo for those struggling with acne, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation.
But be mindful when mixing niacinamide with glycolic acid
As a general rule, it’s recommended that you avoid mixing AHAs, like glycolic acid, with niacinamide. This is down to pH levels. AHAs usually have a pH of 3.0 to 4.0, while niacinamide has a pH of 5.0 to 7.0. And when you mix the 2, you’ll end up raising the pH levels of the acid and lowering the pH of the niacinamide. This doesn’t mean you can’t use the two separately - you could always try using glycolic acid in the morning and niacinamide in the evening.
The review
Ok, let’s talk about my main skincare concerns
Melasma
Just over 6 months ago, 2.5 years after having my son, I noticed a brown mark appear on my skin. I was concerned, so asked to see a dermatologist, who told me that it’s a type of skin hyperpigmentation called melasma. A variety of factors can lead to someone developing melasma, but it tends to be more common in women, often brought on by pregnancy and other big hormonal changes.
Blemishes
Despite being 35, I still struggle with hormonal breakouts. So, I wanted a cream that would hydrate and nourish my skin without leaving it greasy and prone to even more spots.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Good genetics and a strong skincare routine aside, fine lines and wrinkles are inevitable, and I’ve started to notice them becoming more and more prominent.
First impressions
Packaging
To start, I was obsessed with the cute coffee cup packaging. I’ve not seen anything like this in the UK before, so it’s a welcome addition to my skincare shelf. It also came with a cute plastic spatula to help make application even easier.
The product
Packed with calming niacinamide and rich antioxidants like vitamin C and Centella Asiatica, this face cream is perfect for brightening skin tone. And you can’t argue with the facts. In a 4-week clinical trial with 20 people aged 30-60, skin brightness improved by 4.5%, outer and inner pigmentation enhanced by 32.8% and 30.5% (respectively), and hydration increased by 46.3%. So I knew this gel moisturiser would deliver.
In terms of first impressions, I love the silky texture of the fragrance-free gel. It sinks into my skin quickly, leaving it feeling super-soft and hydrated, and not tacky or greasy. It also has a cooling effect, which instantly calms my skin.
Centella, sometimes known as Cica, has inflammatory properties, making it perfect for sensitive, reactive skin.
The result
I’ve been using Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream for just over 3 weeks now and I’m fully converted. Before trying this moisturiser, I hadn’t thought to include niacinamide in my routine, and now I couldn’t live without it. My skin feels smoother to the touch, it looks brighter and clearer, and my melasma has even started to fade.
As full disclosure, here’s what my full skincare routine has looked like during those 3 weeks:
Morning
I’ll often wake up with my skin feeling tight and dry. To give it a hydration boost, I’ll start by washing my face with a hyaluronic acid face wash, and then tone it with the Black Rice Hyaluronic Tone.
Once my skin is dry, I’ll tap a small amount of Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream around my eyes and smile lines, before sweeping over my new fave: Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream.
To finish, I’ll apply an SPF of at least 50.
Evening
To finish the day, I’ll remove any makeup with an oil-based cleanser before double-cleansing with a water-based face wash. I’ll then tone and tap on my eye cream before applying Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum. Finally, I’ll soothe my skin with lots of the Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream - it’s perfect for nourishing and rehydrating my skin after using retinol.
And there we have it, a full debrief of the Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream. Packed with antioxidants and soothing niacinamide, it’s given my skin its glow back. So whether you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation, acne or just want your radiance back for the warmer months, it’s time you introduced niacinamide into your routine. It’s a game-changer, I promise.
Meet the Author
Emily Clegg
Freelance Beauty Copywriter
Hi, I’m Emily, a beauty-loving copywriter based in the UK. When I’m not writing about my newest skincare obsession, you’ll find me running after my 3-year-old son and pet Jack Russell, Rudy.
emilycleggcopy.co.uk
Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream: Protect, Nourish & Glow
Hyperpigmentation, acne, and scarring - sound familiar? Then you should probably keep reading. In this blog, I’m reviewing haruharuwonder’s Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream. A creamy and cooling gel moisturiser, it works to protect and balance your complexion. But before I get to the review, let’s take a deep dive into its key ingredient: niacinamide.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide, sometimes called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 and a powerful ingredient in skincare. It’s typically man-made and is created through the synthesization of 3-cyanopyridine. But that’s just for those of you who love to geek out over skincare chemistry.
Are niacinamide and nicotinamide the same?
Although they’re both a form of vitamin B3 (they’re chemically identical) they have very different uses. Whereas niacinamide is found in skincare, nicotinamide is often found in food supplements, and is used to help boost energy levels, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair.
What does niacinamide do?
This skincare hero is known to help calm redness, like rosacea, and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne, and acne scars.
Will niacinamide fade dark spots?
The short answer? Yes. After continued use, niacinamide is known to help brighten and even out skin tone, eventually reducing the appearance of dark spots.
How does niacinamide work?
Niacinamide works by building up your skin’s immunity, strengthening its natural barrier, and preserving your skin’s health. This then helps to prevent any damaging effects from external factors, such as pollutants in the air. It also works by preventing the transfer of pigment within the skin, reducing the chances of you developing hyperpigmentation, such as melasma.
Niacinamide side effects
Niacinamide is one of the more gentle skincare ingredients, and is thought to be safe for most skin types. However, it’s always worth doing a patch test, especially if you struggle with sensitive skin.
How to mix niacinamide
Niacinamide is a super-versatile ingredient that can be mixed with a variety of other ingredients. Here are some popular examples:
Can I use niacinamide with retinol?
When paired together, niacinamide and retinol become a skincare powerhouse. For a start, niacinamide can help reduce any irritation and dryness caused by retinol. Secondly, the two work together to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles, leaving you with younger-looking skin.
Note: as always, remember to use a strong SPF when using retinol products.
Can I use niacinamide with hyaluronic acid?
Another skincare powerhouse, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are an absolute dream team. While niacinamide supports the skin barrier function, reduces oil, and brightens your skin tone, hyaluronic acid helps to keep your skin looking plump by delivering a hit of hydration.
Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?
There’s a lot of debate around vitamin C and niacinamide. Some outdated research claims the two shouldn’t be used together. However, this research is approaching 65 years old, and a lot has changed since then. In fact, the Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream features vitamin C, which works with the niacinamide and Centella to brighten your skin so it looks healthier and more radiant.
Can I use niacinamide with azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid also has skin calming properties, so when it's paired with niacinamide the two work together to become the ultimate combo for those struggling with acne, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation.
But be mindful when mixing niacinamide with glycolic acid
As a general rule, it’s recommended that you avoid mixing AHAs, like glycolic acid, with niacinamide. This is down to pH levels. AHAs usually have a pH of 3.0 to 4.0, while niacinamide has a pH of 5.0 to 7.0. And when you mix the 2, you’ll end up raising the pH levels of the acid and lowering the pH of the niacinamide. This doesn’t mean you can’t use the two separately - you could always try using glycolic acid in the morning and niacinamide in the evening.
The review
Ok, let’s talk about my main skincare concerns
Melasma
Just over 6 months ago, 2.5 years after having my son, I noticed a brown mark appear on my skin. I was concerned, so asked to see a dermatologist, who told me that it’s a type of skin hyperpigmentation called melasma. A variety of factors can lead to someone developing melasma, but it tends to be more common in women, often brought on by pregnancy and other big hormonal changes.
Blemishes
Despite being 35, I still struggle with hormonal breakouts. So, I wanted a cream that would hydrate and nourish my skin without leaving it greasy and prone to even more spots.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Good genetics and a strong skincare routine aside, fine lines and wrinkles are inevitable, and I’ve started to notice them becoming more and more prominent.
First impressions
Packaging
To start, I was obsessed with the cute coffee cup packaging. I’ve not seen anything like this in the UK before, so it’s a welcome addition to my skincare shelf. It also came with a cute plastic spatula to help make application even easier.
The product
Packed with calming niacinamide and rich antioxidants like vitamin C and Centella Asiatica, this face cream is perfect for brightening skin tone. And you can’t argue with the facts. In a 4-week clinical trial with 20 people aged 30-60, skin brightness improved by 4.5%, outer and inner pigmentation enhanced by 32.8% and 30.5% (respectively), and hydration increased by 46.3%. So I knew this gel moisturiser would deliver.
In terms of first impressions, I love the silky texture of the fragrance-free gel. It sinks into my skin quickly, leaving it feeling super-soft and hydrated, and not tacky or greasy. It also has a cooling effect, which instantly calms my skin.
Centella, sometimes known as Cica, has inflammatory properties, making it perfect for sensitive, reactive skin.
The result
I’ve been using Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream for just over 3 weeks now and I’m fully converted. Before trying this moisturiser, I hadn’t thought to include niacinamide in my routine, and now I couldn’t live without it. My skin feels smoother to the touch, it looks brighter and clearer, and my melasma has even started to fade.
As full disclosure, here’s what my full skincare routine has looked like during those 3 weeks:
Morning
I’ll often wake up with my skin feeling tight and dry. To give it a hydration boost, I’ll start by washing my face with a hyaluronic acid face wash, and then tone it with the Black Rice Hyaluronic Tone.
Once my skin is dry, I’ll tap a small amount of Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream around my eyes and smile lines, before sweeping over my new fave: Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream.
To finish, I’ll apply an SPF of at least 50.
Evening
To finish the day, I’ll remove any makeup with an oil-based cleanser before double-cleansing with a water-based face wash. I’ll then tone and tap on my eye cream before applying Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum. Finally, I’ll soothe my skin with lots of the Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream - it’s perfect for nourishing and rehydrating my skin after using retinol.
And there we have it, a full debrief of the Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream. Packed with antioxidants and soothing niacinamide, it’s given my skin its glow back. So whether you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation, acne or just want your radiance back for the warmer months, it’s time you introduced niacinamide into your routine. It’s a game-changer, I promise.
Meet the Author
Emily Clegg
Freelance Beauty Copywriter
Hi, I’m Emily, a beauty-loving copywriter based in the UK. When I’m not writing about my newest skincare obsession, you’ll find me running after my 3-year-old son and pet Jack Russell, Rudy.
emilycleggcopy.co.uk