Rowan & Thistle

PLATE No. 047

Ingredient Collection

Niacinamide

Niacinamide

Illustrated plate for Niacinamide: a circular magnified view of fine, needle-like gray-white crystals, beside six faceted colorless crystals and a mound of fine white powder.

Figure Key

  • Fig. 1 Niacinamide Crystals Under Magnification
  • Fig. 2 Niacinamide Crystals
  • Fig. 3 Niacinamide Powder

The Ingredient

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 valued for its ability to support healthier-looking, more balanced skin. It helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, improve hydration, soften the appearance of uneven tone and redness, and support smoother-looking skin.

From Plant to Ingredient

  1. Niacinamide, step 1 — Crystalline Form: a circular magnified view of densely packed, needle-like gray-white crystals.

    1. Crystalline Form

    Niacinamide Crystals Under Magnification

  2. Niacinamide, step 2 — Niacinamide Crystals: six small faceted, colorless crystals.

    2. Niacinamide Crystals

    At a larger scale, the ingredient appears as small white crystalline particles.

  3. Niacinamide, step 3 — Fine Powder: a small mound of fine white powder.

    3. Fine Powder

    The finished ingredient is a fine, white, free-flowing powder used in our skin and hair care formulas.

Why We Chose It

Niacinamide does several useful things for skin without relying on one dramatic claim. It supports the moisture barrier, helps skin hold onto hydration, and can improve the appearance of uneven tone, redness, texture, and excess oil—making it useful for a wide range of skin needs.

What You'll Notice

  • Better Hydration — Helps skin hold onto moisture and feel more comfortable.
  • Smoother Feel — Helps rough or uneven-feeling skin feel smoother.
  • More Balanced Skin — Helps manage excess oil for skin that feels less greasy.
  • Calmer Appearance — Helps skin look less visibly red or blotchy.

Botanical Profile

Scientific Name
Niacinamide
INCI Name
Niacinamide
Plant Part Used
Not plant-derived.
Final Ingredient
Powder
Origin
China

A Closer Look

Niacinamide and niacin are both forms of vitamin B3, but they are not the same compound. Niacinamide is the form commonly used in skincare, where it helps support processes involved in maintaining the skin barrier and keeping skin functioning normally. Its name may sound highly technical, but it is simply one form of an essential vitamin.

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