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10% Niacinamide vs 5%
I’ve read that the ideal level of niacinamide is 5% to avoid potential irritation and breakouts. However, some major brands like the ordinary use 10%. Is there any benefit to using 10%?
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3 Replies
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The only way to know answers to your questions is to conduct studies. There are some studies on 5% of Niacinamide and that’s why it is usually referred as ideal number. But there are no studies on 10% Niacinamide, that’s why we can’t say if it’s better or not.
The reason companies include 10% is because The Ordinary started it and got hyped. They basically used “higher number” marketing - wrong assumption in people’s mind that the more - the better.
About the performance and irritation… Many people on reddit claim that 10% Niacinamide is the best product they’ve used, while the others say they’ve got huge irritation and closed comedones because of it. Some claim that Niacinamide is almost in every product now and therefore cumulative amount gives problems: bumps, flushes. irritations, allergies, pimples.
I think the reaction is very personal and the percentage to use depends on the marketing you want to have. If you want The Ordinary-like marketing with scientific minimalistic approach and disclosed percentages - use higher number. But beware that it can crystalize on the dropper and pill on the face.
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I’ve had good results from the 10% in terms of usage and no crystalization. I use a high amount of glycerin which helps but can be slightly sticky. Some experts say that 10% works on deep wrinkles, severe acne, aging, eczema but without studies, I can’t confirm their experience.
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Then you have your answer: if it works for you - go with it.
(But without studies we can’t be sure if the effect if from Niacinamide or very high amount of Glycerin)
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