Chances are you’ve heard of niacinamide (which is pronounced exactly as it’s spelt: nia-cin-a-mide). It’s an ingredient that’s cropping up more and more often – and we couldn’t be happier about it.

But why is it so universally loved by skin experts and dermatologists? Well, there’s a whole host of reasons, but before we get into it, let us start by explaining what exactly it is. “Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, an amino acid that helps to lock in moisture to restore the skin’s surface and ensure a healthy skin barrier,” says Louise Walsh, aka The Skin Nurse. “It provides skin moisture, has rehydration benefits and can help combat dry, tight and flaky skin.”

Good for sensitive, irritated and dehydrated skin types, as well as those who are blemish-prone, here are a few things you didn’t know about niacinamide – and how it can boost your beauty routine…

Regular and long-term use of niacinamide can actually help to add bounce to skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

That’s because it can encourage your body to produce more ceramides, which are essentially the fatty molecules that work to strengthen the delicate skin barrier, ensuring your face feels plump, smooth and hydrated. 

Niacinamide isn’t just exclusive to skincare, and actually it’s so versatile that it’s being used more and more in different make-up products. 

Take L’Oréal Paris’ Infallible 32H Matte Cover, for example: it’s a foundation that’s formulated with 4% niacinamide to help even skin tone. Available in 20 shades, it’s a lightweight, breathable formula that still offers the highest level of coverage while nourishing the skin. 

How many times have you feared that your foundation isn’t letting your skin breathe? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that with more and more foundations including skin-friendly ingredients, your worries might be a thing of the past.

As a make-up artist, Jesse Walker says that matte and full-coverage foundations are often thought to clog pores. However, many modern foundations are actually great hybrids that give you great coverage in a breathable formula. 

And in the spirit of good news, you can rest assured that niacinamide is a great ingredient for a full coverage foundation that lasts all day because it doesn’t cause build up.

“Niacinamide in particular is non-comedogenic, and it helps to promote hydration,” says Walker.

It’s fair to say that using a foundation with more than the standard ingredients can be daunting, especially if you have sensitive skin. You never know if you’re going to end up with something that’s too harsh or generally quite drying. 

However, niacinamide is actually suitable to all skin types – and although it may take a bit longer to work than its acid-based friends, it’s a whole lot more gentle. 

Regular use can even help to reduce the skin’s natural oil production, so it’s suitable for oily skin types too. It helps to rebalance the dry and oily areas of the face, resulting in a more even and less polarised complexion.

While there’s an abundance of wash-on products, like cleansers, that are made with niacinamide, it’s actually an ingredient that’s a perfectly safe addition to longwear products like foundation. 

So, by incorporating it into your routine via a make-up product like L’Oréal Paris’ Infallible 32H Matte Cover Foundation, which boasts an ingredient-led formula that can comfortably stay put throughout the day, you know your skin is in good hands.

Speaking from personal experience, Walker says her skin tends to be sensitive and blemish-prone, but niacinamide is an ingredient she relies on for herself as much as her clients. 

“Regular usage has not only seemed to help to keep my hormonal breakouts to a minimum, but it has also helped to reduce my pigmentation.”

Introducing Infallible 32H Matte Cover: L’Oréal Paris’ brand new foundation, formulated with 4% niacinamide. Kind to all skin types, it works with your skin to give the coverage you need while evening out your complexion and providing up to 32H of wear. Pop it in your make-up bag for ultra-breathable, full matte coverage day in, day out.