10% Niacinamide Serum

SkinFactor's 10% Niacinamide Serum is the most versatile active ingredient serum in the range. While most serums address one skin concern, niacinamide at 10% addresses four simultaneously — excess oil production, enlarged pore appearance, post-acne marks, and a weakened skin barrier. For oily and acne-prone Pakistani skin dealing with the compounding effects of heat, humidity, and recurring breakouts, no single serum delivers more value per application.

What 10% niacinamide does — four functions explained:

Controls oil production: Niacinamide at 10% measurably reduces sebum excretion rate — the rate at which sebaceous glands produce oil. Pakistan's heat and humidity drive above-average oil production year-round. Consistent daily use produces a physiological reduction in oil output, not just a temporary mattifying surface effect. Most people notice a visible reduction in midday shine and congestion within three to four weeks of daily use.

Minimises pore appearance: Enlarged-looking pores are primarily caused by congestion inside them — sebum and dead cell buildup stretching the pore opening. By reducing sebum production and keeping pore contents lighter, niacinamide reduces the visible dilation that is one of the most common concerns for oily-skinned people in Pakistan's climate.

Fades post-acne marks: Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to surrounding skin cells — a different mechanism from the tyrosinase inhibition that kojic acid and vitamin C use. This melanin transfer inhibition is specifically effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — the flat dark marks that remain after acne heals. For skin dealing with recurring breakouts that leave recurring marks, niacinamide is the most practical daily treatment for the pigmentation consequences of acne.

Strengthens the skin barrier: Niacinamide stimulates ceramide synthesis — the skin's own production of the structural lipids that maintain barrier integrity. For skin using active ingredients like salicylic acid, kojic acid, or glycolic acid, niacinamide is the supporting ingredient that keeps the barrier functioning correctly during sustained treatment — reducing the sensitivity and dryness that active ingredient use can otherwise produce over time.

Why 10% is the correct concentration: Niacinamide is sold in Pakistani skincare products at concentrations ranging from 2% to 10%. Clinical research on sebum control, pore appearance, and melanin transfer inhibition consistently uses concentrations of 5% and above. At 10% — the upper limit for comfortable daily use — all four functions above are supported by evidence. Products listing niacinamide at 2% to 4% may include it for label appeal rather than at concentrations where the evidence shows consistent results.

How to use: Apply morning and evening after cleansing and before moisturiser. Niacinamide has no UV sensitivity concerns and no strict timing requirements — morning and evening use maximises all four benefits. No introduction period required. Compatible with every other active ingredient in SkinFactor's range — use after Salicylic Acid Serum or Kojic Acid Serum on evenings where those are applied.

For a complete explanation of what niacinamide does for Pakistani skin, the correct layering order, and pairing recommendations with other active ingredients, read the complete niacinamide guide for Pakistani skin.

STEP 1
Cleanse your face as normal, morning and evening.

STEP 2
Apply 2-3 drops of Niacinamide Serum to your face and neck. Gently press into the skin until fully absorbed — no need to wait before the next step.

STEP 3
Follow with a moisturiser to seal in hydration and support the barrier-strengthening effect of the serum.

STEP 4
In the morning, finish with SPF 50 Sunscreen. Niacinamide itself has no sun sensitivity, but daily SPF protects the oil-control and pigmentation-fading results you are working toward.

When to Use: Morning and evening, every day. No introduction period needed — Niacinamide is gentle enough to start with full twice-daily use immediately.

Can be layered with anything: Niacinamide is compatible with every other active ingredient in the SkinFactor range. Use it alongside:

• Salicylic Acid Serum or Kojic Acid Serum at night
• Vitamin C Serum in the morning
• Retinol Serum at night — Niacinamide's barrier-supporting effect actually helps reduce retinol-related dryness

Common mistake to avoid: Assuming a serum needs an introduction period the way exfoliating acids and retinol do. Waiting weeks to build up to twice-daily Niacinamide use only delays results — this serum is designed for full use from day one.

Tip: If you are using multiple serums in one routine, apply Niacinamide first if paired with Hyaluronic Acid (thinnest to thickest), or after your treatment acid if paired with Salicylic Acid or Kojic Acid at night.

📍 Nationwide Delivery (Pakistan)

• Major Cities: 2–3 working days
• Other Cities & Towns: 3–5 working days
• Delivery may take 3–6 days during sale periods.
• ⏳ Orders placed on weekends or public holidays are processed the next working day.

📦 Order Processing Time:

• Orders are dispatched within 24 hours after confirmation.

🔁 Order Cancellation & Refund

• If your order has not yet been processed, we will be able to cancel it and issue a full refund.
• Shipped orders cannot be cancelled but can be returned as per our return policy.
• Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 5–7 business days.