Ulta Beauty just made its most ambitious move yet: As announced today, the brand is officially opening a flagship store in Times Square, New York, expected to debut in late 2027.
What We Know
The new location is being described as “highly experiential”—a destination where technology, entertainment and beauty collide. Think immersive guest experiences, brand activations and next-level storytelling capabilities, all set against one of the most high-traffic backdrops in the world. The store will also leverage digital billboard space for high-impact marketing, putting the brand in front of visitors from across the country and around the globe.
In Their Own Words
“We are beginning work on a new, highly experiential Ulta Beauty location in Times Square, New York,” said Kecia Steelman, President and CEO of Ulta Beauty in a statement. “This flagship store will be a vibrant, dynamic destination where technology, entertainment, convenience and our differentiated assortment come together to deliver immersive guest experiences and brand activations.”
Why It Matters
Times Square draws roughly 50 million visitors a year, making it one of the most visible retail addresses on the planet. For Ulta, a Times Square location signals a clear push into flagship territory and a bid to compete for the kind of global beauty shopper that has long flocked to competitors in Manhattan. Details on the store’s full concept are still forthcoming, but one thing is clear: Ulta is thinking big.
The funny thing is, we never set out to build a skincare, deodorant, haircare and body care brand.
There was no five-year business plan. No global market domination strategy. No plans to own our own factory (gasp).
We were just two health-obsessed people trying to make better products for the people we loved.
In fact, the very first product Aaron ever made was a natural stretch mark cream for me during my first pregnancy.
Not because he wanted to start a business.
Because he cared.
And, as it turns out, that’s been the reason behind almost everything we’ve created since.
We were never really beauty people
If you’ve been around Woohoo for a while, this probably won’t surprise you: beauty has never really felt like our world.
We weren’t interested in selling impossible standards or convincing people they needed fixing.
What excited us was helping people make healthier choices, feel good in their skin and better understand what they were putting on their bodies.
That’s why, long before Woohoo existed, Aaron was regularly partnering with the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation and speaking with women undergoing treatment.
Every month, he’d visit support groups, answer questions and help people understand ingredient choices, everyday chemical exposure, and ways to reduce unnecessary exposure where possible.
Those conversations changed us.
Because when you’re sitting with someone going through one of the hardest experiences of their life, you quickly realise this stuff matters.
And it’s about a whole lot more than beauty standards.
The products you love weren’t really our idea
Almost every successful product we’ve launched started with a customer.
Before we ever built a brand you know today, we sent out detailed surveys asking people what they actually wanted.
The answers were surprisingly consistent:
Products that worked
Ingredients they could trust
Australian made
Cruelty free
Affordable enough to use every day
The funny thing is, we still ask those same questions today. And people still give us the very same answers!
One of the most meaningful examples was TLC Intensive Repair Oil.
A customer undergoing chemotherapy reached out and shared what she was experiencing with her skin. Our hearts broke. We wanted to help.
That conversation ultimately helped inspire a product that went on to support many others, some of whom affectionately started calling it “Happy Oil”.
Because that’s what it became to them.
Something they could apply that helped their skin feel more comfortable – and, just as importantly, made them smile.
Honestly, that’s one of the greatest compliments we’ve ever received!
Listening built our haircare range too
Our Respect My Roots haircare range also wasn’t born from a trend forecast.
And it certainly wasn’t created because the market desperately needed another shampoo and conditioner.
It was created because customers kept asking for it.
Again. And again. And again!!
In fact, it spent almost two years in development before launch because we wanted to get it right.
When people tell us what they’re struggling with, what they’re looking for and what they wish existed, we listen.
That’s how the best Woohoo products are born.
The biggest lesson we ever learned
It’s not always smooth sailing in Woohoo land and we haven’t always got everything right.
Years ago, we launched a men’s grooming range called HESO.
And if we’re being completely honest? It flopped.
Why? Because for once, we did something we wanted instead of something our customers wanted.
Serves us right.
Because every successful product we’ve ever created has come from listening. That experience taught us one of the most valuable lessons in business: people will tell you exactly what they need if you’re willing to listen.
Why Woohoo exists today
Over the years we found ourselves juggling multiple brands, multiple product ranges and multiple directions.
Life became complicated. Things felt spread thin.
So when the time came to simplify, the choice was easy: we chose Woohoo Body.
Not because it was the most profitable.
Because it felt the most like us.
In 2022 we put everything behind Woohoo and haven’t looked back.
Today, natural deodorant is still our hero product and it probably always will be.
But what really drives us hasn’t changed.
We still believe:
People connect with people, not websites.
Every customer deserves care and respect.
Listening is the best form of product development.
Every order should contain a little bit of wow, or the ‘Woohoo’ factor.
Most of all, we believe great products start with real people and real conversations.
And that’s exactly how Woohoo was built.
Thanks for being part of our journey and making Woohoo Body what it is today. We couldn’t have done any of this without you.
THE WHAT? Kao has launched its sensitive skincare brand Curél in the Netherlands, marking the latest step in its strategy to expand its skincare and dermacosmetics business across the EMEA region.
THE DETAILS Curél will be available exclusively through Etos Derma stores nationwide in the Netherlands. The brand, which has been Japan’s leading sensitive skincare brand for more than a decade, is built around Kao’s proprietary biomimetic ceramide technology designed to support dry and sensitive skin by helping restore the skin barrier and retain moisture. The Netherlands launch follows Curél’s introduction in the UK in 2019 and subsequent expansion into Germany and France in 2025. Kao is pursuing a market-specific distribution strategy across Europe, focusing on trusted pharmacy and drugstore channels that offer specialist skincare expertise. The launch supports Kao’s broader skincare portfolio in the region, which also includes brands such as Bioré, Bondi Sands and SENSAI. Curél has been designated as one of six core growth brands under Kao’s Global Sharp Top strategy.
THE WHY? The expansion reflects Kao’s focus on high-growth dermacosmetics and skincare categories, where rising consumer demand for sensitive skin solutions and science-backed products is creating new opportunities across European markets.
A personalized mRNA vaccine may help reduce the risk of melanoma recurrence, a promising new study finds.
Melanoma is, of course, the deadliest form of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 112,000 new melanomas are likely to be diagnosed in 2026, and 8,510 people are expected to die from the skin cancer variant. It can also be tricky to treat; if you’ve had one, you are at a higher risk for another, notes the American Academy of Dermatology Association. If melanoma does recur, it typically shows up within five years. Cancerous cells may remain after treatment and can spread to other parts of the body, though it most commonly recurs in the same area.
However, results of the latest clinical trial of a specialized vaccine produced by Moderna and Merck, recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showed that when combined with traditional melanoma treatment (surgery to remove the cancerous tumors, paired with immunotherapy), the personalized mRNA vaccine could reduce the risk of recurring melanoma.
The trial included 157 people in the United States and Australia with stage 3 melanoma who had a high risk of recurrence. All of the participants were treated with surgery and the immunotherapy medication pembrolizumab, also known as Keytruda, used in certain cancer treatments to help the immune system destroy cancerous cells. A portion of that group—107 patients—was also treated with the vaccine. Known clinically as intismeran autogene, the mRNA-based vaccine is personalized to each patient’s tumor using their own DNA, helping to identify and target any possible additional or new cancer cells. Results showed that 68.8% of the patients who received the vaccine stayed skin cancer-free after five years. This is compared to the other group, who were treated with surgery and Keytruda, but no personalized vaccine; 49% of those patients were skin cancer-free after five years.
According to Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, pembrolizumab/Keytruda has been the go-to treatment for patients with resected melanoma, or melanoma that has been surgically removed. “This treatment has been very effective for some patients, but for others, further treatment options are needed,” she says. “If confirmed in larger phase 3 studies, this [immunotherapy plus mRNA vaccine] approach could provide a more personalized treatment option tailored to each patient’s tumor mutations.”
Dr. Sarnoff also notes that it could improve long-term outcomes for patients who are at a high risk of recurrence, and even “expand the role of mRNA technology beyond infectious diseases into cancer treatment,” possibly becoming a model for personalized vaccines in other cancers. “The results are highly encouraging because the benefits appear durable over five years, which is a meaningful benchmark in melanoma treatment,” she adds.
LVMH announced the appointment with immediate effect of Sylvia Tournery at the post of President of Sephora Collection. In her new role, Ms. Tournery joins Sephora’s global management team and will report directly to Guillaume Motte, Chairman and CEO of Sephora and member of the Executive Committee of the LVMH Group.
At the helm of Sephora Collection, Ms. Tournery will drive the brand’s growth, notably by strengthening its product leadership, its global appeal and developing the strategic position of Sephora Collection within the Sephora portfolio.
Before joining Sephora Collection, Sylvia Tournery was Global Deputy Managing Director at Lancôme (L’Oréal Group). With nearly twenty years of experience in the beauty industry, she has held several international management positions. Throughout her career, she has developed her expertise in brand development, consumer-centric innovation and international growth.
His appointment comes at a key time for Sephora Collection, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and looking to continue its expansion in the global beauty market.
« As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our iconic brand this year, Sylvia will be responsible for shaping the next phase of growth for Sephora Collection. Alongside our talented teams, she will accelerate product development and strengthen the attractiveness of Sephora Collection on a global scale. Her in-depth expertise in the beauty sector, her strategic vision of the brand and her recognized leadership will be essential assets to maintain the momentum of Sephora Collection. I am confident that she will add significant value and be a great asset to our global leadership team », commented Guillaume Motte.
For LVMH, Sylvia Tournery’s expertise and her experience in the sector will be key assets to accelerate the innovation dynamic of Sephora Collection and to support its growth ambitions, while strengthening its position on the international beauty scene.
How does lactic acid compare to other exfoliating acids?
Compared with other chemical exfoliants, lactic acid “is generally considered one of the gentler exfoliating acids, which is why I often like it for people with dry, sensitive, or more reactive skin,” says Dr. Turegano. While glycolic acid penetrates deeper and is often more effective for tackling stubborn texture and discoloration, it can also be more irritating. Salicylic acid, a BHA, is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate pores to dissolve excess oil and debris, making it especially useful for acne-prone or oily skin. Lactic acid strikes a happy medium, offering noticeable brightening and smoothing benefits while also helping skin retain moisture. That said, if a product combines lactic acid with stronger exfoliants—or multiple acids in general—it may be better suited for those who already have experience using chemical exfoliants and know their skin tolerates them well.
Is lactic acid good for sensitive skin?
Lactic acid products are often “ideal for a sensitive skin-care routine because they’re generally gentler and more hydrating than stronger AHAs like glycolic acid,” says Dr. Turegano. Part of that comes down to its larger molecular size, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly and is therefore less likely to irritate. That gentler profile is one reason lactic acid is often recommended for dry, reactive, or easily irritated skin types. However, Dr. Turegano notes that “sensitive skin” can mean many things, so she still recommends starting slowly and avoiding overdoing it, especially if your skin barrier is already irritated or compromised.
What percentage of lactic acid is best for beginners?
For beginners, skin-care products with a lactic acid concentration of around 5% is typically a good place to start, says Dr. Turegano. Once your skin has adjusted, you can work your way up to stronger formulas. “More experienced users who tolerate exfoliating acids well may use formulations around 10 to 12%, but higher isn’t always better or faster,” she says. In fact, over-exfoliation—think redness, irritation, flaking, and a compromised skin barrier—is one of the most common mistakes dermatologists see.
Meet the experts
Sean Alemi, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in New York City
Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans
Carlos Vieira, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at The Dermatology Specialists based in Philadelphia
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best lactic acid serums, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Done reading? Now, watch Off Campus’s Ella Bright’s fresh, daytime makeup routine:
Grace, Purpose & Power There’s something powerful about seeing someone walk fully in who they are. Not watered down. Not reshaped for corporate comfort. Not asking permission to belong. Just present. Fully. Authentically. Unapologetically. That’s exactly what Joelle Cartier represents. As Vice President of Brand Marketing & Brand Strategy at BET, Joelle is helping shape the visual language and cultural heartbeat of one of the most important platforms in Black entertainment. But beyond the title, beyond the meetings, campaigns, and strategy decks, there’s something even more meaningful about her presence. She’s a Black Muslim woman wearing her hijab proudly in rooms many people never imagined someone like her would occupy. And she’s doing it with grace.
Representation You Can Feel When Joelle walks into a room, she carries more than professionalism. She carries visibility. For young Black girls. For Muslim women. For women who’ve ever felt different. For anybody who’s ever wondered if they’d have to shrink themselves to make it in entertainment. In a world that constantly pressures women to fit into curated boxes, Joelle’s success feels refreshing because she never appears to abandon herself to achieve it. And people notice. Not because she demands attention, but because authenticity naturally commands respect. There’s power in showing up as yourself, she shares. You never know who feels seen because you chose not to hide. That kind of representation matters deeply — especially in media, where image often shapes public perception before words ever can.
Photo Credit: IG @cameramandg
More Than Marketing Inside BET, Joelle has become a respected force behind the scenes, helping guide brand strategy and campaigns that connect directly to Black audiences and culture in real ways. And that distinction matters. Because Black audiences know the difference between marketing that’s manufactured and storytelling that actually understands us. Joelle understands nuance. She understands community. She understands emotional connection. The feeling. The conversation. The energy. Whether it’s amplifying a major BET moment, shaping audience engagement, or helping campaigns resonate beyond social media impressions, her work consistently reflects intentionality and cultural awareness. It’s not just about selling a show. It’s about honoring the people watching it. Soft Spoken, Strong Presence One of the most beautiful things about Joelle is that her power doesn’t feel loud or performative. It feels rooted. There’s a calm confidence about her that speaks before she ever has to. And in an industry that often celebrates chaos, speed, and spectacle, Joelle’s presence feels like a reminder that softness can coexist with leadership. That elegance and authority are not opposites. She moves with intention. With humility. With purpose. And somehow, that makes her stand out even more.
Photo Credit: IG @cameramandg
The Importance of Being Seen For decades, Black women have pushed culture forward while simultaneously fighting to be respected within the very industries we help build. Joelle’s story adds another layer to that conversation. Because visibility for Muslim women — especially hijab-wearing Black Muslim women — in entertainment executive spaces still remains rare. That’s why her success feels bigger than just career achievement. It feels symbolic. It tells young women: You do not have to sacrifice your identity to access powerful spaces. You can be faithful and fashionable. Strategic and soft. Corporate and culturally connected. Visible and respected. You can belong exactly as you are.
Building Legacy Through Authenticity As BET continues evolving with culture, voices like Joelle Cartier’s are essential. Not simply because she understands branding — but because she understands people. She understands how audiences want to feel. How representation impacts confidence. How visibility can quietly change someone’s entire perspective of what’s possible for themselves. And maybe that’s what makes her story so inspiring. She didn’t force herself into the culture. She already was the culture. For Hype Hair Magazine’s June 2026 Woman of the Month, Joelle Cartier represents the beauty of walking fully in your purpose while making space for others to do the same. Graceful. Grounded. Powerful. And exactly the kind of woman the next generation deserves to see.
Happy Love Island USA Season 8 premiere day to all who celebrate. In honor of the chaos, chemistry and the inevitable lineup of Maybelline products we’ll be eyeing in the villa’s glam room, we caught up with fan favorite Leah Kateb who you likely watched (and voted for) during her Season 6 run.
These days, the 26-year-old is chief creative officer of fragrance brand Skylar. She’s also living with fellow Love Island USA alum Miguel Harichi and, naturally, has become a full-fledged influencer thanks to the loyal following she built on the show.
Her latest venture? A partnership with Clorox, celebrating the brand’s new Cherry Blossom and Peach scent, a blend of bright fruit and soft florals that feels fresh without being overpowering. Ahead, Kateb shares more on the collaboration, her routine and what’s next.
Congratulations on this partnership. You’re balancing so many roles right now—fragrance founder, creator, pet mom. What does your daily routine look like in this chapter?
“Honestly, it’s obviously very chaotic, but I’m someone who thrives in chaos. I also thrive when things have organization—especially cleanliness—because we have so many animals in the house. That’s such a big part of our home, just making sure everything is clean, disinfected and in order. So when Clorox asked if I wanted to partner, I was like, ‘I would love nothing more because it gets used so much in our house every day.’”
You’re partnering with Clorox for its Cherry Blossom & Peach collection. What made the scent stand out to you?
“I love cherry blossoms—it’s probably one of my favorite scents—and I love peaches as well. The first time I smelled it, I was like, ‘Wow, this smells so nice.’ Sometimes scented products can smell a little chemical, but this one didn’t. It’s something I would burn in my home like a candle. You wouldn’t even think it’s doing the cleaning that it’s doing—it just smells so good.”
I know you recently moved in with Miguel. What are some rituals that help keep your space feeling clean and calm?
“We both get bit by the cleaning bug a lot. We’ll have random bursts of energy where we’re like, ‘it’s time to disinfect the entire home.’ Right now, we have our turkeys inside the house because they’re babies, and we have three chicks in our office. So we really do have a daily ritual of making sure everything is really clean.”
“I post a bunch of different routines now. I have so much more fun with it because I get to match my Skylar fragrance to an entire body and shower routine. There’s a whole section on my TikTok where if you love a certain perfume, I’ll suggest a routine to go with it. That’s been really fun—I have such a good time making them.”
Are there any other wellness or beauty rituals from TikTok that you’re loving right now?
“I’m a huge supplement girl. I love making sure I take my daily supplements. If there’s one thing I could say, it’s to put emphasis on that. I feel like everyone should be taking vitamin D, but you need to make sure you’re taking it with K2 so it absorbs better. I also love NAD. I mix it up week to week, but I love adding different supplements to my routine.”
You have new sun care coming from Skylar. What can you share about that launch and does scent play a role in SPF for you?
“We have one of the first-of-its-kind scented sunscreens—it’s like a perfume-slash-sunscreen—and it’s coming out in June. I’m so excited about it. I love sun care—it’s probably one of my favorite categories, aside from body care and fragrance.
We’ve been building this for about a year and a half to two years now, and since I met Skylar, we immediately started working on the full sun-care line. It’s honestly a dream. I can’t wait for everyone to try it.”
There is a particular alchemy to a summer evening — the slow descent of golden hour, the salt still resting on the skin, the linen dress pulled from the back of a chair. The body feels nurtured by sun and sea. The hair, often, tells a different story.
Salt, wind, sand, sun. A long afternoon at the water leaves hair tangled, parched, and stripped of its natural luster. And yet, dinner is in an hour. There is rarely time for a full wash. There is almost never time for a blow-dry. What there is time for is ritual.
Below, the Iles Formula edit for transitioning hair from beach to dinner — without ever sacrificing sumptuousness for speed.
Begin With The Scalp
After a day in salt and sun, the scalp is the first thing to address — not the lengths. Sweat, sunscreen, and seawater leave residue at the roots that no amount of styling can disguise.
Reach for the Rinseless Root Refresh — a botanical alternative to dry shampoo that absorbs oil and sweat, lifts residue, and restores the appearance of freshly washed hair in minutes. Apply to the roots, massage gently, and blow dry roots in opposite direction to dry. Brush through. The scalp is left clean and feels like a fresh wash. The roots look voluminous, fresh and reset. Attach what feels like freshly shampooed hair but with a root volume that allows grip into a freestyle chignon. Perfect for a dinner date and no effort at all.
Detangle With Care
Sun-exposed hair is fragile hair. Never pull a brush through dry, salt-stiffened lengths.
Mist with water if needed, then work slowly through the ends with a wide-tooth comb or the Conditioner Distribution Comb — As much Finishing Serum as you need. When worked through the mid-lengths and ends will instantly soften, smooth, without weighing hair down. This is Wendy’s backstage essential, on the red carpet and at the dinner table alike.
Choose Your Finish
Three directions, depending on the evening:
The slept-in wave — leave the natural texture in place, smooth lightly with Iles Formula Finishing serum. Effortless, undone, very Saint-Tropez.
The sleek chignon — smooth the hair back with a generous amount of Intensive Hair + Body Balm, gather low at the nape, and twist into a soft knot. The balm provides shine and hold without stiffness — the kind of polish that reads expensive in candlelight.
The polished half-up — pull the front sections back from the face and secure at the crown, leaving the lengths to fall naturally. Use Iles Finishing Serum throughout the day as its the best protector against UV exposure, add more in the evening to add even more of a lustrous finish under restaurant light. Find some seashells and make a nice hair accessory to keep your style original.
For Curls And Waves
If your texture is naturally curly or wavy, salt and sun will have done much of the styling. Apply Iles Formula Curl Revive while at the beach to protect hair from UV assault and keep it frizz free.
Curl Revive — an unbeatable protection formula that re-activates curl pattern, smooths frizz, and restores movement without crunch.
At the end of day give a slight mist with water then add more Curl Revive Spray to re-freshen your curls. Allow to dry naturally. The model below was coiffed by our founder Wendy Iles using purely the Iles Curl Revive.
A Final Note From Wendy
“Beautiful hair on a summer evening should look as if you have done nothing — and nothing is exactly what you should be reaching for. One product, applied with intention, will always look more sumptuous than five layered in a hurry.”
The beach-to-dinner ritual is not about correcting the day. It is about carrying the day with you — the salt, the sun, the softness — into the next, more luminous part of the evening.
Discover the ritual: ✛ Finishing Serum Haute Performance ✛ Rinseless Root Refresh ✛ Intensive Hair + Body Balm ✛ Curl Revive ✛ Conditioner Distribution Comb
A form of vitamin B3 commonly found in meat, fish, milk, eggs, and green vegetables, niacinamide is an essential vitamin that helps with cell health and energy metabolism. Also a popular skincare ingredient, its anti-inflammatory qualities mean it’s great for helping with acne, eczema, and rosacea — but it’s also just generally great for maintaining healthy-looking skin as a whole.
What are the benefits of niacinamide in skincare?
“Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a multitasking antioxidant that can help soothe, firm and hydrate the skin, reverse the signs of ageing (including fine lines and wrinkles), lighten dark spots and redness as well as reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production — which may benefit conditions like acne and rosacea,” shares Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut.
Not to mention, niacinamide is known to pair well with other active ingredients. “Niacinamide is a soothing ingredient, so it can help make an exfoliating ingredient or product more tolerable to sensitive skin, allowing you to use it more frequently and see the benefits of it,” she says. “Because of these properties, it pairs well with retinols and alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs.”
Otherwise, niacinamide can also enhance the hydrating benefits of humectants — think the best hyaluronic acid serums and glycerin — so it’s a winner in moisturisers, too. “It works by preventing evaporation of moisture from the skin into the environment,” Dr. Robinson explains. In other words, it helps support our delicate moisture barriers too.
Heads up: to maximise the benefits of niacinamide, sunscreen is essential, so make sure you follow up your serum with a product that has at least SPF 30, which is the minimum amount recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Simply apply a few drops to the palm of your hand morning and evening, apply after cleansing and toning, and follow with a moisturiser and your trusty face SPF. Bottom line: There’s no reason not to slot this powerhouse topical ingredient into your skincare routine.
What is the best percentage of niacinamide?
“Clinical studies suggest that niacinamide is effective at concentrations between 2-5%, with proven benefits including improved barrier function, reduced transepidermal water loss, and control of sebum production,” explains Dr Nora Jaafar — cosmetic and medical dermatology doctor at Rejuvenation Clinic. “Concentrations of 10% or more can also be really beneficial, but they come with an increased risk of irritation — particularly in individuals with sensitive skin.”
Can all skin types use niacinamide?
Niacinamide is well-tolerated across all skin types — but some will benefit from using it more than others. “It’s particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone or oily skin, as it helps regulate sebaceous gland activity, and reduce inflammatory lesions,” Dr Nora explains.
Can you use niacinamide with vitamin C?
While outdated research sometimes suggests the opposite, we can assure you that you’re totally fine to use modern formulations of niacainamide and vitamin C together. “Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory and skin barrier-enhancing properties — while vitamin C (ascorbic acid) functions as a potent antioxidant and collagen-stimulating agent,” Dr Nora explains. “When used together, they can provide complementary benefits for brightening and photoprotection.”
Can I use niacinamide every day?
In short — yes. “Studies show that consistent use — both morning and evening — can enhance barrier function, regulate oils, and reduce oxidative stress,” Dr Nora adds.
