If you could only add one active to a routine, niacinamide would be a strong contender. A form of vitamin B3, it's remarkably well tolerated, plays nicely with almost everything else, and is chosen for the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven tone and skin that looks shiny or lacks resilience.
Most formulas sit between 4% and 10%, and higher isn't better – above about 10% some people find it causes flushing, with no real advantage. It's the active we'd most often suggest to someone starting out, and it works quietly alongside almost anything else in your routine. Part of our active skincare range.
