First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum is a brightening serum that is formulated to help reduce the look of hyperpigmentation. Below we are going to review First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum with a scientific lens, meaning we’ve evaluated the research that supports (or doesn’t support) the ingredients that you’ll find in this serum. We’ll also share some First Aid Beauty reviews for this serum so that you can get a better idea of what customers really think of this product.

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Who is First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum For?

First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum is formulated for those who would like to fade dark spots, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and post-acne marks. It is ideal for all skin types (normal, dry, oily, combination, acne-prone, and sensitive). 

What Are The Key Ingredients in First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum?

So you already know that niacinamide is one of the key ingredients in First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum. But maybe you’re wondering: what exactly is niacinamide and how can this ingredient improve my skin? If so, read on to learn everything you need to know about this key ingredient in the First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum.

Did you know that niacinamide is a B-vitamin derivative? It’s the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin). Niacinamide is a precursor to the coenzymes NADH and NADPH. These coenzymes play an important role in cellular metabolism, which means they provide skin cells with the energy needed to function properly. 

First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum is said to help fade all types of hyperpigmentation (a condition in which patches of skin are darker than the surrounding skin). And this serum should help with this condition since niacinamide is an effective skin lightening compound. It works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes (melanin producing cells) to keratinocytes (skin cells in the epidermis).

In a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, niacinamide was found to significantly decrease hyperpigmentation and increase skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use.

Niacinamide also functions as a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants help the skin combat free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.

Another benefit of niacinamide is its ability to help with acne because of its antimicrobial and sebostatic effects, meaning it can help protect against the bacteria that cause acne while also helping to reduce oil production.

Two double-blind studies published in the International Journal of Dermatology (one in1995, the other in 2013) found that a topical preparation of 4% niacinamide treated moderate acne just as well as 1% clindamycin (a topical antibiotic prescribed for acne) when applied twice daily for eight weeks.

And a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy found that a 2% topical niacinamide formulation could reduce oil production.

Lastly, a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, explains that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkling. Pretty impressive, right?

Overall, using First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum can help to reduce the look of hyperpigmentation, regulate oil production and reduce acne, and provide many additional benefits all thanks to niacinamide. 

First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum contains a few additional ingredients that will help to brighten skin tone, including licorice root extract, golden kiwifruit extract, and undecylenoyl phenylalanine. 

Licorice root extract provides many benefits to the skin, and is most well known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. But licorice can also provide a considerable skin brightening effect thanks to a component called glabridin.

Golden kiwifruit extract is an excellent ingredient to include in the First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum because it contains more vitamin C than an orange! This means it can help to protect skin from free radical damage. 

Lastly, we want to discuss the ingredient undecylenoyl phenylalanine, which functions as a MSH antagonist. MSH stands for Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone, a hormone that plays a role in the synthesis of melanin (skin pigment). Undecylenoyl phenylalanine inhibits the binding of this hormone to its receptor on the melanocyte, thereby preventing the formation of melanin. Ultimately, this helps to reduce the look of hyperpigmentation for a more even-toned complexion.

How to Use First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum?

After cleansing, apply 3 to 4 drops to fingertips and spread over problem areas or your entire face. Follow with moisturizer. The brand recommends using First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum twice daily, in the morning and in the evening. 

Where to Buy First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum?

First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum and other First Aid Beauty skin care products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as many third party online retailers such as Sephora, Ulta, Amazon, QVC, and Skinstore.com

How Much Does First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum Cost?

On the brand’s website, First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum is $42 USD for 1 fl oz.

What is The First Aid Beauty Return Policy?

The First Aid Beauty return policy states, “First Aid Beauty will only accept returns on items purchased through Firstaidbeauty.com within 30 days of order receipt. Items purchased through any of our retail partners must be returned to the place of purchase. All items marked FINAL SALE will not be eligible for a return or exchange.”

Is First Aid Beauty Cruelty Free?

Yes. According to the company, First Aid Beauty is cruelty free and is a PETA certified Beauty Without Bunnies partner. 

First Aid Beauty Reviews

First Aid Beauty Reviews on the brand’s website are overall very positive, with the product receiving an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars after 44 customer reviews.

There are many 5-star First Aid Beauty reviews for the Niacinamide Serum that rave about how well this serum fades dark spots and promotes a brighter complexion.

For example, one review says, “I just turned 40, and many years of sun exposure have finally caught up with me. Despite upping my sunblock game over the last few years, I have dark spots on my cheekbones, near my eyes and it’s pretty noticeable. UNTIL NOW! The dark spot serum really works. Of course, the spots are still there, but after using this for a few weeks they are much less noticeable. I will continue to be vigilant with sunscreen, but now I have a two-pronged approach to deal with my dark spots. I would definitely recommend this serum if you have dark spots you want to fade. Great product!”

While there aren’t many negative First Aid Beauty reviews for the Niacinamide Serum, those that we did read were from customers who thought the product’s price is too expensive. For example, one review says, “I bought this and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% serum and tbh I noticed far more of a difference with The Ordinary’s product, but it’s far less expensive. save yourself some money!!”

Our Verdict

Overall, we think that First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum is an excellent option for those looking to fade dark spots, brighten their complexion, and overall support healthy skin.

Pros

• Plenty of research to support the benefits of niacinamide
• Formula contains additional ingredients to support skin-brightening (licorice root, golden kiwifruit, and undecylenoyl phenylalanine)
• Fragrance free
• Many positive First Aid Beauty Reviews
• First Aid Beauty is cruelty free

Cons

• Mid-range price point

What Are Some Alternatives to First Aid Beauty Niacinamide Serum?

While niacinamide is an excellent multi-tasking ingredient that can help with hyperpigmentation, keep in mind that it’s not the only ingredient that can help to fade dark spots. If you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, we’d like to recommend Formulyst’s Dark Spot Solutions. 

Dark Spot Solutions is formulated with HyWhite – an alpha linolenic acid (ALA) that helps to lighten the appearance of dark spots and visibly improve the uniformity of the skin color. This serum also contains a lightweight molecular hyaluronic acid, which instantly helps to improve skin hydration. If you’ve tried a niacinamide serum in the past without any improvement, we’d definitely recommend considering Formulyst Dark Spot Solutions. 

Another brand that balances the power of plants with cutting edge science is Carrot & Stick. Not only is Carrot & Stick good for your skin, it is also good for the environment as the formulas skip harmful chemicals commonly found in skin care products.

References:
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41
Br J Dermatol 2002 Jul;147(1):20-31.
Int J Dermatol 1995 Jun;34(6):434-7.
Int J Dermatol 2013 Aug;52(8):999-1004.