Niacinamide has become one of the best-selling skincare ingredients in Egypt, and there are many Egyptian serums at different concentrations. The most common question: should I choose 5% or 10%? Higher isn't always better — it depends on your skin and your concern.
What does niacinamide actually do?
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps regulate oil, reduce the look of pores, improve acne marks and uneven tone, and strengthen the skin barrier. It suits most skin types.
5% vs 10% in two lines
- 5%: a gentle start, suited to sensitive skin or first-time niacinamide users, and for hydration and barrier support.
- 10%: a common, well-studied concentration for oily and combination skin whose main concerns are pores, shine and acne marks.
A higher concentration doesn't mean faster results for everyone, and sensitive skin may redden at first. The idea is to match the concentration to the concern and make sure the surrounding formula is soothing.
Quick table: which concentration is for you?
| Your situation | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Oily skin, enlarged pores and shine | 10% |
| Acne marks and uneven tone | 10% with sunscreen |
| Sensitive skin or first try | 5%, or 10% once a day at first |
| Dry skin whose main issue is dryness | Start with a hyaluronic serum; niacinamide second |
How to spot a good Egyptian niacinamide serum
- The concentration is clearly printed on the bottle, not vague claims like "high concentration".
- The full ingredient list is written out.
- Soothing and hydrating ingredients accompany the niacinamide — such as vitamin B5, allantoin and hyaluronic acid — especially at 10%.
- Clear directions and warnings come with the product.
- You buy from an official source — the brand's own website or an authorized distributor.
Lev`N BALANCE: an Egyptian 10% niacinamide serum
BALANCE is Lev`N's (ليفن) 10% niacinamide serum, with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and allantoin for hydration and soothing, supported with tea tree and frankincense hydrosols. It suits oily, combination and acne-prone skin.
If it's your first time using 10%: start once a day for a week, then move to morning and night, and patch-test on a small area first.
How to use it
- A cleanser suited to your skin
- 3–4 drops of niacinamide on face and neck
- Moisturizer
- Morning: sunscreen as the last step
If you use salicylic acid, it's best to separate them: niacinamide in the morning and salicylic acid at night on its nights. Read niacinamide vs salicylic acid and niacinamide 10% benefits.
FAQ
Does 10% cause irritation? Most people tolerate it well, but sensitive skin may feel slight redness at first — which is why a gradual start matters. If redness persists, stop using it.
When will I see results? Less shine within 1–2 weeks, pores in 3–4 weeks, and more even tone in 6–8 weeks of regular use.
Where can I buy BALANCE? From the official Lev`N website, lev-n.com — cash on delivery is available.
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