As the ace player in whitening ingredients, niacinamide has always been the darling of the skincare industry. Especially in the current era of ingredient transparency and effectiveness, niacinamide has become an indispensable component in many whitening products.
However, in reality, as the “all-around player” in the field of skincare, “whitening” is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many benefits of niacinamide. For brands and consumers alike, this classic ingredient is like a treasure, still holding many surprises waiting to be discovered. The latest surprise comes from the pioneering brand OLAY in niacinamide research and application.
Recently, at the launch event of OLAY’s Third-generation Whitening Special Care Serum and the latest application of niacinamide, OLAY not only unveiled the latest achievements in niacinamide’s anti-aging effects but also publicly released their complete documentation of 30 years of research in the field of niacinamide. They also made it clear to the public that niacinamide is not just about whitening, and OLAY offers more than just niacinamide. This dominator in the field of niacinamide ingredients is now telling new stories of its efficacy.
Cutting-edge Achievements Unveiled! Niacinamide Fights Photoaging
When a brand is deeply associated with an ingredient, how can it break through?
When an ingredient is extensively applied in the skincare field, how can it innovate?
…
These are the questions that OLAY, which has been delving into niacinamide research and application for 30 years, has been contemplating.
In 1994, OLAY embarked on the research of niacinamide as an ingredient and in 2002 established the industry-recognized mechanism of action for niacinamide—inhibiting the transport of melanin to the skin surface—officially ushering in the era of niacinamide whitening. Since then, OLAY and niacinamide’s story began.
Taking the field of anti-aging as an example, in 2011 OLAY initiated relevant research on combating photoaging and in 2013 discovered the significant role of niacinamide in skin’s resistance against photoaging. In 2016-2017, OLAY collaborated with the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore to release the latest achievements in cellular energy and photoaging, further establishing the foundation for niacinamide’s application in skin aging and officially commencing related research on niacinamide’s preventive mechanism against photoaging.
At the launch event of OLAY’s third-generation anti-spot special care surum and the latest application of niacinamide, Dr. John Oblong, Chief Scientist at Procter & Gamble and the father of niacinamide, shared groundbreaking academic discoveries about niacinamide with the industry. Niacinamide can efficiently repair DNA damage caused by UV exposure and maintain cellular energy to combat photoaging. He stated, “Niacinamide is like a ‘perfect molecule’ created by God, containing astonishing potential and mysteries. My 30 years of research are just a small step in the journey of studying niacinamide. We will continue to research and explore, looking forward to revealing more surprises of niacinamide in the future.”
Building upon basic research, OLAY comprehensively revealed for the first time that niacinamide improves skin photoaging damage induced by UV stimulation through two mechanisms, effectively counteracting skin aging issues caused by photodamage, such as roughness, dryness, and fine lines. Additionally, OLAY scientists discovered that niacinamide, as a precursor fragment of the important coenzyme NAD in the process of ATP synthesis, can maintain cellular energy and enhance DNA repair capacity after UVB exposure. This lays the foundation for defining niacinamide as an effective ingredient in preventing photoaging and further validates its remarkable efficacy in improving skin photoaging.
At the 3rd International Symposium on Allergic Skin Diseases, experts also proposed that UV radiation directly or indirectly causes photosensitive skin conditions, such as sensitive skin and acne, based on adult data. Based on this discovery, OLAY’s classic flagship product, the OLAY Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, which focuses on niacinamide formulation, adds evidence of its anti-photoaging efficacy alongside its whitening effects. With just one bottle, it addresses the effectiveness of anti-glycation, antioxidant, and anti-photoaging, helping consumers achieve “smooth, radiant, and translucent” skin, leading the industry’s new trend in skincare and anti-photoaging.
Niacinamide Complex Technology, 1+1>10
High Praise from Nobel Scholars
In the view of CHAILEEDO, for skincare products, basic skin research and classic ingredients are one aspect, while the other major focus is how to achieve better synergy and enhanced efficacy among different ingredients. In fact, the war in the field of niacinamide is no longer about “concentration battles,” but rather whether each brand can truly harness the power of niacinamide as a “multi-dimensional booster” through ingredient combinations. Therefore, OLAY’s success began with niacinamide but goes beyond niacinamide, continuously iterating niacinamide complex systems.
OLAY’s latest research has found that there are approximately 40 million melanocytes on each person’s face. Various stimuli such as UV radiation, inflammatory factors, endogenous and exogenous oxidative free radicals, and photoelectric projects can activate melanocytes, which are the root cause of pigmentation-related skin issues. Only by precisely stabilizing melanocytes can the source of pigmentation be effectively suppressed, and the root cause of pigmentation be lightened.
Since its first generation, OLAY’s Whitening Special Care Serum has added a patented formula of niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine, enabling the product to exhibit stable whitening effects. In 2022, based on OLAY’s foundational research on melanocytes, the Second-generation Whitening Special Care Serum added SDL Brightening Complex to the original formula, stabilizing melanocytes from the source. This year, based on the latest research achievements in “anti-photoaging,” OLAY has launched the Third-generation Whitening Special Care Serum, which, in addition to niacinamide and SDL Brightening Complex, for the first time incorporates tranexamic acid, widely used clinically for the treatment of melasma. The combination of these three major ingredients forms a protective shield that effectively inhibits melanocytes, providing stronger and faster depigmentation effects compared to single ingredients.
At the launch event, Nobel laureate in Physiology/Medicine, member of the European Academy of Sciences, Edvard I. Moser, highly praised OLAY’s pioneering research concept regarding the intracellular signaling pathway of skin melanocytes, stating that it represents one of the forefront directions in cellular biology research.
In addition to the main ingredients, OLAY has also added stable vitamin C derivative AA2G and a quadruple soothing complex AB5D. The former can provide anti-oxidation and depigmentation effects without causing skin darkening, while the latter’s soothing efficacy helps stabilize the skin barrier while brightening the complexion, alleviating concerns about damaging the skin barrier under the use of potent ingredients.
Everything stems from the love for skin and science
Since the birth of the first pink skincare lotion in 1951, OLAY has been a pioneer in skin science. Based on a deep understanding of women’s needs, OLAY has been providing global consumers with scientific skincare solutions, setting new standards in skincare research, and offering more scientifically advanced options for consumers.
Taking OLAY’s flagship ingredient niacinamide as an example, the research on “niacinamide+” began in 1996, and in 2002, the era of niacinamide whitening was officially launched. From discovering the optimal effective concentration of niacinamide in 2004 to introducing the “four major whitening pathways” to the market in 2009. From the research on niacinamide in anti-aging in 2016 to the current launch of products that combine anti-aging, whitening, and repairing effects… It can be said that OLAY has achieved remarkable results in product research.
To study the root causes of skin issues, OLAY has spared no effort in conducting large-scale basic research spanning several decades. With a foundation in basic research and a goal of achieving real skin transformation, OLAY has successfully harnessed the effects of different ingredients by ensuring compatibility, resulting in surprising skin transformations.
It is worth mentioning that in order to develop effective products targeted at the root of skin science, OLAY initiated the Chinese Women’s Skin Tracking Research Project in 2006. They collaborated with authoritative third-party testing organizations and recruited 452 female participants aged 10-70 to track the condition of their skin continuously.
In 2016, 185 participants were recalled for testing on 16+ skin dimensions, and the “10-Year Tracking Study of Chinese Women’s Skin” was published, revealing five major findings related to skin tone. Currently, the project is still ongoing, continuously producing research outcomes and filling gaps in the industry’s research.
To date, OLAY has published nearly a hundred core articles and research reports and obtained nearly 10 international patents, including two major patents for fading spots. With the support of basic research, OLAY has built a new scientific skincare system. These research efforts serve as the foundation for OLAY’s commitment to “true science, true effectiveness” in skincare and provide the industry and consumers with a more scientific approach to skincare. By sharing all their research outcomes, OLAY aims to promote the advancement of scientific skincare.
While exploring the deeper mysteries of the skin, OLAY is also committed to supporting the growth of young female scientists. During this launch event, OLAY officially launched the “Science Has Her” program, which focuses on the skin health of women and supports their career growth. In a new way, OLAY is accompanying women on their journey of scientific exploration and personal development, encouraging them to be fearless.
It is evident that OLAY, which has emphasized scientific research, clear mechanisms, and clinical evidence since its inception, has become a leader in the field of effective skincare due to its solid foundation in skin science. It can be foreseen that OLAY will continue to lead product advancement through research and innovation, bringing more precise and efficient scientific skincare experiences to women worldwide.
