NIA 24 • Skin Strengthening Complex • Moisturizers

Where To Buy?

*TOP REVIEWER* asian_vixen on 3/3/2013 2:43:00 PM more reviews by asian_vixen

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I recently tried to revamp my skincare routine because I have a massive breakout of acne at age 30 (combination of hormonal and teenage like deep pimples!) and wrinkles forming... I am in a phase where my skin is combination oily but since using retinoids it made my skin parched on my cheeks (more combination dry)....I was desperate, trying to think of what can help my pimples and wrinkles! I even ditched the makeup and shelled out money for treatments/regimen by Roc, PTR, Dr. Dennis Gross, First aid beauty, Origins, Dior, Arcona, Somme, Dr. Haushcka, Ole henriksen, and Clinique...all pricey but did not really improve my condition. I was on a skin care binge and I was in Sephora each week desperate to find something that works with my skin. Then I saw good reviews about NIA24 and decided to try it. Two weeks of use and i was AMAZED! my skin tone is more even, larger pimples have subsided and the best part is it decreased the hyperpigmentation caused by pimple scars! I now have this luminosity and my skin feels much more "plump". My skin LOVES this stuff! i have converted to using NIA 24 SSC and I use it AM and PM (yes i know it is pricey but compared to what i spent, it is worth it! plus amazon has it for cheaper!). I have been using this for a month and my skin clarity really has improved and finally went makeup-less! I currently use Avene's Triacneal/Retrinal at night along with NIA24 SSC then in the morning i use EL ANR with NIA24 SSC and Shiseido Urban sunscreen on top.

UPDATE: I would have to add that my small "elevens" are smoothed out and feels "cushier" than before using NIA24 products. It is less pronounced/depressed and does not feel like a "wrinkle" compared to three weeks ago. since it is much smoother, i actually stopped using those frownies! I am definitely impressed and now i can stop thinking about trying botox!

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*TOP REVIEWER* SophieH on 1/5/2013 11:39:00 AM more reviews by SophieH

Age: Unknown   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Let me start by saying that even though I gave this 4 stars rather than 5, in truth, it's leagues beyond most other moisturizers. The reason is that it's a treatment product with results as noticeable as any serum, yet it also gives you good hydration, too.

The main benefit of this product is Pro-NIA, the patented niacin derivative found in most NIA24 (and now Strivectin) products. The difference between this ingredient and regular niacin/niacinamide/nicotinic acid is that Pro-NIA has a lipophilic tail which allows it to penetrate the skin layers better and deeper.

I've had dramatic, great results from products containing pro-NIA, including this one. The results seem to be beyond those of regular niacinamide, such as what I was using in my DIY niacinamide toner and Cerave PM, although those work well, too. The main thing I have seen is dramatically clearer, more even, less irritated, less blotchy skin in just a matter of days. This ingredient has helped with my light/moderate hormonal acne in a way that nothing else has--not prescription retinoids, not prescription antibiotics, not silver soap, and definitely not AHAs or BHAs. (Yes, it's even better than the aspirin mask and my 30% BHA roll-on!) Instead of irritating the skin further like those other ingredients do, niacin calms, smooths, heals, regulates, and rebalances the skin in a seriously potent and fast-acting way. It's also been great for my skin texture, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, pores, etc.

I also love the scent, texture, and application of this product. And, as a pro-NIA product, it works well. However, it is not my pick for those seeking a pro-NIA product for a few reasons:

1. Fairly high silicone content--I have bad reactions to silicone, which tends to dry me out, give me flakes, and give me pimples at the same time. This cream did a bit of that. If you react badly to 'cones, you will probably have a small reaction to this product.

2. It was slightly clogging to my skin, despite the high niacin content. I don't think the clogging was just from the silicone, as this was slightly beyond my usual silicone reaction. The clogs were easy to extract and not inflamed or messy (probably thanks to the niacin), but they occurred nonetheless. I can find creams that don't clog me at all (Strivectin-SD Sensitive, mentioned later, comes closer) but this is not one of them.

3. This product contains 5% pro-NIA, which is definitely enough for results. But considering that this is the ingredient you are paying for, it would be nice to get more pro-NIA for a slightly lower price, right? Well, you can. The reformulated Strivectin line has bought the pro-NIA technology from Nia24--either that, or Nia24 bought out Strivectin; it's not clear which--and now incorporates it in generally higher percentages for a lower price. To compare, 1.7 ounces of the NIA24 Skin Strengthening Complex, with 5% pro-NIA, go for $85 at retail. 5 ounces of Strivectin SD, with 8% pro-NIA, go for $135. (You can also get a serum with 10% pro-NIA from Strivectin for $99/1.7 ounces.) So yes, the Strivectin comes out to be much cheaper. The sensitive-skin version of Strivectin SD, which is the one I use because it contains less silicone, is a little more expensive than the original, but still not as expensive as NIA24.
One note with Strivectin is that you want to make sure you are getting the *reformulated* version, as the original version with 5% Striadil or whatever was pretty much crap.

Anyway, sorry this review has become more about Strivectin than NIA 24...NIA 24's SSC is a great product, and definitely one of the most effective moisturizers I have ever used, but because the vast majority of the results come from a single ingredient, I recommend getting that ingredient more inexpensively through Strivectin.


UPDATE: I called Niadyne, the manufacturers of both NIA 24 and StriVectin, to confirm that the "NIA-114" in Strivectin products was the same molecule as "Pro-NIA" in NIA 24. She confirmed that it was the same molecule. I then asked if it was true that the Strivectin products contained more of it, since they claimed to contain 8% rather than 5%. She explained that the 8% refers to the complex of pro-niacin *and* peptides, and that the quantity of active niacin alone is in fact 5%, the same as in the pro-NIA products...even though it doesn't say that on the bottle.

She also said that she considers the Strivectin a newer, more advanced/technologically up-to-date formulation. So, since the Strivectin products usually come out to cheaper, ounce for ounce, I think they are better value than NIA 24 in general, even though they don't in fact contain more of the pro-NIA molecule.

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*TOP REVIEWER* heather on 10/9/2012 8:34:00 PM more reviews by heather

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

Contains the fragrance Methyldihydrojasmonate. Personally, I find it pleasant, and my boyfriend likes it too. However, I do wish they made an unscented version. I added this cream to my nightly routine due to the reviews and reports indicating it can help lighten discolorations. The consistency thick and velvety, not greasy or oily at all, and It absorbs quickly. I've had no negative reactions at all; even in combination with high-potency exfoliants. I've only been using this for a couple of weeks, so it's still early to say how effective it will be. I'll update this review after I've been with it for a few months. So far, promising.
Update 2/8/13: I just started my second tube and am really happy with this. My skin is indeed more even and less reactive since I've been using this. I've added a niacinimide proctucf every other night so I get the benefit of multiple forms of B3. A good product that spreads/absorbs nicely and provides visible benefits. One tube lasts me about four months using 5-6 times per week, and I can usually get it for 20-25% off.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Marsen on 8/23/2012 1:33:00 AM more reviews by Marsen

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I've been using this product daily for 3 years now. My main reason for attributing 5 stars is because it makes my skin look really pretty instantly. It´s creamy, but absorbs well and leaves a beautiful dewy glow to the skin. During the first few uses, I did experience light blotching on my cheeks. This is considered normal and it went away with continued use. I never experienced any irritation, though the fragrance is strong which prevents me from using it at night. For those with rosacea, this product is supposed to make skin less red and more even overtime. Since I have mild rosacea and also use Finacea, it's hard to gauge how well it works in this regard. My skin is definitely more hydrated and softer since I started using it. I find this to be an exceptional product and the best moisturizer and anti-aging product rolled into one.

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xtina000 on 8/12/2012 5:16:00 AM more reviews by xtina000

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I'm on my 3rd order of this cream. I can't pinpoint exactly what's so wonderful about it, but I absolutely LOVE it and can't go one day without using it. It's just calmed down my skin and evened it out. I don't break out as much anymore, don't get dry flakes or oily patches as much, and I feel like my pores are more refined (even though I know scientifically this doesn't make sense!). My skin also had a tendency to clog and this has markedly reduced that, probably because it actually absorbs into the skin rather than just sitting on top of it like a lot of creams.


Plus, it feels so damn good too! Not too thin, not too heavy, absorbs like a dream, and fragrance-free. I swear I can feel its effects overnight; I feel like I owe my skin this daily treat.


I only wear this before bed, after a nice cleansing. I used to have a whole routine with heaps of products, but now I'm lazy and I just stick to this and an undereye moisturizer (BB!).


Very expensive but worth every penny. I believe there's no point being so obsessed with makeup if I don't even maintain a good canvas to put it all on! This is my (not-so-) secret weapon and the one product I couldn't live without.

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nb55 on 6/1/2012 1:42:00 AM more reviews by nb55

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I believe that NIA products could be effective if you stick it out for the 12 wks they claim are necessary for results, they just weren't for me. I have dry, combination skin and this wouldn't absorb, with or without the exfoliating serum underneath. It gave me a sort of greasy look and I was using it during March and April so it wasn't humidity causing the problem. It didn't break me out but I was left with that icky feeling that I had a greasy film on my face. I tried using this Skin Strengthening Complex at night as well but it was so unpleasant that I stopped. After using this I then actually bought a NIA sample box with a cleanser and the cream, heavier version of this product (Intensive). The cream actually absorbed better but it made me get clogged pores in my forehead in spite of all of these products being non-comedogenic.

NOTE FOR GLUTEN-SENSITIVE/CELIAC-
This product has wheat germ oil and the Intensive moisturizer also has wheat in it. That is probably why my skin reacted, it usually does with azealic acid (derived from wheat) as well.

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*TOP REVIEWER* rugby on 4/3/2012 12:21:00 AM more reviews by rugby

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

The products consistency is on the thicker side, think fab beauty 5 in 1 or a thick pump lotion it's pretty moisturizing but for me drys flat. I am on the dry side so this may be a prefect product for normal or combo skin as a daily hydrator. I have used this product on and off with no breakouts. When I use this my skin looks more hydrated and glowing. I know this is a treatment cream but it's really hard to comment on it's effectiveness because it's supposed to strengthen your skins barrier, how do you measure this. Yes my skin looks good when using the product and I do feel this helps to heal but I can't say 100% it does all it says it does. I have repurchased and will continue. Its quite pricey so be sure to wait for a coupon from skin store or skincare rx or by the sample kit to try.

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hutchings on 2/29/2012 4:08:00 PM more reviews by hutchings

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I used this every day for 6 months, and loved how even it made my skin. It really whitened and softened, so it's good on it's claim. I started noticing results within a month, and the full effect within 2. The consistency is also great. No greasiness...just sinks right in. There was purging the first week, but no big deal really. One tube lasts about 3 months using a small amount twice a day, and you can usually find it for about $60 on ebay or amazon, which I think is very fair considering how well it works. I think it's great for sensitive skin. I use retin a, and Nia kept the redness away. Also, bags under my eyes improved...but nothing too drastic.
The only reason why I'm not buying it again is because it just isn't moisterizing enough. I always follow with another moisterizer and have decided to shift to an antixidant serum to keep my skin tone even. But...I gotta say I'm hesitant to stop using this! Great treatment.EDIT: I stopped using this in favor of Skinceuticals C E ferulic (which, I must say, I like a lot), but even though it protects and gives a nice glow, it doesn't make my skin look as nice as Nia did. Getting off Nia for 2 weeks made my face go back to easily irritated and prone to redness, which I hate. Soooo bought more. Guess I'll use it at night and C E ferulic during the day. Gah! Expensive! But worth it :)

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Shawty187 on 10/17/2011 1:26:00 PM more reviews by Shawty187

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Other   Eyes: Hazel    

I probably have the most sensitive skin in the world… you touch it and I breakout, any foundation makes me breakout, any cream (even non acneic) makes me breakout. Its also probably from years of using stupid things like Benzoyl Peroxide (ages your skin in the long run by removing the top layer of your skin btw), differin gel, etc. Anyways… so I stopped using all that, started using OZONATED olive oil that removed my acne and then for marks I started using the NIA24 Skin Strengthening Complex. Its only been a few days and I swear to you my face looks different already… soft, hard to explain but like a baby, soft and even toned…and imagine its only been a few days. IT HAS NOT BROKEN ME OUT..I am shocked at that…. I can say that if this continues to perform the way it is, it’s starting to change my life. I started by using it at night and saw a verrry slight redness, like rosiness…and then day two I applied it day and night and so far no problems, If my skin is nice I feel great and remember I have VERRRRY sensitive skin and this did not break me out. I am looking forward to trying their mineral sunscreen and maybe their eye cream as well. Try it, you will LOVE it.

EDIT: I use it under my eyes as well and no problems there. I have one or two breakouts as warned by the label saying that you should expect that in the first few weeks as it is stimulating your skin. But overall still great.

EDIT: I can now use foundation without breaking out, it has strengthened my skin where I go to stores and try on makeup and neither of them has made me break out. I always wake up with fresh skin and now use it day and night (make sure you use a moisturizer over it as it is not moustirizing enough especially in the winter time)

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Horny on 10/13/2011 4:30:00 AM more reviews by Horny

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

I have been using this product for just over 2 months now, morning and night and have seen no improvement on my skin at all. I have two small sun spots which it has not had any effect on, nor has it helped me with any redness in my skin. I also find that it irritates my eyes a bit. As a moisturiser it is pretty plain, and you could find better hydration in cheaper creams. I am very disappointed as thought this would be a great cream based on the reviews, but just shows that it doesnt work for everyone! I will continue to use it up however, and I will update if my opinion changes. ***Update** 4.7.12 I stopped using this last year, but still had a little bit left. My skin has been really good lately, so I thought I would try it again to see if my skin would react better to it now it was less irritated. Nope! Its left my skin a bit irritated again, I think there is something in this cream that my skin doesnt like as I can use niacinamide fine in Cerave and Olay now. I also forgot to mention that it even though it is a light cream, it becomes very oily on my skin and makes the tint in my SS (Skinceuticals Fusion) seperate into oily patches on my forehead.

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smhr on 9/19/2011 9:06:00 AM more reviews by smhr

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I have been using the SSC and IRC since Dec. 2010. Before starting both, I had read in Lucky magazine to expect some flushing from using a niacinamide product, but seriously can't say, I have had that to happen. Love the creamy texture and how it absorbs without leaving a greasy feel. It has also become my eye cream and neck cream. I had an eleven line that is barely noticeable after using this. I realize that some anti-aging products ( creams, serums, moisturizers ) can plateau, and skin can build a resistant to those, so time will tell whether this will happen with NIA 24. I also want to explore the scrub and physical sunscreen in this line.

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*TOP REVIEWER* kyasha on 7/27/2011 6:54:00 PM more reviews by kyasha

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This product is my go-to night moisturizer. I believe it has made my skin more firm and bestows a slight glow. I don't break out with this regimen. I'm very impressed and will repurchase.

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Skin24 on 6/29/2011 11:28:00 PM more reviews by Skin24

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Still very impressed with this product after using it continually for the last two years. I also love the Nia24 sunscreen. My skin feels stronger and smoother...healthier and brighter in general. I am acne prone, but this product does not cause breakouts, which surprised me because it contains oil. Packaging is kind of frustrating because it's hard to get all of the product out unless you cut the bottom off. If not, you end up throwing away several days worth. Great moisturizer...highly recommend it.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

cathekim on 5/25/2011 3:05:00 AM more reviews by cathekim

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Going against the grain here, but I felt no love for this product. First, it didn't do anything for my skin. I've tried it twice in my life, several years apart. After use for over a month, no changes in texture, discoloration, etc. Second, I couldn't stand the smell. That alone would prevent me from buying again. If you are at all sensitive to smells, try to get a sample somewhere first.

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Honeywell66 on 4/26/2011 6:19:00 PM more reviews by Honeywell66

Age: Unknown   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I've been using this for about two weeks after using skincareman's niacinamide toner for a bit. Tried a four-day sample of the Nia 24 and had to buy it.

My skin is normal (leaning toward dry), acne- and clog-free and very smooth. I've developed redness and reactivity over the past year or so, and have an area of pigmentation on my forehead left from a crazy Doctor Quackenstein who used a pixel laser on a childhood scar.

So far, niacinamide is the *only* thing that helps calm my redness. It helps prevent and repair sun damage, lightens pigmentation and also helps repair the skin's barrier function. I'm certain my overuse of peels, retinoids and high PPD chemical sunscreens has weakened my skin over the years, and this product seems to be calming my skin and making it stronger. When I first used niacinamide (in the aforementioned toner), my skin got a red flush at first, which is normal for a niacinamide product. It quickly subsides, and leaves my skin looking much, much better. :o)

I like the consistency of the lotion; I find it hydrating enough that I don't need an additional moisturizer most of the time. I'll keep using this and update my review in a few weeks.

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nancyrd on 4/14/2011 12:27:00 PM more reviews by nancyrd

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

My derm does not even sell this but told me how her patients rave about it. I have rosacea and my skin tone can become red in areas. It is amazing, keeping the redness under control and my skin is hydrated but not greasy. I just purchased my second tube. Dermstore.com had a sale and I got 20% off with free shipping.

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enotkatya1 on 3/25/2011 4:49:00 PM more reviews by enotkatya1

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

LOVE IT

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stevenb on 2/11/2011 9:42:00 PM more reviews by stevenb

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I tried a sample and was really pleasantly surprised how my skin reacted to the product. I was concerned that the ingredients would cause breakouts but thus far no problems. Red marks from old acne seem to be healing faster and my face is less red and irritated from my differin & bp use.

I tried CeraVe PM with niacinamide and my skin didn't respond well even though I love traditional CeraVe Cream & Lotion.

I ordered a full size SSC from amazon and the product arrived separated with the oil pouring out and white lumps unlike my sample. Amazon was very nice about issuing a refund but I would recommend avoiding ordering from "Trend Marketing and Fulfilled by Amazon."

EDIT: I had to stop using because it caused me to have small breakouts on the top of my cheeks. I switched to NIA24 Intensive Recovery Complex and no breakouts

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hesperus on 1/17/2011 9:09:00 PM more reviews by hesperus

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

This unfortunately broke me out. I was very excited to try it because of the interesting formula, so I persisted in using it even when it was clearly breaking me out, but i had to stop eventually. I tried to use it in the eye area as well, but it made it very dry. I am now using the rest on my hands, but haven't noticed any difference yet.

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amandamg61 on 12/13/2010 10:20:00 AM more reviews by amandamg61

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Love this cream! I use it in the morning and the Intensive Cream at night. Better by far than Strivectin. Face it-nothing is going to make me look 30 again but this has softened my fine lines ,plumped out my skin and significantly faded the sun discolourations on my cheek bones.
Sadly I found the eye cream and the Sun Damage Cream for Hands etc a dead loss.But these two I will stick with.Expensive yes-but I have been known to pay much more for results which were nowhere near as good. And it does last a long, long time. I have very sensitive skin and, as warned by the maufacturer, suffered some irritation when I started using the products but it wasn't drastic and it dissappeared pretty quickly. All in all one of the better anti-aging products on the market.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No