What do you get when you take away the first and last two letters of “vitamins” and rearrange the remaining characters? TIA’M (viTAMIns)! And not-so-coincidentally, it is a brand that utilizes the power of vitamins to enhance the skin’s natural radiance.
Among its selection of potions, the Vita B3 Source Serum is perhaps the brand’s most popular product, or at least it’s what I’ve been seeing more of online. Combining the powers of niacinamide and arbutin, it claims to do one thing: brighten skin. Specifically, it targets dullness, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation, thereby giving you a more glowing complexion—and its vibrant lemon packaging seems to be reflective of this ability.
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is a superstar ingredient widely known for its brightening benefits, but manufacturers do have other reasons for integrating this multitasker into their skincare formulas. For one, it has been found to promote ceramide synthesis, thus fortifying the skin barrier and reducing transepidermal water loss. Niacinamide also boasts sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory properties that could be useful for managing acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis. Moreover, studies have shown that the vitamin may be beneficial for diminishing signs of skin aging through the stimulation of protein and collagen production. It is photo-protective too, so it’s completely safe to incorporate into your morning regimen.
Now, let’s head on over to its skin brightening buddy, arbutin. While niacinamide blocks melanin from reaching the outermost layer of the skin, arbutin inhibits the enzyme (tyrosinase) necessary for the production of melanin, essentially stopping pigmentation in its tracks. In addition, it possesses antioxidant properties which help fight off free radicals.
The serum is fragrance-free, fast-absorbing, non-sticky, and incredibly potent—a quality that will either be a hit or miss for your skin. I’ve only ever used it alongside a toner and a moisturizer, although I do feel its lightweight formula renders itself effortless in layering with makeup and other skincare products. Its watery consistency also allows you to easily spread the fluid over your face, and there wasn’t any stinging or burning sensation upon application. However, my skin did have a bit of a freak out when I suddenly introduced the product in my evening skincare routine.
As mentioned, this serum from Tia’m contains 10% niacinamide. If you think that’s a lot, well, you’re not mistaken. Not all skin types can tolerate such a high concentration, so the brand emphasizes the importance of patch testing. Ideally, you should begin with a potency of 2% and gradually work your way up, but if you are dead set on starting off with such a strong percentage like I was, then I suggest sticking to 1-2 drops. You can even blend it with your favorite toner to reduce any irritation. On the other hand, if you find that your skintuation (skin situation) isn’t improving in 6-8 weeks, then it might be time to lay down the product.
Fortunately, my skintuation did manage to gradually get better by week 7. I admit I still had quite a few pimples randomly popping up, but the irritation was definitely less severe than the first couple of weeks. With regards to my rosacea, there wasn’t exactly much of an improvement, probably since the serum itself was causing the inflammation. Nevertheless, my overall complexion did appear to be more glowing, and any marks left by the triggered acne were eventually addressed by the product as well.
On the box, the brand also notes the natural browning of the fluid due to arbutin and sedimentation on the bottle neck due to niacinamide. Mine remained clear until the last drop, but it did start to form sediments by the third month.
I was really hoping to pair this with something like the Cos De Baha azelaic acid serum. However, a lot of these acne-targeted products also contain niacinamide. In fact, countless skincare formulations today include some percentage of niacinamide, so it’s quite easy for anyone to accidentally overdose on the ingredient and experience irritation. Having said that, I just wish Tia’m could offer the Vita B3 Source Serum in lower concentrations too—4-6% perhaps?
**Everyone’s skin is different. What works/doesn’t work for me may not/may work for you. Remember to check the ingredient list and do a patch test before using any new skincare product.
Apply evenly to the face and gently pat for better absorption.
Niacinamide: anti-inflammatory, skin barrier repair, brightening
Butylene Glycol: emollient, moisturizer/humectant
Arbutin: antioxidant, brightening
Allantoin: anti-inflammatory, emollient
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate: anti-inflammatory, brightening, moisturizer/humectant
Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, emollient
Main reference (ingredient functions): INCI Decoder (https://incidecoder.com/)
FULL INGREDIENT LIST (according to the product label): Water, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3; 10%), Butylene Glycol, Arbutin (2%), Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Lindera Erythrocarpa Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Geranium Thunbergii Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Methylpropanediol, Laurylpyridinium Chloride, Chlorphenesin, 1,2-Hexanediol