This all-around product regulates sebum production, reduces redness, and brightens your complexion.
Niacinamide has become one of the most talked-about buzzwords in skincare, and for good reason. The super-active ingredient treats a wide range of skin concerns at once. That’s why it’s important to choose the best niacinamide serum to incorporate into your skincare routine.
This ingredient, a form of vitamin B3, is used alone in face serums and creams, but works even better when combined with other skin-strengthening ingredients. “B3 is an essential nutrient your body needs,” says Purvisha Patel,
MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare.
“Niacinamide is nearly universal and causes little to no irritation, making it a very versatile ingredient,” says Elyse Love, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
“This powerful ingredient soothes the skin barrier, reduces common irritation associated with a range of skin conditions, and helps improve overall skin hydration, reduce oiliness, and even skin tone,” she explains.
Dr. Patel also adds that the ingredient has significant skin-brightening effects “because it affects melanocytes, which play a role in skin pigmentation.” It’s found in products that treat skin blemishes and acne scars.
Since niacinamide also reduces irritation, “it may lessen the effects of other anti-aging ingredients that can irritate the skin, such as wrinkle-smoothing retinol or exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids,” Dr. Patel adds.
Here’s how we picked the best niacinamide serums. We had the expert opinions of Dr. Patel Love and Annie Gonzalez, MD (board-certified dermatologists at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami) and insights from hundreds of customer reviews to
narrow down the best products.
Now that you know the facts about this ingredient, you can give your skin the glow it deserves. Here are the best niacinamide serums you should try, according to experts and shoppers.
1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum. “This is one of the best options on the market, and it’s also affordable,” says Dr. Love. “It combines the powerful ingredients niacinamide and zinc, which is another great
anti-inflammatory and calming ingredient.
It’s also a lightweight option to complement your acne care routine. I also use this serum because it’s cruelty-free and vegan. Pat it on your face morning and night, and follow up with a rich cream or moisturizer,” she advises. It’s also hard to find for under $15.
2. Glossier Ultra-Pure Niacinamide + Zinc Serum. The ingredients niacinamide and PCA zinc (which shrinks clogged pores) in this serum are so lightweight that you can barely feel them on your skin.
They’re the ideal combination to balance oil production and keep pores unclogged while retaining much-needed moisture. And since it’s fragrance-free, it won’t irritate your skin.
3. La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3. If you haven’t found your go-to daily serum yet, this Pure Retinol Face and Neck Serum will be a dream come true.
Skin feels smoother, more hydrated, and refreshed immediately after using this product. It’s also a customer favorite, with over 1,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.
Plus, Prevention’s editor-in-chief loves that it doesn’t irritate her sensitive skin.
4. Vichy Minerals 89 Prebiotic Face Serum. “This serum with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and probiotics helps soothe irritated skin and fight visible signs of aging and stress,” says Dr. Love.
“Most of my patients with dry skin use it in conjunction with prescription topical medications. Apply two pea-sized drops to clean skin morning and night as the first step in your routine.”
5. INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum. This affordable and effective serum contains 10% niacinamide and is a fan favorite.
In addition to reducing oil production and fading blemishes, niacinamide can also reduce redness caused by acne. And the ingredient hyaluronic acid is hydrating without leaving a greasy feeling.
6. Peter Thomas Roth PRO Intense Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment. If you’re focused on restoring your skin’s radiance and fighting discoloration, this niacinamide serum is formulated with multiple brighteners.
In addition to niacinamide, there’s tranexamic acid (which helps reduce the appearance of dark spots) and kojic acid (for brightening) to fight discoloration, says Dr. Patel. Positive reviews predominate, indicating that this product
helps fade scars, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation while improving skin texture.
How to Choose (and Use) the Best Niacinamide Serum. Check the Ingredient List: Regardless of what it says on the package, it’s best to scan the ingredient label and look for “niacinamide” instead of niacin. “Niacin will
“probably convert to niacinamide, but niacin can cause redness and flushing on the skin,” says Dr. Patel.
Use morning and night: The good news is that niacinamide is gentle enough to be used morning and night as part of your skin care routine. As with any serum, apply it after cleansing (to remove makeup, dirt, and oil) and before moisturizing (so it can penetrate the skin more easily).
“I personally incorporate it into my skin care routine and recommend it to my patients regularly,” says Dr. Like . Stick with a niacinamide serum instead of a cream: “The vitamin is water-soluble, and delivered in a serum form
is most effectively absorbed by the skin,” explains Dr. Patel
Look for 2% to 10% niacinamide: “An effective serum should contain 2% to 10% niacinamide,” says Dr. Gonzalez
