Niacinamide has become one of the buzziest skincare words on the market—and for good reason. The superstar ingredient works to treat various skin concerns at once, making it essential to add the best niacinamide serum into your skincare regimen.
The ingredient is a form of vitamin B3 and can stand on its own in face serums and creams, but it’s even better when combined with other skin-boosting ingredients. “B3 is an essential nutrient the body needs,” says Purvisha Patel, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare.
Meet the experts: Purvisha Patel, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare; Elyse Love M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City; and Annie Gonzalez, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami.
“Niacinamide does a little bit of everything with minimum to potentially no irritation, making it a very inclusive ingredient,” says Elyse Love M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “This powerhouse ingredient soothes the skin barrier, decreases overall irritation for a slew of skin issues, helps enhance skin’s overall moisture, reduces oiliness, and promotes more even skin tones,” she explains.
Dr. Patel also adds that the ingredient has a significant brightening benefit, “as it affects melanocytes, cells that play a role in pigment formation in the skin.” For that reason, you’ll find it in products designed to fight discoloration and lessen acne scars. What’s more, because niacinamide reduces irritation, “it can temper the effects of other anti-aging ingredients that can cause the skin to act up, like wrinkle-smoothing retinol or exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids,” Dr. Patel adds.
Our top picks
- BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM OVERALLThe Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%READ MORE
- BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR SENSITIVE SKINGlossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc SerumREAD MORE
- BEST VALUE NIACINAMIDE SERUMThe Inkey List Niacinamide SerumREAD MORE
Now that know the facts about this ingredient, you can give your skin the glow it deserves. Here are the best niacinamide serums you can try, according to experts and shoppers.
1
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM OVERALL
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
$6 AT THEORDINARY.COM$6 AT ULTA BEAUTY$6 AT SEPHORACREDIT: THE ORDINARY
PROS
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Contains zinc
CONS
- May be too strong for dry skin
“This is one of the best options out there, and added bonus is the affordable price,” says Dr. Love. “It combines the powerhouse ingredient of niacinamide with zinc, another great anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredient.” At under $10, the price point is hard to beat…not to mention it’s lightweight, safe for acne-prone skin, cruelty-free, and vegan, Dr. Love points out. “Dab all over the face morning and evening before applying heavier creams or moisturizers,” she advises.
What the reviews say: “I’ve been using this serum for two years now and couldn’t live without it,” said one reviewer. “I can honestly say that my skin has never looked better and I rarely get any pimples at all now.”
2
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Glossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc Serum
$28 AT GLOSSIER$29 AT SEPHORACREDIT: GLOSSIER
PROS
- Fragrance-free
- Sleek packaging
- Gentle enough for daily use
CONS
- Some users found it dries out skin
So lightweight you can barely feel it on your skin, this serum contains niacinamide and zinc PCA (it helps reduce the look of clogged pores). The pair of ingredients are an ideal duo for balancing oil production to keep pores clear while maintaining needed moisture. Fragrance-free, it shouldn’t cause skin irritations.
What the reviews say: “Both my teenage daughter and I use this serum. We have different concerns to address: mine being dryness and hers breakouts. We have both seen an improvement in our skin after having just used it a week.”
3
BEST VALUE NIACINAMIDE SERUM
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum
$10 AT SEPHORACREDIT: THE INKEY LIST
PROS
- Under $10
- High percent of niacinamide
- Contains hyaluronic acid for hydration
CONS
- Caused breakout for some
With 10% niacinamide, this well-priced and potent serum is a fan favorite. Not only is niacinamide added to reduce oil production to fight blemishes, but it also relieves the redness that may come with acne. Plus, the hyaluronic acid ingredient hydrates without contributing to greasiness.
What the reviews say: “I absolutely love this product! It has helped my oil production so much and keeps my skin tone even!”
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4
BEST NIACINAMIDE FOR LIGHTENING SCARS
Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment
$88 AT SEPHORA$88 AT AMAZONCREDIT: PETER THOMAS ROTH
PROS
- Contains brightening acids
- Hygienic tube packaging
- Doesn’t contain sulfates
CONS
- Pricey
When your focus is on reviving skin’s radiance and chasing away discoloration, this niacinamide complex contains a bevy of brighteners. Along with niacinamide, there’s tranexamic (helps reduce the look of dark spots) and kojic acids (for brightening) to tackle discoloration, says Dr. Patel. The overwhelmingly positive reviews say that this product has helped lighten scars, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation while improving the skin’s texture.
What the reviews say: “I love this product! After only a week of using it my age spots have literally almost disappeared. My skin looks beautiful, even toned, fresh and younger.”
5
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR DRY SKIN
Vichy Mineral 89 Prebiotic Face Serum
$35 AT WALMART$34 AT DERMSTORECREDIT: VICHY
PROS
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Soothing
- Fights signs of stress
CONS
- Some users dislike scent
“This hyaluronic acid + niacinamide + probiotic serum helps soothe irritated skin and fight visible signs of aging and stress,” says Dr. Love. “Most of my dry skin-prone patients are using this in conjunction with their prescription topicals,” she continues, recommending users apply two pea-sized drops onto cleansed skin as the first step in their routine morning and night.
What the reviews say: “I added this product into my skincare routine, and it has made my skin so dewy, radiant, and overall more healthy,” wrote one reviewer.
6
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR ALL SKIN TYPES
SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3
$126 AT SKINCEUTICALSCREDIT: SKINCEUTICALS
PROS
- Uniquely hydrating lotion-serum texture
- Fragrance-free
- Increases cell turnover
CONS
- Pricey
This serum’s formula is crafted with niacinamide to tackle dark spots on the skin, peptides that plump, and hydrating-but-not-greasy glycerin, A cross between a lotion and serum, this product makes the skin look and feel renewed the second you smooth it on. Suitable for all skin types, the moisturizer is also sulfate-, paraben-, fragrance-, and phthalate-free.
What the reviews say: “This has 5% niacinamide, which is very had to find. Feels silky going on and hydrates wonderfully.”
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7
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
$42 AT NORDSTROM$34 AT AMAZON$42 AT ULTA BEAUTYCREDIT: FIRST AID BEAUTY
PROS
- Great for dark spots
- A little goes a long way
- Helps unclog pores
CONS
- Some users say it’s not great on sensitive skin
“I love this lightweight serum that’s formulated with niacinamide and licorice root (helps to soothe and brighten the skin) to promote a radiant appearance,” says Dr. Love. “It works hard to reduce dark spots, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne scars.” For best results, use it in the morning (followed up with SPF) and in the evening (followed up with moisturizer), she suggests.
What the review say: “First Aid Beauty’s Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum works very gradually and gently to lighten dark spots,” wrote a shopper. “I have been pleased by the change in my skin, and the price is very reasonable for a product of this quality.”
8
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR MATURE SKIN
Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum with Illuminotex
$65 AT VISHASKINCARE.COM$65 AT JCPENNEYCREDIT: VISHA
PROS
- Contains retinol and brightening acids
- Includes antioxidants
- Fades appearance of scars
CONS
- May be too strong for sensitive skin
Dr. Patel (the founder of Visha Skincare) recommends this serum to patients looking to treat mature skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles. It works to promote exfoliation, improve the skin’s barrier, and even out skin tone. It’s also packed with other agents that target discoloration, including kojic acid and licorice extract, as well as retinol to boost collagen formation and smooth fine lines.
What the reviews say: “I’ve tried several so called top brands and none came close to giving me the results I saw with Visha Skincare after only a few weeks.”
9
BEST NIACINAMIDE BOOSTER
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
$49 AT AMAZON$49 AT DERMSTORE$49 AT SEPHORACREDIT: PAULA’S CHOICE
PROS
- Calms redness and refines pores
- 10% Niacinamide
- Contains brightening vitamin C
CONS
- Formula feels watery
This booster packs in 10% niacinamide to tackle uneven skin tone. It also helps cinch pores while it’s at it, refining texture. Licorice extract tackles redness, while vitamin C provides another boost of brightness. Add two to three drops of this silky serum to your moisturizer (or dab onto the skin alone) at night and during the day for best results.
What the reviews say: “This has helped strengthen my skin barrier, and I love pairing this with my prescription tretinoin.”
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10
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM WITH RETINOL
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Now 48% Off
$11 AT AMAZON$15 AT WALMART$22 AT ULTA BEAUTY
PROS
- Affordable
- Contains retinol
- Doesn’t feel sticky
CONS
- Some users say it can be irritating
Retinol stimulates skin cell turnover to reveal fresh skin underneath the surface, helping to fade dark and red marks. The addition of niacinamide brightens and guards against the potentially irritating effects of retinol. Testers love the silky texture and credit it for reducing the appearance of acne scars and melasma.
What the reviews say: “It really did even out my complexion, tightened my pores, and I’m not being paid to say this.”
11
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR PORES
La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3
$45 AT AMAZONCREDIT: LA ROCHE-POSAY
PROS
- Contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin
- Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
CONS
- Contains fragrance
This pure retinol face and neck serum is a dream come true if you haven’t found a daily serum that works for you. It leaves the skin feeling smoother, hydrated, and refreshed right after using the product. And with over 7,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, it’s a customer favorite as well.
What the reviews say: “This serum doesn’t make my sensitive skin irritated or flaky. It does make the texture smoother and my skin brighter.”
12
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM MAKEUP PRIMER
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
$35 AT AMAZON$33 AT WALMART$35 AT SEPHORACREDIT: AMAZON
PROS
- Works as makeup primer
- Provides an instant glow
- Hydrating
CONS
- Contains fragrance
Glow Recipe’s niacinamide-infused highlighting serum not only smells and looks good, but it works great, too! It’s the first of its kind highlighting skincare product that helps to brighten the skin and provide an effortless glow instantly while helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. The brand notes 97% of users agree the product made their skin look more glowy, making it great for day and night.
What the reviews say: “I love everything about this product. It smells just like watermelon and feels fantastic on my skin,” said a shopper. “I’m excited to use it every day and I wish I could bathe in it.”
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13
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM WITH CANNABINOIDS
Dieux Deliverance Serum
$69 AT DIEUXSKIN.COMCREDIT: DIEUX
PROS
- Contains calming cannabinoids
- Evens skin tones
- Plumps fine lines
CONS
- Pricey
This serum, co-created by one of Instagram’s favorite skinfluencers, Charlotte Palermino, has gone viral for a reason. It contains niacinamide and calming cannabinoids to refine texture, calm redness and irritation, and even tone. Don’t believe us? Just look at customers’ before-and-afters. Plus, the brand offers price transparency, so you know exactly what you’re paying for and that you’re not being taken advantage of.
What the reviews say: “It’s my third bottle and two more are waiting in my cabinet,” wrote one reviewer. “Best soothing, balancing, and overall skin-improving product I’ve tried so far, apart from retinols.”
14
BESTS NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR DAYTIME USE
Fenty Skin Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C
$38 AT SEPHORACREDIT: FENTY SKIN
PROS
- Lightweight
- Refillable packaging
- Brightening
CONS
- Tube may leak
Packed with niacinamide, vitamin C, licorice root extract, and camu camu and Barbados cherries, the brightening serum from Fenty Skin tackles dark spots and evens skin tone. It’s lightweight and silky smooth, layering well under makeup for morning and nighttime use. The packaging is even refillable!
What the reviews say: “It goes on smoothly very, very light. My skin feels very soft and smooth; seems my tone has changed instantly.”
15
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR STRESS
Dr Dennis Gross B3 Adaptive Superfoods Stress Rescue Super Serum
$74 AT DERMSTORE$39 AT WALMART$74 AT NORDSTROMCREDIT: DR DENNIS GROSS
PROS
- Contains adaptogens with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
- Milky texture that goes on smoothly
- Can use day and night
CONS
- Natural scent
This serum contains 10 adaptogens, 10 superfoods, and niacinamide to help the skin readily absorb nutrients for a refreshed glow with regular use. Think maitake mushroom, maca root, cacao, and goji berry. The formula helps reduce the appearance of visible signs of stress like worry lines and flare-ups, making ideal for someone looking for a calming product.
What the reviews say: “My holy grail serum for a while to help moisturize and prevent breakouts!”
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How to choose (and use) the best niacinamide serums
Check the ingredients list: Despite what the packaging says, it’s best to scan the ingredients label and look for “niacinamide”—not nicotinic acid. “It’s thought that nicotinic acid converts into niacinamide, but nicotinic acid can cause flushing and redness of skin,” says Dr. Patel.
Use day and night: The great news is that niacinamide is gentle and can be used daily in both your morning and nighttime skincare routines. As with any serum, make sure you layer it on after cleansing (to remove makeup, dirt, and oil) and before moisturizer (so it can penetrate the skin more easily.) “I personally infuse this into my skincare routine and am regularly recommending this to my patients,” says Dr. Love.
Stick with niacinamide serums, not creams: “The vitamin is water-soluble and will most effectively absorb into the skin in a serum form,” explains Dr. Patel.
Look for two to 10%: “An effective serum should have two to 10% of niacinamide,” says Annie Gonzalez, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami.
Benefits of niacinamide serum
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that offers loads of benefits to skin. Here are some of the most outstanding benefits of niacinamide, according to experts, as previously reported by Prevention.
- Improves skin tone
- Fade dark spots
- Calms acne
- Fights stressors
- Hydrates skin
- Soothes irritation
How we chose the best niacinamide serums
We used expert input from Purvisha Patel, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, Elyse Love M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, and Annie Gonzalez, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami. Considering highly rated product from popular brands our editors trust, we also read hundreds of customer reviews to narrow down the best niacinamide serums.