The answer to most of your skin issues might be a niacinamide-infused serum. You’re probably no stranger to niacinamide, as it’s widely used in skincare products since it targets quite all skincare concerns. And if you haven’t heard of it, here we briefly break down the basics of niacinamide so you’ll know how to pick the best niacinamide serum for your needs.
What is niacinamide?
In skincare, niacinamide is an antioxidant. Technically, it’s a water-soluble form of vitamin B-3, that works with other natural substances in your skin to improve skin tone, minimize large pores, soften fine lines, and diminish acne. Yes, one element can do all these things!
How niacinamide works?
When applied to the skin, niacinamide does magic. Besides boosting the skin’s antioxidant defense system, niacinamide strengthens the protective barrier, evens tone, reduces pores look, enhances collagen synthesis, evens tone, and brightens dark spots. Yep, it pretty much does it all. Oh, I didn’t mention niacinamide is good for acne too: it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities — good news for those struggling with breakouts.
How niacinamide serum should be applied
Use your niacinamide serum every morning, and evening, after having cleansed (and toned) your complexion. Follow up with moisturizer and sunscreen (at AM).
The best niacinamide serums
We’ve picked the best serums infused with niacinamide. And so that your skin absorbs even more benefic nutrients, these serums are spiked with hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, vitamins, zinc, and retinol too — the perfect addition to your skincare routine. Check ’em out ASAP!
1. PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum
The best niacinamide serum for dark spots and uneven tone was made by PCA skin, and it vows to deliver transformative benefits. And we believe it because it’s got what it takes. First, the formula is bolstered with 6% niacinamide which says enough about its antioxidant and barrier strengthening power. Secondly, the serum packs a blend of brightening agents, including green tea, plus plankton extract, a well-known dark spots reducer. I’m pointing out that this product is fragrance-free, a great pick for sensitive skin.
2. La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum
To tackle aging signs, La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum fusions niacinamide, along with retinol, adenosine, and citric acid, each having its role in minimizing fine lines, wrinkles, and dark patches look. Besides renewing and resurfacing, the serum also aids in plumping the skin with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for a glow that screams healthy skin. The lightweight formula absorbs in no time, without ever feeling sticky or tacky, plus it’s non-comedogenic, so rest assured, it won’t clog your pores.
3. Naturium Niacinamide Serum
The holly-grail of niacinamide serums, this one contains 12% pure niacinamide and 2% zinc, helping refine skin tone and minimizing acne and large pores look. Highly concentrated, it aids in purifying and refining the complexion while increasing hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid addition. Plus, it includes vitamin C, the most potent antioxidant and collagen booster.
4. Paula’s Choice 20% Niacinamide Serum
This advanced 20% niacinamide serum targets clogged pores, bumps, and discolorations, making your skin look brand new. With the addition of vitamin C and licorice root extract, Paula’s Choice product delivers skin-changing results within just a few days of usage. Its safe and effective formula is cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certificated — we very much appreciate it!
5. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
A dream came true for oily and acne-prone skins; this serum reduces acne-causing bacteria and minimizes pores by regulating sebum production for real. It features a high concentration of two of the most efficacious blemish-battling ingredients, niacinamide, and zinc, that soothes skin and improves its overall appearance. The shot of zinc also helps repair damaged skin and encourages collagen synthesis — what I call a win-win.
6. Dr. Dennis Gross Stress Rescue Super Serum
This serum not only is supercharged with niacinamide, but it takes care of your skin with squalane, caffeine, lactic acid, vitamin C, and a blend of botanical extracts meant to nourish and protect the skin. Its hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formula is just perfect for acne-prone skin without irritating it. With a silky-smooth weightless texture, it sinks into the skin where it reduces stress, helps correct dullness, while improving skin texture on all fronts.
7. I Dew Care Juicy Kitten
This is a supercharged serum made with blemish-prone skin in mind, with a blend of niacinamide, zinc, kale, spirulina chlorella, plus a purifying complex. They all work synergistically to speed up pimples healing, balance sebum to prevent further breakouts, soothe and clear the complexion. One thing you should be aware of: it contains BHA, which makes the skin photosensitive, so you’d better apply it at night and always use sunscreen during the day.
8. Bliss Glow & Hydrate Day Serum
If your skin is dehydrated or tends to dry out excessively, reach for Bliss Glow & Hydrate Day Serum. It’s not only super-rich in niacinamide (as in the first ingredient) but also packs glycerin and sodium hyaluronate that work by attracting moisture in skin cells to reduce dryness and flaking. On top of that, the serum also contains antioxidants to shield the skin against environmental aggressors and licorice extract to enhance skin brightness and radiance. This one definitely goes as one of the best niacinamide serums.
9. Cos De BAHA Niacinamide 10% Serum
Cos De BAHA Niacinamide 10% Serum stands as the best niacinamide serum under $10. It’s powered by 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc to address breakouts, blemishes, red marks, and irritated skin. There’s also hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin, making it appear bouncy and dewy. In plus, 78% of ingredients are from organic sources — good news for clean skincare lovers!
