Niacinamide — also known as vitamin B3 — certainly isn’t a new or unheard-of skincare ingredient! It has been a staple in skincare products for years but has gained a lot of popularity over the last few years, thanks to its wide range of benefits for the skin.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a very stable form of Vitamin B3 that can tackle practically all kinds of skin concerns, from acne and enlarged pores to hyperpigmentation and signs of aging.
What is Niacinamide good for?
Niacinamide is a multi-functional, hard-working hero that has been clinically proven to improve uneven skin tone and texture and brighten skin (help fade acne scars and discoloration) and also minimize the appearance of large pores and balance oil production.
Niacinamide can even help reduce acne (without causing dryness or irritation) and soothe redness, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. As if all that weren’t enough, the best Niacinamide serums also help to strengthen the skin’s barrier function to help lock in moisture for a healthy, hydrated complexion.
One of the great things about Niacinamide is that it’s relatively well-tolerated by all skin types, even for those with sensitive skin. However, everyone’s skin is different so it’s best to patch test any new product before adding it to your routine.
Also, Niacinamide is generally compatible with other active ingredients in your skincare routine, including Retinol, AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid and won’t interfere with anything else you’re using. So you don’t have to give up any of your other skincare favorites to fit Niacinamide in your routine!
Can You Use Niacinamide and Vitamin C together?
If you’re using a product that contains both Vitamin C and Niacinamide in the ingredient list, it’s likely been specially formulated so that they can work together. But if you’re using two different products with these ingredients, wait at least 15-20 minutes between applications, or save one for morning use and the other for evening use.
If you are looking for an affordable way to add this superstar to your skincare routine, here is a list of the best Niacinamide serums (all under $25) that you can easily grab either at your local drugstore or Amazon!
Best Niacinamide Serums
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% ($14.50)
This concentrated serum is formulated with 12% Niacinamide and 2% zinc PCA which work together to improve uneven skin tone, texture and reduce the appearance of dark spots and large pores for a more even-looking complexion. It also contains glycerin, vitamin E and Hyaluronic acid for hydration benefits. Fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free. Suitable for all skin types.
Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb 10% Niacinamide Serum ($8.90)
Although not available at drugstores, Geek & Gorgeous products are super affordable…in fact this is the least expensive product in the list!
Especially suitable for oily/combination and acne-prone skin, this fragrance-free serum with 10% Niacinamide helps normalize enlarged pores, excess oiliness and reduce blemishes. It also conatins Zinc PCA and Sarcosine that further enhance Niacinamide’s already awesome problem solving skills! With a light hydrating feel, it has a thin non-sticky gel consistency that does not pill and layers well with other products in a multiple-step skincare routine. Vegan and cruelty-free.
COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum with Acetyl Glucosamine + Zinc PCA ($20.49)
Specially designed for acne-prone skin, this is a highly concentrated serum that combines 15% Niacinamide with 2% N-Acetylglucosamine that works in synergy with niacinamide to smooth rough skin texture and fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Plus, the formula also contains 1% Zinc PCA that inhibits inflammation, breakouts and control sebum production AND allantoin that moisturizes and soothes irritated skin. Lightweight and non-sticky, this fragrance-free serum is non-comedogenic.
Byoma Brightening Serum ($16.99)
Along with Niacinamide, this lightweight hydrating serum is infused with skin-barrier boosting Tri-Ceramide Complex (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids) and Hyaluronic acid. It helps significantly improve dull tone and texture for brighter, radiant, more hydrated skin. The fragrance-free formula also contains antioxidants to defend skin against environmental aggressors. Non-comedogenic, vegan & cruelty free. Best for dry skin.
Urban Skin Rx PHA + 10% Niacinamide Smaller Pores Serum ($23.99)
This serum features a Polyhydroxy Acid (aka PHA), 10% Niacinamide and 2% Glycolic Acid to double-team clogged pores and deliver gentle exfoliation, decongestion, excess oil control plus pore-tightening benefits for a smooth, refined complexion. It also contains salicylic acid and Probiotics to support the skin barrier function, reduce redness and fight breakouts. Ideal for oily and combination skin, the clear gel formula is lightweight with a tea tree oil scent.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost + 10% Niacinamide Serum ($17.09)
Formulated with 10% Niacinamide plus Hyaluronic acid, this serum hydrates skin while improving uneven, blotchy skin tone and texture. It revitalizes tired, dull complexion with a lightweight hydrating formula that deeply moisturizes. Great for all skin types, it’s fragrance-free and cruelty-free.
Olay Niacinamide + Peptide 24 Anti-Wrinkle Serum ($14.99)
This serum combines Niacinamide with Peptides to pack a powerful punch of anti-aging benefits! Not only does it hydrate and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier but also smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The lightweight, fragrance-free formula absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky or tacky feeling behind.
SEPHORA Collection Gentle Peeling Serum with Niacinamide + Lactic Acid ($20)
This fabulous serum is also not from a drugstore brand but comes with an affordable price tag and deserves a spot in this list! It’s formulated with 5% Niacinamide to help reduce the appearance of blemishes, dullness and tackle congested pores. It also contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate skin and smooth skin texture for a soft, glowing complexion.
Peach Slices Oil Control Pore Serum ($20)
Another great serum ideal for oily/combination and acne-prone skin. It combines active ingredients 5% Niacinamide, Zinc PCA and an anti-sebum complex featuring Korean herbal roots to control excess oil, minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and mattify skin for a smooth, shine-free finish. Plus, the fragrance-free formula includes Cica and Green Tea extract to soothe skin and reduce signs of inflammation. Cruelty-free.
Olay Super Serum ($29.94)
This super serum features 5 key ingredients that work together to provide a myriad of skin benefits. In addition to Niacinamide, the formula includes skin-smoothing lactic acid, collagen-boosting collagen peptide, moisture-boosting Hyaluronic acid plus antioxidants vitamin C and E.
This blend of powerful actives helps deliver a more even-looking skin tone, smoother skin texture and fine lines, improved firmness and long-lasting hydration. The serum looks like an iridescent purple straight out of the bottle but turns clear as you apply. It absorbs quickly with a smooth finish, no sticky or tacky feeling.
I hope you will find this roundup of the best Niacinamide serums helpful! For me, a high concentration Niacinamide serum (10%) has worked really well to make a significant improvement in my skin tone and texture (more even, smoother skin for the win!)
Shop this post…
Leave a Reply