12 Best Niacinamide Serums Of 2024 – Reviews & Buying Guide
Add these versatile products to your skincare routine to keep rashes and redness at bay.
Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.H... more
oyendrila kanjilalCommerce Writer Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
shiboli chakrabortiCommerce Editor Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties and is abundant in vitamin B3. The only way our body can obtain niacinamide is through supplements and following a proper diet. A niacinamide serum is an excellent addition to your skincare as it can provide nourishment and help deal with topical inflammation. Niacinamide serums can help manage rosacea, eczema, hypersensitivity, flare-ups, redness, and rashes. If you face one or more of these skin concerns, you need to get your hands on a good-quality niacinamide serum. If you’re unsure about which serum to choose, we’ve got a list of the best niacinamide serums on the market. Go through this list to know more.
In This Article
Top 12 Niacinamide Serums Your Skin Will Love
1. Best Paraben-Free Serum: InstaNatural Niacinamide Serum
Image: Instanatural InstaNatural Niacinamide Serum restores and maintains your skin’s protective barrier. It aids in fighting against external inflammatory factors that cause breakouts, hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and signs of skin aging. This serum has a unique blend of botanical extracts that supplement niacinamide. They include avocado oil, rosemary extract, hyaluronic acid, meadowfoam seed oil, hibiscus extract, lavender oil, and Asian pennywort. It deeply nourishes the skin layers and treats free radical damage. When used regularly, this niacinamide serum has proven efficacy in tightening skin pores, controlling blemishes, and plumping up sagging skin. It leaves behind a natural radiance and is gentle on all skin types.
Dr. Schwarzburg, MD, says, “This InstaNatural Niacinamide serum contains various ingredients that hydrate your skin. One of the key ingredients is hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture and in its natural form is produced by the body to keep the skin hydrated. The gentle formula is ideal for those with oily skin, as it will not cause excess oiliness.” The product has not been tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, avocado oil, rosemary extract, aloe leaf juice, meadowfoam seed oil, and Asian pennywort
Pros
- Brightens the complexion
- Deeply nourishing formula
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightens acne scars
- Relieves redness
- Lightweight
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Mineral oil-free
- Preservative-free
- Pleasant fragrance
- Allergy tested
Cons
- May dry out the skin
- May cause breakouts
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,852 reviews claiming its efficacy.
2. Best Hydrating Serum: Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Multivitamin Booster
Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Multivitamin Booster Serum features hyaluronic acid and niacinamide as active ingredients along with other botanicals and biochemical ingredients that energize and brighten dull and pale skin. This serum instantly replenishes and restores the moisture barrier of your skin. It deeply hydrates and soothes dry and irritated skin with a single application. Its weightless and non-comedogenic formula revitalizes and clears up oily and acne-prone skin. You can mix this serum with your regular moisturizer and wear it all day under makeup too.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, tocopherol, Irish moss powder, river weeds extract, and citric acid
Pros
- Offers deep hydration
- Soothes dry and irritated skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Mineral oil-free
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Non-sticky
- Spreads well
- Refreshing scent
- Leaves no residue
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
- Can be worn under makeup
Cons
- Thick gel consistency
- May cause breakouts
3. Best Affordable: Tree Of Life Niacinamide Serum
Image: Tree Of Life Beauty Tree Of Life Niacinamide Serum has superior moisturizing and skin-tightening properties. It softens and conditions dry and sensitive skin by preventing moisture loss. This formula dries quickly and can be used under makeup or before going to bed. The natural antioxidants in aloe leaves, neem seeds, rosemary leaves, sunflower seeds, and avocado help with pore minimization and tightening the skin. It also helps brighten the complexion. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide hydrate your skin and stimulate collagen production naturally. Use this serum regularly to get plumper, smoother, and healthier skin with smaller pores.
Dr. Schwarzburg, MD, says, “This Tree of Life serum is packed with ingredients that are nourishing for the skin. However, it is dense and contains various oils that are not optimal for someone who already has oily skin. If you have dry skin, then this serum may be the perfect option for you.” The product has not undergone testing on animals.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, aloe leaf juice, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, neem seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and rosemary leaf extract
Pros
- Tightens the skin
- Nourishes dry skin
- Prevents moisture loss
- Long-lasting
- Can be worn under makeup
- Suitable for all skin types
- Easy to apply
- Affordable
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Thick consistency
- May clog pores
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 5,042 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
InstaNatural Niacinamide Serum Best Paraben-Free Serum | Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Multivitamin Booster Best Hydrating Serum | Tree Of Life Niacinamide Serum Best Affordable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal | All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal | Dry |
| Dimensions | 1.9 x 2 x 3.1 inches | 1.9 x 2 x 3.1 inches | - |
| Weight | 2.5 Ounces | 2.5 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,852 | - | 5,042 |
| Price | $22.95 | - | $14.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best For Brighter Skin: Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Image: Naturium Naturium Niacinamide Serum is a concentrated product with 12% pure niacinamide and 2% zinc PCA. This high-performance serum lightens uneven skin tone and minimizes the appearance of open pores. It polishes your skin texture by smoothening out fine lines and lightening dark spots. Despite the high concentration of niacinamide (vitamin B3) and zinc salt, this formula is set to a safe pH of 5.0-5.6. This potent combination improves the complexion of inflamed and clogged skin and brightens the skin. The Naturium Niacinamide Serum is preservative-free, cruelty-free, and safe to be used on all skin types. The product has not been tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, sodium hyaluronate, and citric acid
Pros
- Appropriate pH level
- Softens fine lines
- Subtle fragrance
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Tightens skin pores
- Reduces acne and scars
- Brightens the skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Clinically-proven
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Thick consistency
- Difficult to apply
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,421 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
5. Best For Daily Use: Cos De BAHA Niacinamide 10 Serum
Image: Cos De Baha The Niacinamide 10 Serum by Cos De BAHA features sun protecting, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating agents. These antioxidant-rich extracts prevent premature skin aging caused by free radicals and UV rays. Soothing components like allantoin, aloe leaf juice, and niacinamide calm eczema, acne, and itching. Niacinamide also boosts the natural collagen production to plump up and blur, fine lines, and crepey skin.
This niacinamide product has proven efficacy in helping with wrinkle reduction and minimizing open pores and tone differences. It is safe for daily use as it has no preservatives, synthetic ingredients, and hydroquinone. This silky serum disappears instantly into the skin. Hence, it can be used under makeup or with other non-acidic skin care products. The product has not undergone testing on animals.
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, allantoin, niacinamide, witch hazel leaf extract, rosemary leaf extract, thyme extract, eucalyptus leaf extract
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Fights hyperpigmentation
- Paraben-free
- Restores moisture barrier
- No artificial color
- Soothes dry skin
- Minimizes pores
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Long-lasting hydration
- Easy to apply
Cons
- May cause acne
- Inconsistent product quality
CautionWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 4,151 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
6. Best User-Friendly: Valjean Labs Restore Niacinamide + Zinc Facial Serum
Image: Valjean Labs Valjean Labs Niacinamide + Zinc Facial Serum contains an active blend of niacinamide and zinc that soothes inflamed skin. It softens blemishes, breakouts, wrinkles, fine lines, redness, and sun damage on all skin types. This serum also contains moisturizing honeysuckle flower extract that deeply nourishes dry and sensitive skin. Zinc naturally enhances collagen production to make your skin look firmer, younger, and lifted. This lightweight serum is non-sticky and controls excess sebum production. It smoothens the skin texture and adds a youthful radiance to it with consistent use. The product has not been tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc, and honeysuckle flower extract
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Suitable for all skin types
- Soothes acne
- Reduces wrinkles
- Minimizes large open pores
- Easy to apply
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Controls oiliness
- Affordable
- Long-lasting
- User-friendly applicator
Cons
- Watery consistency
- Contains alcohol
7. Best Collagen-Booster: Skin Daily Vitamin B3 Niacinamide 5% Serum
Image: Skin Daily Skincare Solutions Skin Daily Vitamin B3 Niacinamide 5% Serum boosts collagen to plump up mature skin. Hyaluronic acid restores and maintains the skin’s moisture barrier to prevent water loss and help in moisture retention. Niacinamide evens out the skin tone and tightens open pores. It effectively soothes acne, flare-ups, and the associated redness and scars. This serum works on the signs of aging – wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage.
It deeply rejuvenates dull, dry, and crepey skin to give you a firmer, healthier, and youthful look. This niacinamide serum is vegan and cruelty-free. It is also free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic preservatives. For best results, use this serum after cleansing and toning. Warm up a small pea-size amount of the serum by rubbing it between your hands and spread it evenly on the face and neck. Follow up the serum with a lotion or cream after 5 minutes.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Prevents moisture loss
- Repairs sun damage
- Tightens sagging skin
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- No preservatives
- Phthalate-free
- Non-greasy
- Long-lasting
- Spreads easily
Cons
- May cause breakouts
"I love using this product every day. It leaves my skin soft without causing any irritation or breakouts. It fits in my skin care routine pretty easily. I use it to maintain healthy skin."
8. Best For Morning Skin Care: Bliss Glow & Hydrate Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid Day Serum
Image: Bliss Bliss Glow & Hydrate Day Serum is formulated with special-grade antioxidant-rich niacinamide that leaves your skin glowing and fresh every day. It also contains hydrating elements like aloe leaf juice and hyaluronic acid that replenish the moisture and nutrients in dry and tired skin. Vitamin E provides superior antioxidant protection from environmental damage, aging, and inflammation. This serum reduces blemishes, dark spots, open pores, acne, and skin sensitivity. It smoothens the skin texture, brightens uneven skin tone, and lifts up your skin in the subtlest and most natural way. You can use it in your morning skin care routine before moisturizing. This formula does not weigh heavily on your skin or clog pores but leaves your skin with a faint honeysuckle fragrance. The product has not undergone testing on animals.
Key Ingredients: Special-grade niacinamide, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice
Pros
- Minimizes open pores
- Reduces blemishes and dark spots
- Prevents skin damage
- Improves skin texture
- Evens out the skin tone
- Soothes inflammation
- Imparts a healthy glow
- Vegan
- Leaves no residue
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Pleasant fragrance
- PETA-certified
- Trendy packaging
Cons
- Dries out the skin
- May cause dry patches and flaking
9. Best Serum For Mature Skin: QRxLabs Niacinamide + Retinol Serum
Image: Qrxlabs QRxLabs Niacinamide + Retinol Serum is a quick-absorbing, age-defying formula recognized by dermatologists. It deeply nourishes and hydrates the natural barrier of your skin. Its clinically-proven formula features moisturizing and anti-aging components like niacinamide, retinol, jojoba oil, vitamin E, retinol, propolis, and dandelion extracts. These ingredients work on softening fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and signs of photoaging. They boost collagen production to make your skin look firmer and brighter. Hydrating agents like aloe leaf juice, hyaluronic acid, geranium extract, and green tea extract restore the moisture and nutrient balance in dry and mature skin. Using this affordable serum regularly leaves your skin feeling radiant, youthful, and well-rested.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, retinol, aloe vera extract, vitamin E, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, geranium extract, propolis, and gotu kola extract
Pros
- Hydrates the skin
- Reduces acne scars and open pores
- Improves skin elasticity
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Lightens dark spots
- Offers deep hydration
- Suitable for all skin types
- Fast-acting formula
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-recognized
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Dermatologist-approved
Cons
- Leaves a sticky residue
- May cause skin discoloration
10. Best Non-Comedogenic: Gia Naturals B3 Serum Niacinamide 5%
Image: Gia Naturals This vitamin B3 Serum by Gia Naturals uses the highest-quality niacinamide in a 5% concentration and is safe for all skin types. Its potent anti-inflammatory properties clear blemishes and uneven discoloration. Hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, and other hydrating agents introduce moisture and nutrients in aging skin to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, open pores, and dullness. It makes your skin look plump and firm as it boosts collagen and fights free radical damage. Use it twice daily after cleansing for visible results. This Gia Naturals serum is made only with pure, natural, and organic ingredients in a USFDA-registered facility to ensure safety and efficacy. It can be used on sensitive and irritated skin with minimum side effects. The product has not undergone testing on animals.
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, niacinamide, glycerin, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, vitamin-e, sunflower seed oil, neem seed oil, rosemary leaf extract, and sunflower seed oil
Pros
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Fights free radical damage
- Boosts collagen production
- Minimizes open pores
- Makes the skin firm
- Clears acne spots
- Soothes inflamed skin
- Cruelty-free
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
- Can be used on neck, hands, arms, legs
- Suitable for skin types
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Vegan
- Non-comedogenic
- Offers smooth application
Cons
- Feels sticky
- May cause skin dullness
"I have been using this serum in my routine for quite some time now. It softens and adds a glow to my skin. It also works on fine lines and enlarged pores. Its texture is pleasant and does not feel sticky."
11. Best For Deep Hydration: Paula’s Choice BOOST 10% Niacinamide Booster
Image: Paula's Choice Paula’s Choice BOOST 10% Niacinamide Booster is a concentrated niacinamide serum that dramatically improves skin texture, tone, and elasticity. It softens the signs of aging and shrinks large, open pores. This booster also contains allantoin and licorice root extracts that soothe inflamed scars, acne, redness, and uneven skin tone. This hydrating serum rejuvenates the skin from within to make it look smooth, supple, and radiant. It is a lightweight, ultra-sheer formula that does not clog skin pores. The watery consistency ensures it spreads quickly and evenly and penetrates deep into the skin. You can use it alone or add it to your moisturizer or other treatments for great results.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, allantoin, punarnava extract, licorice extract, genistein, and sodium hyaluronate
Pros
- Lightweight
- Brightens the complexion
- Shrinks open pores
- Evens out the skin tone
- Imparts a radiant glow
- Soothes acne-prone skin
- Non-greasy
- Suitable for oily skin
- Spreads easily
- Mixes well with other products
Cons
- Expensive
- Too little quantity
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 128 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
12. Best For Clear Skin: Trauemy Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
Image: The Ordinary The Trauemy Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum contains niacinamide and zinc to improve clogged pores, lighten blemishes, and control the skin’s oiliness to reveal healthy and clear skin. It helps with redness reduction and even rough pores, making it smooth and improving its overall texture. With regular usage, it also even tones the skin complexion and reduces the oily gloss, making your skin look naturally gorgeous.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Zinc
Pros
- Improves clogged pores
- Lightens blemishes
- Calms redness
- Controls skin oil balance
- Removes shiny oiliness from the face
- Even tones the complexion
- Reveals smooth skin
Cons
- Might take time to show results
These niacinamide serums are highly effective, versatile, and deliver long-term results. Wondering how they work on your skin? Find out more in the following section.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Niacinamide On Skin?
Niacinamide has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on all skin types. It helps to:
- Improve skin texture and elasticity
- Strengthen the skin’s protective barrier
- Reduce irritated or flaky skin caused by inflammation
- Replenish natural lipids in the skin surface
- Mitigate moisture loss
- Maintain pore size in all skin types
- Diminish under-eye concerns
- Protect skin from sun damage
- Soothe sensitivity and skin irritation
Niacinamide is essential for your skin. This versatile vitamin solves nearly all of the nagging skin concerns you have had at some point in time. And, the listed benefits apply to all skin types. But, how to pick the right serum for your skin? Read on to know more.
How To Pick The Right Niacinamide Serum For Your Skin
- Niacinamide Concentration
5% niacinamide is the recommended dose that is safe and shows maximum efficacy. Opt for serums that have nearly 5% niacinamide. They take longer to show expected results but are, nevertheless, safer than 10 or 12% ones. Higher concentrations may cause niacinamide overload with moderate to severe side effects.
- Active Ingredients
Choose serums with hydrating or moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, zinc compounds, glycerin, allantoin, essential oils, nut butter, fatty alcohols, propolis/honey, and sunflower seed extract. Also, look for antioxidants like vitamins E, A, and C and extracts of green tea leaves, chamomile, licorice root, hibiscus flowers, and neem seeds. These active ingredients supplement niacinamide in delivering anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and skin-renewal effects.
- Skin Type
This is one of the most critical criteria in choosing the best serum. Most niacinamide serums are made for all skin types. Since they offer anti-inflammatory effects, they can be used on sensitive, delicate, and mature skin too. However, look out for individual ingredients that irritate your skin type particularly and perform a patch test to avoid any reactions. It could be some essential oils, fragrances, nut derivatives, or flower extracts. As a measure of caution, read the serum contents from start to finish every time you make a purchase.
Infographic: Key Ingredients That Enhance The Effects Of A Niacinamide Serum
A niacinamide serum is enhanced with complementary ingredients that boost the formula’s effectiveness and improve its impact on the skin. These ingredients offer great benefits while reducing the appearance of pores and calming redness. Before picking the ideal serum for your skin, take a look at the infographic below to learn more about these essential ingredients that complement niacinamide-based formulas.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Niacinamide serums deal with topical inflammation while providing nourishment to your skin. They also help reduce eczema, redness, and rashes. Good Niacinamide serums tend to create a protective barrier above your skin that helps in fighting premature signs of aging, breakouts, and blemishes. The InstaNatural Niacinamide Serum offers deep nourihment and is anti-inflammatory. Opt for the Tree Of Life Niacinamide Serum for skin tightening and to minimize pores. The Cos De BAHA Niacinamide 10 Serum tackles hyperpigmentation and promotes collagen production. These serums also tend to brighten your skin and bring out your natural glow. But, it is better to avoid those serums that have a super thick consistency and cause breakouts. You should also steer clear of Niacinamide serums that fail to reduce oiliness in your skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach. In this article, she lists the best niacinamide serums that can help manage various skin concerns, provide nourishment, and help deal with topical inflammation. She spent hours browsing through many reviews, selecting only the best for you. These products have been recommended as they are long-lasting, easy to apply, and suitable for all skin types.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you not mix with niacinamide?
You should not mix any acidic skin care ingredient with niacinamide. These include AHAs, BHAs, retinoic acid, and vitamin C. Exfoliants like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, etc., also don’t go well with it. They nullify the soothing effects of niacinamide.
When and how often should niacinamide be applied?
If tolerated well, you can use niacinamide twice a day. But, make sure you avoid using it with acidic components. You can apply niacinamide in the day and other acidic skin care products at night. Since it is non-acidic, niacinamide products blend safely with moisturizers, sunblock, and face makeup.
How long does niacinamide take to work?
If using you are using a 5% niacinamide product, it takes about 8-12 weeks to show visible results. This concentration is the safest to work with and causes no skin irritation. It is recommended to avoid using higher doses of niacinamide for quick results.
Can I use niacinamide serum while pregnant?
Yes. Topical usage of niacinamide serum is safe during pregnancy.
Can I use niacinamide serum with hyaluronic acid?
Yes. Use niacinamide serum with hyaluronic acid to strengthen the skin barrier and deeply moisturize the skin. Both are water-booster humectants, unlikely to cause irritations when used together.
Can I use niacinamide serum with a moisturizer?
Yes. Use a niacinamide serum with an oil-based moisturizer to improve the efficiency of the serum in nourishing the skin, reversing aging signs, eliminating acne, and protecting the skin.
Does niacinamide serum cause skin peel?
No. Niacinamide does not impact the skin turnover rate and does not cause peeling. This mild ingredient is gentle to even the most sensitive skin if used the right way.
Is niacinamide serum good for teenage skin?
Yes. Niacinamide is a mild active ingredient that firms teenage skin, fights acne-causing bacteria, and prevents aging signs.
Is vitamin C or niacinamide serum better?
Vitamin C serum exfoliates and brightens your skin, whereas niacinamide serum hydrates and protects the skin barrier. Niacinamide serum is gentle on the skin and has fewer side effects than vitamin C serum. Therefore, niacinamide serum is better.
What are the side effects of niacinamide serum?
Niacinamide, being a gentle ingredient, does not damage the skin. However, using a product with a high concentration of niacinamide may result in redness, dry skin, and burning and itchy sensations.
