To know me is to know that I have had a very tumultuous relationship with my skin, and I don’t take my giving of skincare advice lightly—particularly when it comes to niacinamide serums. Let me explain: In my mid-twenties, my previously clear, plump, glowing complexion took a turn for the worse—I developed hormonal acne, I started noticing dark spots developing on my forehead, my oil production went into overdrive, my pore-minimising primers couldn’t handle their job, and post-breakout scarring became a real issue.
Since then, I have spent seven years trying to reclaim my previous complexion, and I can count on one hand the number of genuine compliments I have had in relation to my skin throughout that time. I guess what I’m trying to say here is that if you have skin issues right now, I get it—and I will never be frivolous with my handing out of advice as a result. So believe me when I say that the single best thing a skin expert has recommended was to introduce a niacinamide serum into my daily skincare routine.
Despite the fact I have long considered niacinamide to be one of the best ingredients for my skin, it has only been for the past six months or so that I have stuck to my daily niacinamide serum application religiously. There have been previous periods in which I have dabbled in niacinamide application, but it wasn’t until one of my go-to facialists seriously recommended it to me last summer that I really stuck with it for a prolonged period of time.
The result? Clearer skin, refined pores, faded scarring, and a generally healthier-looking, more glowing complexion. In fact, for the first time in years I have been receiving compliments on my skin—and by the bucketload, too. Just ten minutes before I sat down to write this story, a colleague pulled me aside to say how great my skin has been looking recently. So what exactly do niacinamide serums do, and why might you need one? I’ve asked the experts to clear things up.
What Is Niacinamide?
Let’s start with the basics. “Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3,” says Dr Shendy Engelina, consultant dermatologist and clinical service lead at Dermatica. “As a water-soluble vitamin, the body cannot produce it on its own, so we typically need to obtain it through our diet or skincare. Niacinamide is a key component in many of treatments and can address a wide range of skin concerns, from acne to signs of skin ageing and everything in between.”
What Are the Benefits of Using a Niacinamide Serum?
For the most part, niacinamide is considered to be a bit of a wonder ingredient amongst skin experts. “Niacinamide has a number of skin benefits including minimising pore size, evening skin tone, and diminishing dullness, fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide also works to reduce inflammation and redness,” says Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist and founder of Joonbyrd.
Due to its impressive anti-inflammatory properties, Dr Engelina says that niacinamide is particularly effective at reducing the appearance of skin conditions “such as acne, rosacea, and eczema”. Notably, niacinamide is also considered a somewhat effective ingredient in helping to reduce the appearance of inflammation-related scarring and post-breakout marks.
“Niacinamide is well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive, dry, oily, and combination skin. Additionally, it’s gentle enough to be used alongside other active ingredients without causing irritation,” adds Dr Engelina.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Niacinamide Serum?
For the most part, there shouldn’t be much upset from incorporating a niacinamide serum into your routine. However, in a small number of people niacinamide is known to cause some irritation. “Niacinamide is generally very well tolerated. However, rarely niacinamide can cause a flushing reaction and should be discontinued if this occurs,” warns Dr Granite.
It is thought, however, that some of this irritation relates to certain formulas and certain routines. “Possible side effects include skin irritation, such as redness or itching, and in some instances, it may lead to sensitivity, particularly when used at high concentrations or combined with other exfoliating actives like acids,” reveals Dr Engelina. My advice? Carry out a patch test before committing to a new niacinamide serum to ensure your skin can tolerate it well, and look for gentle formulas to start with.
Can You Use a Niacinamide Serum Every Day?
In short: yes. Niacinamide is considered best applied in serum form to really maximise its effects, and these niacinamide serums can be applied daily. “To maximise absorption, cleanse your face before application. Start with a lower concentration (between 2% and 5%) applied once daily, and gradually increase to twice daily as your skin builds tolerance,” advises Dr Engelina.
The best part about using niacinamide serums, in my opinion, is all in their versatility—they are essentially foolproof. “Niacinamide can be layered with other ingredients. It has been shown to boost the hydrating properties of moisturiser and works well alongside ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and fatty acids. It can be used alongside actives such as vitamin C, tranexamic acid, liquorice, and bakuchiol for brightening; as well as with retinol and peptides for collagen boosting and texture improvement,” says Dr Granite.
What Is the Most Effective Niacinamide Serum?
To be quite honest with you, I am yet to meet a niacinamide serum that I really dislike. However, having really committed to trying every formula that has come my way, I feel as though I am in a pretty good place to advise your next niacinamide purchase.
While niacinamide is somewhat of a wonder ingredient, it’s worth knowing that different serums tend to target slightly different skin concerns. Because niacinamide can be successfully combined with so many different ingredients and actives, the overall formulas of each serum vary greatly. Luckily for you I’ve tried loads—these are the best niacinamide serums for every skin type and concern.
1. Beauty Pie Superdrops Brightening Niacinamide
Beauty Pie
Superdrops Brightening Niacinamide
Best Niacinamide Serum Overall
Price shown is members’ price.
This is the serum that I deem responsible for winning me all of the compliments on my skin in recent months. It feels cooling and hydrating on application, making it the ultimate morning pick-me-up, and the results are subtle but, clearly, very effective. Skin is left brighter, smoother, more radiant, and pores are notably refined after just a couple of weeks of use. In the winter, it works exceptionally well under a hydrating face cream, while it in the summer it boosts the juicy glow of my go-to gel moisturisers and SPFs.
For
- Lightweight
- Sits well under makeup
- Affordable
Against
- Beauty Pie membership required to benefit from lower price accessibility
- Not deeply moisturising
2. La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum
La Roche-Posay
Mela B3 Serum
Best Niacinamide Serum for Dark Spots
If I had to choose my personal favourite niacinamide serum it would be this. While niacinamide isn’t the main active ingredient in this formula, it does a stand-up job at turning my skin around for the better. The hero ingredient is Melasyl, a L’Oréal-patented ingredient that targets and reduces the appearance of post-breakout marks—something my skin is plagued with. It also contains retinyl palmitate to help boost glow and further fade dark spots. When combined with the powers of niacinamide, it leaves skin looking smoother, more even in tone, and generally healthier.
For
- Really effective at reducing and preventing the appearance of dark spots
- Boosts glow
- Reduces the appearance of breakouts
Against
- Contains silicone, so be cautious of pilling if you have particularly oily skin
- Contains retinyl palmitate, which might not suit sensitive skin types
3. Paula’s Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Paula’s Choice
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Best Pore-Shrinking Niacinamide Serum
If you are after a somewhat basic niacinamide serum to help refine the appearance of your pores, this is the one for you. The product itself is no frills—the packaging isn’t fancy, the texture isn’t anything special, and using it every day doesn’t spark any immediate joy, but I promise you the long-term results are worth it. The formula is potent, so it might not be one for beginners.
For
- Visible difference in pore appearance
- Very potent formula
Against
- Not hydrating enough for drier skin types
- Has a very slight stickiness
4. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
Sunday Riley
B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
Best Luxury Niacinamide Serum
You might read some reviews online that disagree with me, but I actually think this is the best universal, luxury niacinamide serum out there. Sure, there are plenty of other formulas that look, feel, and generally are more expensive, but they each have their own niche customer. B3 Nice, however, should work for everyone. The texture is silky and light, and it generally feels joyous to use. Yes, like all Sunday Riley products, it has a somewhat medicinal smell, but personally I quite like it. And even if you don’t like the scent, you’ll be so distracted by how much clearer your skin looks after a few weeks of use that you’ll get over the fragrance pretty quickly.
For
- Noticeable reduction in pore visibility and dark spots
- Has a luxurious texture
Against
- Has a distinct medicinal smell that some may not like
- On the pricier side
5. Byoma Brightening Serum
Best Hydrating Niacindamide Serum
It is worth remembering that many of our skin concerns arise in the first place because the skin barrier is compromised—something that is particularly true when it comes inflammatory issues. This really impressive serum (especially considering its price) contains a ceramide complex to help nourish and restore a compromised barrier, while niacinamide works against inflammation and hyaluronic acid boosts hydration and glow. It’s nothing fancy, it’s not overly potent, but my gosh is it a great daily serum.
For
- Effectively hydrating
- Great value for money
- Delivers instant radiance
Against
- Doesn’t feel particularly luxurious or sumptuous on application
- Not the most potent formula
6. Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc %2
Naturium
Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Best Decongesting Niacinamide Serum
Sure, niacinamide helps to reduce the appearance of pores by working to regulate oil production, but so too does zinc. In this combination formula, niacinamide and zinc work together to balance excess oil on the skin, refine its overall appearance, and keep oily skin happy and healthy. I love every product Naturium has ever produced, and this impressive serum is no different.
For
- Noticeably minimises congestion breakouts
- Good for sensitive skin
Against
- Is a gentle formula that might not be as hardworking as others on the list
- Not particularly luxurious in texture
7. Verso Hydration Serum With Niacinamide
Verso
Hydration Serum With Niacinamide
Best Soothing Niacinamide Serum
I can’t begin to tell you how many bottles of this stuff I have got through. If it wasn’t for the huge price tag, this would, hands down, be my most recommended skincare product of all time. What makes it just so exceptional? At its core, it is a barrier-restoring serum that delivers lightweight but seriously efficacious hydration. Whenever my skin is feeling slightly sensitised or is looking a little red, this soothing bottle of goodness is the first thing I reach for. Beyond the soothing hydration, it also delivers niacinamide benefits in the form of oil regulation and reduction in appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores.
For
- Great for sensitive skin
- Super moisturising
Against
- On the pricier side (but does have a luxurious feel)
8. SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Neuro-Peptide Serum
Skinceuticals
P-Tiox Neuro-Peptide Serum
Best Niacinamide Serum for Fine Lines
While this is by far the most expensive niacinamide serum on this list, it is also by far the most high-tech. The superstar ingredient in this serum is acetyl hexapeptide-8, otherwise known as argireline, which is renowned for its ability to visibly reduce the appearance of muscle contraction lines. And while this serum does a stand-up job at doing this, it also contains a hearty amount of niacinamide to keep skin hydrated and even in tone, while PHA delivers gentle exfoliation. I know I’m not alone in my love for this one—everyone I know who is using it loves it as much as I do.
For
- Contains high-tech and potent ingredients
- Visibly reduces appearance of fine lines
Against
- Very pricey
- Not ideal for super-sensitive skin
9. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
The Ordinary
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Best Affordable Niacinamide Serum
Okay, I’ll be honest: this serum isn’t all that different from the aforementioned Naturium one, but it does contain a less potent concoction of niacinamide and zinc. It also lacks some of the same luxurious pizzazz—but for just £5, I’d expect it to be so. If you’re in the market for a good entry-level niacinamide serum to help regulate oil production and reduce the appearance of oversized pores, this is the single best place to start.
For
- Incredible value for money
- An efficacious all-rounder
Against
- Can cause irritation in some
- Lacks luxury points
10. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Best Glow-Boosting Niacinamide Serum
Truthfully, I was in two minds as to whether or not I should include this on my edit of the best niacinamide serums but ultimately decided it is too good at what it does to leave it off. Let me make this clear: In my opinion, this is not a good daily skincare serum for everyone. Yes, it contains niacinamide and does deliver all of the skin-brightening, pore-refining results it promises, but it has a very dewy finish. For this reason, it is most often used as a makeup primer or acts as a glow-booster to mix in with your foundation—this is when it becomes truly exceptional.
For
- Delivers immediate radiance
- Acts as a great primer
Against
- Should really only be used as a part of your make-up routine
11. Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Serum
Caudalie
Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Serum
Best Niacinamide Serum for Breakouts
As someone who battles with acne and clogged pores, believe me when I say this is one of the best serums that money can buy when it comes to reducing pimples and controlling excess oil production. It champions salicylic acid first and foremost, which is my single favourite exfoliating ingredient for unclogging pores and reducing breakout-causing congestion. What makes it so great, however, is the inclusion of niacinamide, which makes the formula feel gentle and soothing as you apply it, as well as supercharging those oil-regulating properties. The cherry on top? The subtle botanical scent is a total joy for those, like me, who adore a ritualistic skincare routine.
For
- Gently exfoliating
- Reduces appearance of breakouts
Against
- Not ideal for dry skin
- Has a strong fragrance
