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The 10 Best Niacinamide Serums For Radiant Skin
Nearly every skincare brand has a niacinamide serum—so we asked our expert dermatologists to break down the best ones.
There's a reason that niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3) is so ubiquitous in today's skincare space. When used in low concentrations, it's a powerhouse ingredient with many skin-boosting benefits and almost no side effects. When applied topically in a serum, niacinamide treats our most common inflammatory skin concerns, from acne to hyperpigmentation, while addressing signs of aging, smoothing skin texture and lines, and protecting skin from UV damage.
Shop the Best Niacinamide Serums
"It's one of my favorite ingredients because it does a whole host of great things for the skin," Courtney Rubin, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder and chief medical officer of Fig. 1 Beauty, tells Bazaar. "It evens skin tone, soothes and calms the skin, and reduces excess oil production to curb breakouts. Even better, it's very gentle and appropriate for those with sensitive skin, and those who are pregnant or nursing."
Ahead, we ask our roster of expert dermatologists to break down the best niacinamide serums out there. We rank and review them to find the best one for your skin type and budget. Scroll through for a complete shopping guide to the best niacinamide serums for your skin type.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Can be used on it's own or as a "booster" in your moisturizer
Cons
This niacinamide booster serum—available in concentrations of 10% or 20%—helps even skin tone, minimizes the look of enlarged pores, and improves skin texture. What's also nice about a booster serum is that you can apply it on its own or mix it into another serum or moisturizer.
One reviewer says: "I experimented with both the 10% and 20% niacinamide formulations, and surprisingly, the 10% variant works wonders for my skin. It effectively reduces my pores, especially when paired with the BHA exfoliant. This combination works like magic, contributing to the overall youthfulness of my skin!" -Lily
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Hydrating lightweight formula
Cons
- Those with very sensitive skin may want to apply every other day
For $10, this is a great acne serum for beginners—the 10% niacinamide and zinc concentration treat breakouts without irritating the skin or disrupting the moisture barrier.
One reviewer says: "I opted for The Ordinary due to the price and simplicity of ingredients — the labels weren’t packed with a long list of ingredients, and I wanted to know exactly what was going on my skin. Literally within one month of [use]. my skin was 90% clear and completely clear within two." -Chelsie
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Dermatologist-tested
- Fragrance-free formula
Cons
Another serum at an affordable price point, Naturium's Niacinamide Serum also features a high concentration of niacinamide and zinc in a formula that helps refine the look of enlarged pores. It's a favorite of our beauty director when her skin is breaking out or otherwise dull.
One reviewer says: "My skin is so much smoother and my pores look smaller, which is really nice! I’ve been using this with some toner pads from another brand and it’s done wonders for my skin." -Allison
Pros
- Formulated with vitamin C
- Best-seller
Cons
- Over $80
For more of a complex, do-it-all serum, consider the YSE Vitamin C Morning Cocktail, which combines vitamin C and niacinamide, both antioxidants that brighten and rejuvenate dull skin, along with azelaic acid to even skin tone, and hyaluronic acid and squalane to hydrate and condition the skin.
One reviewer says: "The thing that I really appreciate about YSE'S Morning Cocktail Vitamin C is its sophisticated formulation that includes niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and squalene. All of these products add hydration while helping to control inflammation. As a woman in her fifties, I need a Vitamin C that [addresses] multiple concerns" -Stephanie K.
Pros
- Dermatologist-developed formula
- Refillable packaging
Cons
- Some reviewers complain about the natural smell of the serum
According to Rubin, the treatment serum features 4% niacinamide in a gentle, hydrating formula that improves radiance and reduces the appearance of visible redness in the skin.
One reviewer says: "The niacinamide treatment is perfect for my dry, sensitive skin! I use it during the day, underneath my moisturizer. Keeps my skin hydrated and soothed!" -Amanda K.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested formula
- Silky gel-serum texture
Cons
- Over $150
If your main skin concern is discoloration caused by sun damage, this ISDIN serum (with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and licorice root extract) is a great treatment to invest in. The combination of ingredients reduces pronounced dark spots and limits the appearance of new ones.
One reviewer says: "Melaclear is the only product that has helped me with my dark spots. I’ve tried other dark spots correctors and this it’s the only one that works. I have recommended it to my friends too." -Liliana C.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Over $100
The niacinamide paired with "skin tightening sugars" and hydrating hyaluronic acid in this elegant formula gives a firming effect to the skin. We love this for dry skin or mature skin in particular, as the results are near immediate.
One reviewer says: "I absolutely love this serum. The formula as a whole is lightweight, not sticky, and smells lovely. My skin feels hydrated and smooth after use, creating a great base to apply makeup." -Taylor
Pros
- Award-winning retinol alternative
- Recyclable glass packaging
Cons
Sold as a "natural retinol alternative," this Alpyn Beauty serum is great for anyone looking to soften fine lines in their skin without retinol. The niacinamide smooths texture, wild nettle hydrates the skin, and rambutan extract enhances radiance. The texture is lightweight and hydrating.
One reviewer says: "Wow. No product has ever reversed my signs of aging, but my deep expression lines are softening, and my skin looks smoother with less noticeable pores and less redness. Love, love, love." -Avneet
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Fragrance-free formula
Cons
Neutrogena's Niacinamide Serum contains 10% niacinamide for oil control and hyaluronic acid for hydration. It's affordable and fragrance-free, making it a foolproof daily serum that can be found on the shelf of any local drugstore.
One reviewer says: "I love that I don’t have to buy two separate products anymore, I have 2-in-1 niacinamide and hyaluronic acid (...)The consistency is quite thin and dries fast." -Angelica D.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum with Niacinamide
Pros
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
Another dark spot corrector at a lower price point, this one by La Roche Posay is particularly great for treating post-acne scarring.
One reviewer says: "[I've] been using this serum for a month and it has been fading [my] acne scars! I like how light it feels on the skin — and it absorbs very quickly." -Kathy C.
Meet the Experts
• Courtney Rubin, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder and chief medical officer of Fig.1 Beauty.
• Mona Gohara, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut.
• Melissa Doft, M.D., is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City.
• Morgan Rabach, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at LM Medical.
What does a niacinamide serum do?
The better question is what doesn't niacinamide serum do? "Topical niacinamide helps epidermal barrier function by reducing transepidermal water loss and thereby keeping the skin moist," explains Rabach. "It's an antioxidant that reduces photo carcinogenesis [a biochemical sequence that leads to skin cancer] and has anti-inflammatory effects in acne and rosacea. It can also help to regulate oil production."
When shopping for a niacinamide serum, Rabach recommends looking for a 5-10% concentration. "This range is effective but also gentle for the skin," Rabach explains. "Look for lightweight serums that absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a residue." The serums mentioned above are all great options.
Should I use niacinamide serum in the morning or at night?
You can use niacinamide in your morning or evening routine. Doft recommends applying your niacinamide serum to clean dry skin after washing your face. But if you're using a separate vitamin C serum, apply niacinamide afterward. "I apply niacinamide after vitamin C because I believe vitamin C, as a more potent antioxidant, should go on first," offers Gohara. "Essentially, I follow an alphabetical order: vitamin C, then niacinamide."
Should I use niacinamide serum or vitamin C serum?
They serve different purposes. "Vitamin C has more antioxidant properties, while niacinamide has more anti-inflammatory and protective properties," explains Gohara. "So they are different but better if used together."
Why trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Megan Decker is a beauty and lifestyle writer and editor, and the former beauty editor at Refinery29, where she oversaw the site’s beauty trend coverage. In addition to regularly contributing to Harper's Bazaar, she also writes for Refinery29, Byrdie, PS, various newsletters, and other publications. She lives on the Upper East Side and you can often find her reading, picnicking, or strolling in Central Park.
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