Niacinamide is something of a multitasking all-star in skincare—it strengthens the skin barrier, reduces redness, minimizes pores, balances oil production, improves texture, and the list goes on. Incorporating this ingredient into your beauty routine is basically a no-brainer, especially because it’s generally well-tolerated, too. Our top pick, Sunday Riley’s B3 Nice, pairs the potent ingredient with resveratrol to minimize redness and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide serums are true beauty multitaskers that improve texture, reduce redness, balance oil production and more. We rounded up the best.
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“Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is one of the most versatile ingredients in skincare,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rhonda Klein. When choosing the right serum for you, consider your skin type and the concerns you’re trying to address as well as the formula’s concentration and ingredient blend. Below we’ve put together a list of the best niacinamide serums for different skin types—as well as tips on how to work them seamlessly into your daily routine.
Niacinamide concentration: 10% | Key ingredients: Brightenyl, resveratrol, ECGC | Price per ounce: $46 to $65
This water-based serum can help whether you have oily skin or dry skin—and it’s especially invaluable if you have splotches or pores you’d rather see less of. In addition to 10% niacinamide, it’s formulated with two other key antioxidants—trans-resveratrol, which is typically derived from grapes and works to minimize the appearance of post-acne red spots, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which comes from green tea and helps to reduce inflammation, neutralize free radicals like those from UV rays, reduce sebum production, and slow down signs of aging. Sunday Riley’s B3 Nice also contains Brightenyl, a molecule that works double-time to soothe and brighten skin.
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Niacinamide concentration: 10% | Key ingredients: Zinc | Price per ounce: $6 For something so inexpensive, you may be concerned it doesn’t do much, but The Ordinary’s serum is derm-approved. This product is "affordable, effective, and especially helpful for oily or acne-prone skin thanks to the added zinc,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Whitney Hovenic. It combines 10% niacinamide with 1% zinc PCA to minimize the appearance of pores, control shine and smooth texture. To note: It’s fragrance free, which many will like, but some reviewers say it has a slightly sticky feel.
While this works on all skin types, it’s a great option for those with sensitive skin due to its slightly lower niacinamide concentration. Barbara Sturm’s luxurious formula features hydrating and skin barrier-strengthening marine plankton extract, panthenol to soothe redness, and ectoin, which protects against dryness and free radicals. The fragrance-free formula also absorbs quickly and layers well with other skincare products.
Best Niacinamide Serum For Sensitive Skin
Ultra-Lightweight, Soothing Formula
Amazon
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Niacinamide concentration: 10% | Key ingredients: Licorice root, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate | Price per ounce: $73 Paula’s Choice’s 10% Niacinamide Booster does lots of things well: It works to minimize pore size, even tone, improve texture and smooth fine lines. “It’s lightweight, gentle, and suitable for all skin types,” says Hovenic. In addition, "it is easy to mix into any routine without causing irritation.” Made with skin-soothing plant extracts, it can also be effective toward specific—and unwelcome—signs of aging, such as dryness and lack of radiance.
Best Niacinamide Serum For Hyperpigmentation
A Potent Dark Spot Corrector
MOST POPULAR
Amazon
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum
Niacinamide concentration: 10% | Key ingredients: Melasyl, thermal spring water | Price per ounce: $45 “La Roche‑Posay’s Mela B3 Dark Spot Serumpacks a strong 10% concentration of niacinamide and is a great option for anyone looking to reduce dark spots and uneven pigmentation from sun damage to post-acne hyperpigmentation,” says Klein. “The formulation pairs a targeted pigment-inhibiting molecule called Melasyl with niacinamide, which steps in to strengthen the skin barrier, improve moisture retention, calm inflammation, and support a more even skin tone.” Reviewers say it doesn’t have a tacky feel, but the smell can be polarizing.
With the highest niacinamide concentration on our list, this is a powerful formula, especially for those that are looking to control excess oil production or combat acne. It contains N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) to help fade dark spots, zinc PCA to reduce inflammation and encourage skin healing and allantoin to promote collagen synthesis and the process of skin regeneration. The result—a quicker recovery from acne flare-ups.
Best Niacinamide Serum For Dry Skin
Weightless Formula To Soothe And Hydrate
Sephora
Caudalie Premier Cru Serum
Niacinamide concentration: Not listed | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, glycerin | Price per ounce: $129
While this isn’t solely a niacinamide serum, the active plays a pivotal role in this formula’s skin-benefitting intensity. Two different molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid infuse hydration at different levels so skin immediately feels moisturized and plumped. In addition, resveratrol works to target wrinkles, spots and volume loss, and tightening sugars smooth the appearance of wrinkles. All the while niacinamide does its thing—evening tone, shrinking the appearance of pores and reducing pigmentation.
Best Niacinamide Serum For Mature Skin
Tighten And Brighten With This Firming Formula
Amazon
Dime Super Firm Serum
Niacinamide concentration: Not listed | Key ingredients: Red algae extract, Summer Snowflake extract, multi-peptide blend | Price per ounce: $84
It’s no secret that aging skin shows creases and a lack of firmness, but this serum works to reverse other telltale signs of, er, maturity. In addition to niacinamide, it contains a multi peptide blend, hydrolyzed rhodphycea (red algae) extract and leucojum aestivum (Summer Snowflake) extract, which is often referred to as “nature’s botox.” All come together to tighten and firm skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and reduce muscle contractions for smoothed lines. To note: This serum can take a bit longer to absorb than some others, so it might add minutes onto your beauty routine.
How We Chose The Best Niacinamide Serums
To determine the best niacinamide serums—as opposed to those that’ll end up languishing at the back of your bathroom vanity—we began with a comprehensive search of the market and also took expert recommendations and firsthand experience into account.
We first looked at bestselling niacinamide serum formulas from reputable brands, such as Paula’s Choice, Sunday Riley, Cosrx and many others.
We included recommendations from two dermatologists who have deep knowledge of niacinamide and its benefits.
We evaluated each serum according to certain specifications, including niacinamide concentration, additional ingredients and price per fluid ounce.
Because everyone is looking to address different concerns, we added niacinamide serums that work best for specific skin types, such as dry skin, oily skin and mature skin.
Finally, we determined if products had substantial positive reviews and minimal negative commentary.
What To Consider In A Niacinamide Serum
To find the best niacinamide formula for you—meaning, one that is effective for your skin type and easy to incorporate into your day-to-day—there are several key factors to consider:
Concentration And Skin Type
Niacinamide serums come in different concentrations and some or more potent than others. In general, "look for a concentration between 5-10%,” says Klein. Bear in mind that while niacinamide is gentle and well-tolerated by most people, some may want to be cautious. “Stronger formulas (10%+) can sometimes cause redness or flushing, especially if your skin is sensitive or already compromised,” says Hovenic. “If you know you react to B vitamins or you’re using a lot of other strong actives, you may also want to start slow.” It may be worth spot testing on skin before going all in.
Additional Beneficial Ingredients
Many niacinamide serum formulas, including those on our list, boast additional skin-benefiting ingredients. “Niacinamide pairs well with hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides,” says Klein. “It also works well with chemical exfoliation and retinoids to calm any associated redness and irritation those products may trigger.”
Your Layering Habits
The experts we spoke with agree that niacinamide is an easy ingredient to layer because it’s gentle, stable and compatible with most skincare routines. “It pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, exfoliating acids, peptides, and moisturizers,” says Hovenic. “In fact, many people find that niacinamide helps soften the dryness or irritation that can come with stronger actives such as retinol or AHAs.” It works well layered under sunscreen, too, so using a niacinamide serum isn’t an excuse to skip sun protection.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Our Forbes Vetted beauty and grooming team has extensive experience researching, rigorously testing and writing about makeup and skincare.
This story was overseen by Forbes Vetted’s beauty guru, deputy editor Jane Sung. She manages the beauty, fashion and travel verticals and has written about the best LED face masks and the best Korean moisturizers.
Cahoun spoke to two board-certified dermatologists for this story: Dr. Whitney Hovenic, Mohs surgeon and founder of sunscreen brand Spooge, and Dr. Rhonda Klein of Modern Dermatology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are lots of effective niacinamide serums but our pick for best overall is Sunday Riley’s B3 Nice for its powerful combination of ingredients that work to reduce inflammation, minimize red spots, protect against free radicals and regulate oil production. For a great value option, we recommend The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum.
Most niacinamide serums have a concentration between 2% and 15%, and 10% is a good fit for many people. “Niacinamide is well-tolerated by most skin types, even those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Rhonda Klein. “However, very high concentrations—10% and up—can sometimes cause flushing or mild irritation. If that happens, switch to a lower-strength formula or reduce the frequency of use.”
Niacinamide is an active that’s often combined with other ingredients. “Niacinamide works well with several supportive ingredients: hyaluronic acid boosts hydration, ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier, and zinc can calm inflammation and regulate oil,” says Dr. Whitney Hovenic. “It can even be used with vitamin C when the formula is well-made, though people with sensitive skin may prefer to alternate them.”
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