Niacinamide serums may sound like an intimidating ordeal, but trust us when we tell you that they’re not to be underestimated. In fact, facial serums that come infused with niacinamide can tackle an array of skincare concerns – from brightening your complexion, smoothing out skin texture, reducing inflammation to stimulating collagen production and, of course, keeping your skin nice and hydrated too. Long story short, niacinamide is a powerhouse skincare ingredient that is up there in the Big League with the likes of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and retinol – and that’s saying something.
It’s also safe to assume that at least one of your favourite skincare products – be it moisturisers, eye creams or toners – already contains niacinamide. But if you wanted to supercharge the benefits, the best niacinamide serums contain the active in its most concentrated (and therefore more effective) form and have the ability to absorb deeper and better compared to other skincare heroes. Here’s everything you need to know.
Best niacinamide serums 2024 at a glance:
- Best Oerall: Clarity Peptides 10% Niacinamide-Infused Peptide Serum
- The Runner-Up: Paula’s Choice Clinical 20% Niacinamide Treatment
- Best Affordable: Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
- Best Brightening: Byoma Brightening Serum
What is niacinamide and what are its benefits?
“Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a multitasking antioxidant that can help soothe and hydrate the skin, reverse the signs of aging, lighten dark spots and redness as well as reduce inflammation — which may benefit conditions like acne and rosacea,” shares Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut.
Not to mention, niacinamide is known to pair well with other active ingredients. “Niacinamide is a soothing ingredient, so it can help make an exfoliating ingredient or product more tolerable to sensitive skin, allowing you to use it more frequently and see the benefits of it,” she says. “Because of these properties, it pairs well with retinols and alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs.”
Otherwise, niacinamide can also enhance the hydrating benefits of humectants — think hyaluronic acid and glycerin — so it’s a winner in moisturisers, too. “It works by preventing evaporation of moisture from the skin into the environment,” Dr. Robinson explains. In other words, it helps support our delicate moisture barriers too.
Heads up: to maximise the benefits of niacinamide, sunscreen is essential, so make sure you follow up your serum with a product that has at least SPF 30, which is the minimum amount recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Simply apply a few drops to the palm of your hand morning and evening, apply after cleansing and toning, and follow with a moisturiser and your trusty face SPF. Bottom line: There’s no reason not to slot this powerhouse topical ingredient into your skincare routine, stat.
Looking to take your skincare routine to the next level? Check out our guides for the best eye creams, best vitamin C serums, hyaluronic acid serums, best moisturisers and the best cleansers with salicylic acid.