If you want your skin care routine to do the most while you’re doing the least, it’s time to try a niacinamide serum. Niacinamide can treat all of the most common skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, redness, dryness, and enlarged pores.
Emily Orofino has over a decade of experience working in beauty. You can find her work on sites such as Harper’s Bazaar, Byrdie, Editorialist, POPSUGAR, & RealSelf. She has also lent her expertise to marketing departments & product development teams of some of the industry’s most prestigious brands.
Sure, there’s merit to a maximalist, 15-step skin care routine, but we’re willing to wager that most people just want to get the job done as efficiently as possible. So if you’re trying to get the best skin you can while putting in practically zero effort, a niacinamide serum should absolutely be in the mix.is a form of vitamin B that “has been shown to reverse and prevent signs of skin aging, brighten and smooth skin, reduceIt won’t come as a surprise that because this ingredient can do so much, niacinamide has become one of the most popular ingredients found in skin care products today. But there’s no need to comb through all the niacinamide serums to find the best ones—we’ve done it for you. We devoted almost 1,000 hours to29 unique niacinamide serums over eight weeks, judging them on their consistency, absorption, efficacy, and overall results. From there, we narrowed the list to the 17 top performers below. : This is the first niacinamide serum we’d ever tried, and it completely blew every other skin care formula we’ve previously used out of the water. Though we found the texture of this product to be just a little too fluid for our tastes, its results were worth that minor inconvenience—besides which, it spread and absorbed easily, with a little bit going a long way. We’re prone to blemishes, but this serum brightened and cleared up our skin throughout the testing period, leaving it looking and feeling fresh.: This comprehensive serum is formulated to be used by all skin types . In addition to the B vitamin, the product features potent antioxidants like resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside to help defend skin from dark-spot-forming free radicals. It also boasts a lab-created ingredient called Brightenyl, which works with the skin’s microbiome to prevent the development of dark spots, reduce redness, and shrink pore size.“My skin definitely improved during the testing period. My skin was much clearer, softer and brighter. The product prevented me from breaking out…my skin was softer and smoother.” : Don’t be fooled into thinking that the brief ingredient list or low price point of this product makes it a pass! The serum is incredibly effective, noticeably taming excess oil,, and subduing stubborn breakouts in three weeks. After using it for eight weeks, we found we weren’t even halfway through the bottle after using it twice daily on our face and neck, which makes this budget-friendly formula even more so.: It’s not easy to find a serum that’s more affordable than a cup of coffee, but this one is—and it’s really effective, too, so it’s a must for those looking to save money. It’s especially ideal for those with oily anddue to the blend of the serum’s star ingredients, a high concentration of niacinamide and zinc, which Dr. Murphy-Rose says is known to fight blemishes; it kills breakout-causing bacteria while reducing oil production and inflammation.“There’s a reason for the hype. I’ve tried other niacinamide serums before but this is one I plan to repurchase.” : Quite frequently, it’s near impossible to fade old dark spots, especially acne scars, but this formula started fading ours in four weeks. In just two weeks, the serum started smoothing out uneven skin texture and shrinking our supersized pores. Instantly, though, it made our skin more radiant. We liked the gel texture, which absorbed quickly and layered well with other products in our routine, never pilling or clumping.to slough away discoloration. This makes it a must-try for those who are struggling with all forms of hyperpigmentation. However, it’s worth noting that this formula may be too strong for sensitive skin; it also contains fragrance which could sensitize reactive skin types, though we didn’t really notice a scent when testing it.“I'm pleased with the results…I like that this faded my old acne scars and made my pores appear smaller….and made my skin look smoother overall.” : Though this formula initially felt sticky on the skin, it absorbed very rapidly without leaving residue, instantly boosting hydration levels to leave our skin looking moist and soft. We thought it was very soothing and despite our highly sensitive skin, we never experienced any irritation. We also liked that it layered well with the other products in our routine.: This is a nice option for those with sensitive skin because of the high concentration of propolis extract, a resin-like material made by bees that has powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which supports the soothing benefits of niacinamide. It also contains hydrating sodium hyaluronate and glycerin, as well as brightening turmeric extract. The formula is quite clean, so those who are picky about the ingredients in their products will appreciate this, too.“I really like the product overall…I felt like my skin was bouncier after consistent use…there was no smell whatsoever, which was really nice, and the product in no way irritated my skin. I saw results mostly overnight when I woke up in the morning.” : We were wildly impressed by the results—we didn’t realize how well this formula worked until examining our before and after photos. We had significantly less breakouts while using this product than we usually did and dark spots seemed to disappear. Most noticeably, it erasedthat we’d had for years that we thought we’d need medical intervention to address. Though the packaging is small, only a dime-sized amount of the serum is needed for a full application and we had plenty of it left at the end of our testing period; we enjoyed that this product played well with the others in our daily routine.: This is for someone who wants to dramatically transform acne-prone skin. The “15” in the name refers both to the steep percentage of niacinamide in the product as well as the number of ingredients in the bottle. Two of them are soothing allantoin and N-acetyl glucosamine , a chemical found in the body that’s been proven to be a powerful skin brightener. It’s worth noting that all three of these ingredients are known for being well tolerated , so this product is worth a try by those that struggle with breakouts and have very sensitive skin.“I can't think of anything that I would change about this product…It is easy to use and has great results…This took care of some acne scarring that I really thought was going to be an issue and possibly need additional attention. My skin seemed to even out and looks healthy.” : This formula was quite easy to integrate into our regular routine as it was featherlight and absorbed quickly—and while we didn’t think it was doing anything at firstit was so lightweight on the skin, we realized that wasn’t at all the case once we saw our selfies after testing. We loved the brightening and clarifying effects of this serum as well as how it provided ample hydration, even in winter. Our overall skin tone was improved, with less redness, and we had no breakouts throughout the entirety of the testing period.: If you love a high-maintenance, multistep routine, this formula is made for you—it’s quite literally designed to be layered with a variety of serums, and features a water-like texture that absorbs rapidly and is undetectable on the skin. This aspect is also part of what makes it a nice pick for those with oily, acne-prone complexions; it’s refreshing and comfortable. The other reason it’s a good choice for those skin types is because of the inclusion of zinc in the formula, which helps tame excess oil and kill acne-causing bacteria.“It's the most lightweight, thin, and water-like product I've ever used…it still felt hydrating though. My skin looked brighter and clearer after using this product consistently, with lighter freckles/redness on my face and some slightly smoother texture on my forehead.” : We refer to ourselves as an “acne survivor,” having completed three rounds of Accutane to clarify our skin. Though the treatment worked, it decimated our skin barrier, leaving our complexion very dry and easily irritated. Though we were wary of testing a new product for fear of a negative reaction, our skin adored this serum. For the first 10 days of testing, we noticed no change to our skin, but on the eleventh day, we woke up to dramatically better-looking skin—the best our skin had ever looked. Our complexion had a more even texture and tone and just an overall healthy glow—not grease, not oil, not shine, but a genuine, radiant glow.: This is best for someone who has sensitive skin; while niacinamide has soothing properties, so do other actives in this product, including ectoin, purslane and marine plankton extracts, and fellow B vitamin panthenol. It’s also ideal for someone who isn’t on a budget, as it’s kind of pricey. That said, we loved how this formula made our skin look so much that we’d give up our lattes and avocado toast forever if we had to.“My skin is deeply sensitive—it’s one of my life's biggest challenges—and shows its displeasure by making my face bright red for hours. This didn't happen one bit with the serum…My face felt calmer, less red, and my pores shrunk. It looked all around healthier…and was just bright and radiant, like I am a wellness icon.” : We saw a true difference in how this serum improved our skin’s plumpness, clarity, texture, and tone. It made our skin extremely clear—no breakouts, which isn’t typical for us—and our pores appeared much, much smaller. We combined the use of this serum with tretinoin, which absolutely transformed our regimen for the better. It had a clinical-grade feel to it, melting into our skin to revive it overnight to make it bouncy and smooth.: Though our skin is sensitive, we didn’t experience any irritation from this 20 percent niacinamide serum—the highest concentration of the active on this list!—except when we layered it directly without prescription retinoid , so those with sensitive skin can consider giving it a shot, especially because it also contains soothing allantoin, licorice root extract, ascorbyl glucoside, and epigallocatechin gallate, the latter of which have skin-brightening and antioxidant benefits. This makes it a good choice for those aiming to improve overall skin damage, especially that induced by UV exposure.“This is the first niacinamide I've ever used that I feel truly works…this is a product I would buy on my own over and over after these results.” : The first thing we noticed about this formula is how quickly it absorbed—we time our morning routine down to the minute and incorporating this serum didn’t disrupt our schedule at all, sinking into our skin to deliver hydration within 30 seconds while making a nice canvas for subsequent skin care and makeup products. Though we’re prone to redness, this formula didn’t exacerbate it or cause any irritation. In fact, at the end of the testing period, we were surprised by how well this formula evened out our complexion.: This is ideal for someone who wants to completely even out their skin tone—reduce dark spots, fade redness, brighten a sallow appearance—without causing sensitivity. Six percent niacinamide works to soothe the skin andwhile a blend of extracts help brighten up discoloration. The formula is also hydrating, thanks to glycerin.“I really like how it felt on my skin…I was pleased with the results…I can tell that the dark spots are much less visible.” : This formula was easy to integrate into our routine, with a hydrating, slightly runny texture that absorbed as soon as we massaged it into our skin. While other serums we’ve tested have left our skin feeling dehydrated or sensitive to the sun if we weren’t religious about applying, this one actually smoothed away several long-standing dry patches in just a few days of use. It made our skin look and feel like we’d just gotten a moisturizing facial after every application, with a brighter tone instantly and over time.: If you want a do-it-all serum that’ll make your skin look smoother and brighter with very little effort, this one’s for you. In addition to niacinamide, it featuresto even out the skin’s tone and texture. But it’s also worth noting this formula offers a subtly luminous finish, which is what delivers that immediate radiance upon application. We loved it but it may not be for everyone.“I was surprised by and happy with how well this product absorbed and worked on my skin—it’s a product I would repurchase or gladly recommend to a friend. My skin looked more hydrated, brighter, and softer, and felt plumper.” : Melasma is notoriously challenging to treat, but this potent formula from SkinCeuticals was up to the challenge. The serum was able to brighten up some of our darker patches of melasma in addition to smoothing out fine lines, making our skin look brighter and healthier overall. The gel serum also gave our skin a matte finish that looked good when worn solo or under makeup.: Beyond the fact that it’s a nice choice for those looking to address discoloration and uneven texture, SkinCeuticals is one of those brands that’s beloved by dermatologists, so give this one a shot if you want a gold star at your next appointment. Like all the products from this company, this serum is formulated with well-studied and hardworking ingredients, including three firming peptides and five percent niacinamide. It’s also clinically tested.“I noticed more change to my skin texture and fine lines using this than I have with other products…my skin brightened and I noticed some fading of the darker melasma spots on my skin. Day to day, I didn't notice much difference, but with consistent use, there is payoff in vibrancy, texture, and discoloration.” : We were instantly drawn to this treatment due to its unique and luxe packaging—a refillable canister topped with a cooling rollerball that helped spread the serum across our face while depuffing and debloating, which we especially appreciated in the mornings. We genuinely looked forward to using this product every day as a little self-care moment. But it was the results that had us coming back for more: noticeably brighter, smoother, and more hydrated skin that had an effortless glow.: Try this formula if you have very dry skin that’s in need of a brightening boost. In addition to niacinamide and peptides to illuminate and smooth, it contains four different forms of hyaluronic acid to deliver deep hydration to multiple layers of the skin. It also features ceramides to help condition and soften.pleased with the results after consistently using this serum. The product did more than I was even expecting and really made a difference to my overall complexion—making it glow! I could honestly see results even after the first use and from there, it consistently helped keep my skin glowing and moisturized during the height of a Midwest winter.” : We’ll admit that we enjoyed how this product made our skin feel so much that we often slicked on more than necessary. Despite that, though, it never made our skin feel sticky or tacky, just comfortable and fully hydrated. It also provided a pretty radiance and, with regular use, made our complexion more even., and moringa seed oil, this is an ideal choice for someone who has dry skin and is looking for more moisture without weighing down their skin. It’s also a nice pick for someone that wants instantly glowy skin, which comes courtesy of all that hydration rather than any shimmer or pearlescence. Lastly, it’s for someone that doesn’t mind fragrance. It’s only 0.5 percent natural fragrance, and it didn’t irritate our skin, but the serum does smell like watermelon candy .“Overall, my skin looked brighter and healthier. I struggled a bit with some texture issues in my skin over the course of testing, and anytime I used this, it helped to smooth it out and make it appear much more even…and just more dewy and glowy.”, giving our skin an instant radiance while providing a noticeable tightening effect—and it improved the firmness of our skin throughout the testing period. We’re confident that contributed to the smoothing of the fine lines around our eyes, which helped us look more revitalized and awake. Though our skin is prone to acne, this formula never irritated our skin, and it did a great job moisturizing our dry patches without feeling heavy.: This is best for someone who wants to treat the effects of aging as one of the star ingredients, rambutan, is considered a retinol alternative and helps smooth and brighten the skin . It’s also one to consider if you’re passionate about sustainability. In addition to being packaged in a fully recyclable component, the serum features sustainably harvested plant extracts.“The serum did an excellent job in improving the texture of my skin I am very pleased with how vibrant my skin looks now…my friends also weren't telling me I look tired and sleepy as much as they used to.” : Our skin is prone to dryness in winter, which is when we tested this formula, and we greatly appreciated how it immediately left our skin feeling significantly more hydrated as well as revitalized due to a subtle and soothing cooling sensation. It also made for a wonderful foundation base, and could very see a clear difference in the appearance of our skin on days we skipped this serum—it made our skin look more lively. Though we wouldn’t say it dramatically faded our dark spots, it did leave our complexion looking more even overall, and at no point did it cause any irritation .: We felt this was a great product for beginners, especially those wanting more hydrated and healthier-looking skin, as it seamlessly integrated into our routine and wasn’t too much of a splurge. In addition to being a niacinamide serum, it also functions as aIt’s also best for someone who doesn’t mind a bit of pearlescence in their skin care—there’s mica in the formula, which gives your skin a radiant finish.“I was pleased with the overall results. I do see myself repurchasing this product because of the way it wears and feels on the skin…my skin looked brighter and even glowy upon the first use, but after two weeks, I noticed a consistently clearer complexion.” : This serum is very simple , but it delivered serious results. Before testing this formula, one of our biggest gripes about our skin was its inconsistent tone, most notably our redness, and this formula dramatically evened everything out, calming redness and fading dark spots. Though it contains a high concentration of niacinamide, we experienced zero irritation while testing this product .: This is ideal for someone who wants a fuss-free and effective formula to even out their skin tone. The only real active in this serum is the 12 percent niacinamide, but because the ingredient is such a powerhouse, you’ll see a transformation in your skin. The glass packaging is also recyclable.“Looking back at the before photos, I was shocked at how much the color in my face evened out. My skin is less red and my sun spots have faded…I noticed a slight change in the fine lines around my eyes…My skin just looks more even overall.” : We were admittedly skeptical of this product after initially seeing the golden pearlescence of the formula , but we fell in love with its instant and lasting effects. Just a pea-sized amount was enough to cover our entire face and add a radiant glow. Over the course of the testing period, we observed our skin getting brighter and smoother, with fewer hormonal breakouts and reduced discoloration left behind by any errant pimples.: This is absolutely for someone that wants something of a makeup-skin care hybrid, as the formula adds a golden glow to the skin. But if you’re looking to use it as a makeup alternative, that works, too—the nourishing properties provided by the squalane and jojoba oil make it a great substitute for a tinted moisturizer. It’s also worth trying if you don’t want to take any products out of your existing regimen, as it’s meant to be mixed with your favorite serums, creams, or oils.“I am very happy with the results! The product looked very cosmetic to me when first using it—I thought it would have no effect on my skin, but in the end, it helped even more problems than it advertises.”There’s a reason you’re seeing niacinamide everywhere these days—it’s a great multitasker. “It can help with oil regulation, barrier function, aging, hyperpigmentation, acne, and eczema,” says board-certified dermatologist, who adds that this multitasking ingredient can also reduce redness and provide free radical defense. “It's great for improving both tone and texture.” With consistent use of a good niacinamide serum, you should see clearer, smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin that’s able to stay hydrated longer, is less prone to irritation, and has Knowing that niacinamide can do all of this on its own, you should select a niacinamide serum based on the additional ingredients in the formula. While you may have some specific concerns in mind that you’d like to address, it never hurts to see a dermatologist, who can weigh in on how best to achieve your skin goals. “If you don't have any specific concerns, then a hydrating serum would be a nice place to start,” adds Dr. King.Generally speaking, says Dr. King, niacinamide plays well with most other ingredients, making it an easy addition to any skin care routine. Victoria Fu, cosmetic chemist and co-founder of the, alpha-hydroxy acids , and vitamin C, and found to be safe and effective.” All of our experts suggested looking for humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid, as well as ceramides and panthenol, if you’re hoping to help support your skin barrier.: One or a blend of several brightening ingredients, tranexamic acid, vitamin C, diglucosyl gallic acid, or kojic acid, gently exfoliates while niacinamide rebalances the skin barrier.is often paired with niacinamide to help with acne and inflammation due to its soothing and sebum-regulating properties,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. Serums on our list have niacinamide concentrations all the way up to 20 percent, but Fu says that more isn’t always more. “There isn’t any testing that shows using niacinamide at higher concentrations would provide additional benefits,” she says. Instead, she suggests formulas with concentrations between two and five percent; don’t be fooled by the lower concentration, they’re still plenty strong and will flood skin with all of niacinamide’s famous benefits. For super sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, Dr. Murphy-Rose takes precaution even further with a warning to stay below three percent. “I can tell you anecdotally that five percent is too high for many,” she says. “Using a serum with too much niacinamide can lead to skin irritation, redness, and a temporary burning sensation.” However, Fu says chemists love formulating new skin care with niacinamide because it’s so easy to pair with other activesit’s generally well tolerated by most skin types. On the flip side, niacinamide ends up in a surprising amount of products, meaning that you could be—albeit, unknowingly—layering way too much onto skin. “If you develop a sudden case of irritation without changing up your routine all that much, definitely give all your products' ingredient lists a quick scan to see if you're unknowingly layering five or more different products made with niacinamide,” she says. If you’re overdoing it, simplify your routine and keep the strongest concentrations to every other day use.Cloudy-looking and slightly thicker than water-feeling, niacinamide can be used in anything from creams to gels to water-based formulas. “Most actives definitely come with their own unique set of quirks, so textures can become important in order to achieve the desired skin benefit,” says Fu, but niacinamide isn’t one of them. “Lightweight, watery or gel-like formulas may be better for oily and acne-prone skin as they absorb quickly without adding excess oil,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. Meanwhile, “thicker and more opaque formulations tend to have more emollients in them,” says Dr. King. “Emollients support the skin barrier and are helpful for any skin type, and particularly important for more dry and sensitive skin types.”According to Fu, niacinamide serums tend to be water-based, giving the consistency a lightweight, slightly thicker than water feel, so it should be applied as the first step of your skin care routine after washing your face . Layering your products in order from lightest to heaviest will ensure proper absorption of all your actives; if you put a water-based serum on top of an oil, it won’t be able to get through. “Apply a few drops to the face and neck, and gently pat it into the skin until fully absorbed, then apply next steps in your routine,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose.“Niacinamide is not known to cause any sort of photosensitivity, so you can use it both day and night,” says Fu. It’s also not light sensitive, meaning the ingredient won’t be rendered inactive if it’s exposed to UV. Just remember that if you’re applying your niacinamide serum in the morning, don’t forget to finish your routine with SPF—you don’t want to undo all your hard work of combating sun damage. If you’d rather reserve niacinamide for evening use, you’re in good company. “I particularly like to use it at night with a retinoid, because it can help counteract the dryness and irritation that can be caused by retinoids,” says Dr. King.“It does not tend to cause irritation or inflammation, and results will be improved with regular use,” Dr. King says of the ingredient—so long as you’re using the right concentration. Start low and work your way up; most people won’t need a formula that features a concentration above five percent.In theory, you can use any of your go-to active ingredients with niacinamide. However, it’s worth noting that niacinamide is most stable in a higher pH formula, says Dr Murphy-Rose, so it may not be the best match for ingredients that tend to be formulated into products at a more acidic pH, like vitamin C. “While not harmful, ascorbic acid and niacinamide may become less effective if combined in the same product,” she explains. If you’re unsure, consider applying your vitamin C serum in the morning and your niacinamide serum at night, says Dr. King.is a beauty writer, editor, and consultant with nearly 15 years of experience in the industry. She was long skeptical of niacinamide until she read a great deal of the research on the ingredient while working for a dermatologist. For this story, she tapped the expertise of board-certified dermatologists Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose and Dr. Hadley King as well as cosmetic chemist Victoria Fu to break down exactly what makes up a solid niacinamide serum.The 24 Best Sunscreens for Every Skin Type, Tested & ReviewedThe 17 Best Vitamin C Serums to Brighten Skin And Boost Your Glow, Tested & ReviewedThe 15 Best Benzoyl Peroxide Skin Care Products of 2024 to Fight AcneThe 13 Best Gua Sha Tools That Easily Defined Our Contours, After Testing 20
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The 5 Best Men’s Grooming Debuts of 2024, From Fragrance to Innovative SerumsFrom stepping out to round-the-clock hydration, these offerings by names like Brunello Cucinelli help you make a great first impression.
Read more »
The 10 Best Vitamin C Serums, According to Testing and DermatologistsOur writer tested the best vitamin C serums, including SkinCeuticals and CeraVe, and asked experts for their top picks for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin.
Read more »
11 Of The Best Hair Serums & Why You Need To Try OneI found 11 of the best hair serums for thickening, hydrating, repairing and protecting hair, including anti-aging and hair growth serums.
Read more »
14 Best Niacinamide Serums, According to Dermatologists 2024Shop dermatologist-approved formulas for the best niacinamide serums that can pair well with other key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol.
Read more »
The 15 Best Serums for Mature Skin To Add to Cart, According to DermatologistsKey ingredients: L-ascorbic acid (vitamin c), ferulic acid, vitamin e There’s good reason why this serum is often referred to as liquid gold — it has a combination of 15% L-ascorbic acid and 0.5% ferulic acid to improve skin firmness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and add clarity and radiance to the skin and neck.
Read more »
Heads up: 12 new scalp serums that get to the root of hair issuesFrom Nulastin to Living Proof to Guerlain, the best scalp serums for healthy haircare.
Read more »