When you're shopping for skincare, you want to make sure the products you're buying feature ingredients that really do the work for your skin. If they don't, then what's the point of spending your money (or sometimes splurging) on them? That's why it's so important to arm yourself with knowledge about common skincare ingredients so you know which ones will work best for your specific skin type and concerns. Of course, a dermatologist might be your best source for figuring all of this out, but you can do your own research too.
One powerhouse ingredient that you might have heard of before is niacinamide. It's starting to gain traction much like hyaluronic acid, which has been a popular skincare buzzword for years. But what is the ingredient, and why is it so beneficial? Well, I asked a derm to explain.
"Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a water-soluble vitamin that helps support repair mechanisms in the body's cells. It can help to reduce damage from free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support the skin barrier," explains Michele Farber, MD, FAAD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And by the way, one of the best was to get your niacinamide intake is via serum since the molecules tend to be smaller, making it easier to penetrate your skin.
If you're curious to know which formulas got the green light from editors, you're in luck. Read on for the best niacinamide serums with some additional insight from experts on how to find the one that's right for you.
The Best Niacinamide Serums, At A Glance
- Best Overall: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Best for Hyperpigmentation: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense
- Best for Treating Redness: Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum
- Best for Pores: Glossier Super Pure
- Best Firming Serum: Alpyn Beauty Wild Nettle & Niacinamide Firming Serum
The Best Niacinamide Serums of 2025
Best Overall: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
"I like The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for acne, as it is well-tolerated, and the zinc is helpful for oil production in acne," Farber says. This formula gets praise for the way it uses zinc to treat dark spots. Plus, it doesn't clog pores making it safe for acne-prone skin.
Pro: Treats darks pots, non-comedogenic
Con: May pill for some users
Size: 1 oz
Key ingredients: Zinc
Customer review: "Ive been using this product for about a year now and I've noticed how much of a change it has been on my skin positively. I love this product so so much and I would never switch. I usually use their hyaluronic acid too."
Best for Hyperpigmentation: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense
"SkinCeuticals' Discoloration Defense is great for dark marks or pigment issues, as it contains tranexamic acid and kojic acid in addition to niacinamide," Farber recommends. While it's a bit pricey, it's fast-acting making it totally worth the splurge.
Pro: Treats discoloration
Con: Expensive for the amount
Size: 1 oz
Key ingredients: Transexamic acid, kojic adic
Customer review: "After about 2 weeks of using this, I started to notice my spots lightening in color. I've now noticed that some of them are gone."
Best for Treating Redness: Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum
This serum is formulated to clear acne and manage excess sebum that clogs pores. It's a blend of niacinamide, willow-bark extract, and zinc. While the results come as a bit of a slow burn, the people who have stuck with it truly swear by it. It's great for oily skin types since this formula is so lightweight it's almost water-like.
Pro: Eliminates redness and soothes inflammation
Con: Takes a while to show results
Size: 1 oz
Key ingredients: Zinc, willow bark extract
Customer review: "I love the application of this serum. The consistency is not thick but almost watery like an essence and lightweight. It absorbs into your skin quickly and smoothly without feeling dry or sticky. It definitely is helping with keeping my skin clear, soft, plump, and it minimizes pores."
Best for Pores: Glossier Super Pure
This lightweight, water-gel serum is a combination of niacinamide and zinc PCA. It works to reduce the look of congested pores and balance your complexion. You can expect a noticeable glow accompanied by major hydration.
Pro: Smooths skin texture and minimizes pores
Con: Not ideal for acne-prone
Size: 1 oz
Key ingredients: Zinc
Customer review: "This serum is amazing for my skin!! It gives my skin the glow and the nutrients to keep my skin hydrated for the rest of the day!"
Best Firming Serum: Alpyn Beauty Wild Nettle & Niacinamide Firming Serum
If you're looking for a firming option, try this serum from Alpyn Beauty. In addition to niacinamide, it contains vitamin C–rich nettle extract and plant-based retinol alternative rambutan. All of these ingredients work to minimize excess oil, hydrate, reduce pore size, fade dark spots, and firm and plump the skin.
Pro: Smooths skin and promotes hydration
Con: Not ideal for sensitive skin
Size: 1 oz
Key ingredients: Nettle, rambutan
Customer review: "After using this product for a few days this product has left my face feeling soft and smooth. The product goes on thin and leaves it feeling clean. I highly recommended this product!"
Best Complexion Boosting: Olay Wrinkle Correction Serum
Along with niacinamide, this wrinkle-targeting serum contains peptides, which work to replenish collagen. In just a few weeks, you'll notice a brighter, clearer complexion. Not to mention, it absorbs fast and doesn't have a sticky finish.
Pro: Absorbs fast, improves complexion
Con: Takes a while to see improvements
Size: 1.3 oz
Key ingredients: Collagen, peptides
Customer review: "After using this serum for a month, I noticed my forehead lines were less noticeable and a smother, clearer complexion. The serum is not thick and heavy and absorbs easily. Its worth the purchase."
Best Skin Plumping: Naturium Niacinamide Serum
Naturium's serum is formulated with 12% niacinamide, 2% zinc PCA, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. So not only does it fade dark spots, improve texture, and reduce extra shine, but it also locks in moisture and plumps the skin.
Pro: Minimizes pores and improves dark spots
Con: May feel greasy to some
Size: 1 oz
Key ingredients: Zinc, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Customer review: "I love this serum! I have been using this for a couple of weeks and already see a difference! The lines on my face are smaller and not as deep as they were. My face looks smoother.I would definitely recommend giving this serum a try."
Best for Wrinkles: Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
This concentrated niacinamide formula targets the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, rough skin texture, and redness. Other ingredients include licorice root, allantoin, vitamin C, and panthenol.
Pro: Treats fine lines, wrinkles, and whiteheads
Con: Not a lot of product for the price
Size: 0.67 oz
Key ingredients: Licorice root, allantoin, vitamin C, and panthenol, vitamin B5
Customer review: "I use this every night and it’s been super helpful for keeping my complexion clear and even. Highly recommend."
Best for Sun Damage: PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum
PCA Skin's serum works well on oily, dry, combination, and normal skin types. The gel-like formula reduces the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation and also addresses fine lines, dryness, sun damage, and redness.
Pro: Treats hyperpigmentation and dryness
Con: Pricey
Size: 1 oz
Key ingredients: Mulberry extract, green tea extract, oligopeptide-51, glycerin, plankton extract
Customer review: "I know it's on the expensive side, but this works. After using, my face looks clear, less redness and I use it on my neck and chest."
Best for Oily Skin: The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
Oily skin types, the Inkey List's serum is for you. It's designed to control excess oil, which can reduce blemishes and redness. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Pro: Lightweight and treats acne and oiliness
Con: Has a sticky finish, not ideal for sensitive skin
Size: 1 oz
Key ingredients: Multi molecular hyaluronic acid
Customer review: "This has become a regular in my skincare routine. It’s a lightweight serum and absorbs well into the skin. I’ve never had any problems, and it is very affordable compared to other serums I’ve tried."
Best for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
This serum will leave your skin brightened, even, and protected against free radical damage. Ingredients include niacinamide, licorice root, golden kiwifruit, and undecylenoyl phenylalanine (for hyperpigmentation).
Pro: Boosts complexion and safe for sensitive skin
Con: Dropper applicator can be difficult to use
Size: 1 oz
Key ingredients: Undecylenoyl phenylalanine, licorice root, golden kiwifruit
Customer review: "I absolutely love this stuff! This 1000% took care of the discoloration I've struggled with for years. It's not sticky, leaves skin soft, and doesn't flake up with moisturizers or makeup, which I experienced with some other dark spots serums."
Best for Dry Skin: TruSkin Niacinamide Facial Serum
TruSkin's serum is a blend of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and aloe to reduce discoloration and blemishes. It also contains a hydrating medley of avocado, sunflower-seed, and neem-seed oils.
Pro: Evens tone, adds moisture, and minimizes pores
Con: May not be ideal for sensitive skin, thick consistency
Size: 1 oz
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe, avocado oil
Customer review: "It's amazing for my face. I'm just getting started using it, and I'm already feeling and seeing results."
Best for Dull Skin: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Glow Recipe's serum will leave your skin looking dewy and, well, glowy. Along with niacinamide to target hyperpigmentation, the formula includes hydrating watermelon and hyaluronic acid.
Pro: Treats dry and dull skin
Con: Can pill for some
Size: 1.35 oz
Key ingredients: Watermelon
Customer review: "I used this for two months and noticed that my skin was super hydrated and even seemed to look brighter. I enjoy using this as a primer in my routine as well as a hydrating serum."
What to look for in a niacinamide serum
When choosing a serum, Farber recommends looking for one with a percentage between 2% to 10%. She also suggests looking for it in combination formulas. When it's paired with kojic and tranexamic acids, it targets pigmentation; with vitamin C, it's for brightening; with hyaluronic acid for hydration; and with retinol, for acne.
Who can use niacinamide?
For the most part, pretty much all skin types can use niacinamide because it's generally well-tolerated. Farber says it's best for people dealing with inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. But it's important to note that it may be irritating on sensitive skin in higher concentrations.
"While it has many benefits, niacinamide is best as an adjunct treatment," Farber explains. "Most people with acne, rosacea, or pigment changes will need other ingredients and possibly prescriptions to complete a skin regimen."
How to use niacinamide for best results
Farber says that niacinamide can be used topically as an anti-inflammatory for conditions like acne and rosacea. It can help support hydration, improve the skin barrier, brighten skin, and reduce dark pigment. It also can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
"Niacinamide can also be used orally for reducing the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer in the appropriate setting and also for acne when other oral medications are contraindicated or not tolerated," says Farber.
Using a serum is also a great addition if you're dealing with acne, rosacea, redness, and generally sensitive skin. "It's ideal in combination with other ingredients depending on skincare goals, but it's also a nice option for people who have trouble tolerating other products," she adds.
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best niacinamide serums, we leaned heavily on our expertise as beauty editors and took several factors into consideration including price, product size, key ingredients, and the overall formula. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
Why Trust Who What Wear
Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
