Editor’s Picks: 17 of the Best Niacinamide Serums That Target All Your Skin Concerns

When choosing a niacinamide serum, here’s what I suggest for best results:

• At least 2-5% niacinamide: The clinical studies that have demonstrated positive outcomes from topical niacinamide were performed using concentrations as low as 2-5%. Higher amounts (up to 20%) may be helpful for significant textural issues, but if you’re concerned about possible irritation, it’s best to stay around 5%.
• High in humectants: Water-attracting ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe) are a great addition to niacinamide serums, as they will further increase the moisture content of your skin.
• Low in oils and silicone: Since these are barrier-forming ingredients, you don’t want to see them in high concentrations. Not only can they clog your pores and slow down cellular renewal, they may hinder the niacinamide’s ability to penetrate your skin.
• Low in fragrance: As always, synthetic fragrance and essential oils should be limited or avoided, since they’re the most common cause of skin irritation. 

• What it does: Allies of Skin Prebiotics & Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster is a multitasking serum that minimizes pores, strengthens the skin barrier and brightens dullness. For best results, it should be used twice daily on bare skin after cleansing and toning. Alternatively, you can mix it into another serum, moisturizer or face mask.
• Key ingredient: 10% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: Glycerin, prebiotics, Centella Asiatica, licorice, pomegranate, goji berry, probiotics, bisabolol, silver, hyaluronic acid, phospholipids, lethicin, seaweed, ATP disodium, resveratrol, CoQ10, chlorella, green tea, astaxanthin, ergothioneine, glutathione, vitamin E.
• Editor’s notes: With its long list of lightweight actives (and no silicones or fragrance), it’s no wonder that this serum is a favourite of beauty editors and “skinfluencers” alike. In addition to a generous concentration of niacinamide, you’re also getting multiple firming, barrier-supporting and free radical-fighting ingredients. The texture is gel-like, and for oily skin it could even replace the need for a separate moisturizer.

• What it does: The Inkey List Niacinamide is a lightweight serum that reduces excess oil, blemishes and redness while hydrating your skin. It can be used morning and night.
• Key ingredient: 10% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: 1% hyaluronic acid, glycerin, butylene glycol, squalane.
• Editor’s notes: Not only is this one of the most affordable niacinamide treatments, it is also moisturizing enough to replace your usual hydrating serum. It has a silky and slightly thicker texture than other serums of its kind (almost like a runny gel-cream), thanks to the addition of squalane oil. Plus it has a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, while omitting both fragrance and silicones.

• What it does: Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster is a concentrated serum that improves uneven skin tone and minimizes the look of large pores, rough texture and fine lines. It can be used morning and night on bare skin after cleansing, toning and exfoliating. Alternatively, you can mix it into another serum or moisturizer.
• Key ingredient: 10% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: Vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside), butylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, glycerin, licorice extract, provitamin B5 (panthenol).
• Editor’s notes: If you’re seeking an ultra-light, non-sticky niacinamide serum that won’t cause pilling underneath your other products, look no further. This one has the texture of a thin, watery liquid, and it sinks in quickly for a totally weightless feel on your skin. Despite its light texture, it is actually packed with actives (like vitamin C, B5 and hyaluronic acid in addition to the niacinamide), and is also fragrance-free, oil-free and silicone-free.

• What it does: Glossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc Serum is a “waterweight” serum that smooths your skin texture, improves clarity and reduces the look of congested pores. It’s meant to be used once a day, after cleansing and before moisturizer.
• Key ingredient: 5% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: Glycerin, propanediol, zinc PCA.
• Editor’s notes: The niacinamide and zinc duo in this lightweight serum promise to improve skin texture and clarity in as little as four weeks, without causing dryness or irritation. But it’s not just for oily and acne-prone skin types—everyone will appreciate its elegant, watery feel (which is non-greasy, non-sticky and layers beautifully). Unlike many of the brand’s products, it is free of fragrance, oil and silicone.

• What it does: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is a dark spot corrector that brightens and reduces the look of discolourations—including post-acne marks and brown patches—in all skin tones. It can be used morning and night.
• Key ingredient: 5% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: 5% HEPES (sulfonic acid), 3% tranexamic acid, 1% kojic acid, butylene glycol, glycerin, urea, allantoin.
• Editor’s notes: If your goal is to get rid of unwanted pigmentation, whether from UV damage or old breakouts, this is the treatment for you. In a 12-week clinical study, users experienced an average improvement of 60% for brown patches, and 81% for post-acne marks. That’s because it contains not just niacinamide but four other proven pigment fighters. It has a fast-absorbing liquid texture, and is fragrance-free, oil-free and silicone-free.

• What it does: Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum is a skin-perfecting serum that reduces the look of large pores while helping to protect against future pigmentation and skin aging. It can be used morning and night on clean skin, before moisturizer.
• Key ingredient: 5% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: Ectoin, glycerin, purslane, apricot kernel oil, provitamin B5 (panthenol), marine plankton, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E.
• Editor’s notes: According to celebrity aesthetics doctor Dr. Barbara Sturm, some niacinamide formulations contain residual nicotinic acid, which can cause redness, itching and burning. To make her serum ultra-gentle and safe for all skin types, she used the highest quality pure niacinamide, along with soothing, hydrating and softening ingredients (and no fragrance or silicones). You’re also getting environmental protection from ectoin, an amino acid.

• What it does: Sobel Skin Rx 15% Niacinamide Gel Serum is a gel-serum that minimizes the look of large pores and increases skin firmness, elasticity and hydration. It’s meant to be used once a day, at night, before moisturizer.
• Key ingredient: 15% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: Glycerin, allantoin, chamomile extract, cucumber extract, ginger root extract.
• Editor’s notes: This is a dermatologist-developed solution that addresses a wide range of skin concerns (like enlarged pores, dullness and fine lines) with a surprisingly minimal ingredients list. You’re getting one of the highest concentrations of niacinamide here, in a lightweight and non-sticky gel that is fragrance-free, oil-free and silicone-free.

• What it does: Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide is radiance-boosting serum that enhances the skin’s barrier function, evens skin tone, improves texture and promotes collagen production. It can be used daily, morning or night, on clean skin before moisturizer.
• Key ingredient: 5% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: 1% provitamin B5 (panthenol), glycerin, chia seed extract, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, copper tripeptide.
• Editor’s notes: With this serum, you’re getting all the benefits of niacinamide, plus three other actives to firm, soothe and hydrate. The copper tripeptide is of particular interest because it rivals the retinoid family in its ability to stimulate collagen and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Along with natural blue gardenia extract, it gives this treatment a blue tint (which fortunately doesn’t show up on your skin). It’s also free of fragrance, oil and silicone, and was recently reformulated to reduce stickiness.

• What it does: Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Soothing B3 Serum is a lightweight gel that calms inflammation, reduces redness, and moisturizes for a dewy glow. It can be used morning and night on bare skin after cleansing and misting. 
• Key ingredient: 10% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, EGCG, provitamin B5 (panthenol), licorice extract.
• Editor’s notes: This clean beauty formula is not only free of fragrance, oil and silicone, it is also made without essential oils—so it’s safe for the most sensitive skin and is microbiome-friendly. What’s more, facialist Kristina Holey noticed a marked decrease in redness, sensitivity and breakouts in client trials with the product. The texture is a gel, but it absorbs immediately, leaving no sticky residue.

• What it does: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a high-strength vitamin and mineral serum that reduces the look of acne and congestion while reinforcing skin barrier function, improving skin smoothness and increasing radiance. It can be used morning and night, before heavier creams. 
• Key ingredient: 10% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: 1% zinc PCA, pentylene glycol.
• Editor’s notes: This serum is the most inexpensive way to try out niacinamide (and if you go through a lot of it, you can even buy it in a bigger-sized bottle!). Alongside 10% of the star ingredient, the zinc plays a supporting role by reducing inflammation and balancing excess sebum production. There’s no fragrance, oil or silicone, and it has a light, gel-like texture. The only downside is that it has the tendency to ball up when you layer other products on top—try my pilling tips here.

• What it does: Cos De BAHA N Niacinamide 10 Serum is a non-greasy serum that helps to reduce the look of large pores, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, redness and premature aging. For best results, it should be used twice daily on clean skin.
• Key ingredient: 10% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: Aloe, glycerin, zinc PCA, hyaluronic acid, allantoin.
• Editor’s notes: For a K-beauty option, this simple serum is your best bet. This brand is like a Korean version of The Ordinary, and so you’re getting the same 10% concentration of niacinamide plus zinc and an array of lightweight skin-soothers and hydrators. It’s non-greasy, 78% organic, and made without fragrance, oil or silicone.

• What it does: Paula’s Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment is a highly concentrated serum that minimizes the look of sagging pores and rough bumps caused by aging or sun damage. It can be used up to twice daily on bare skin after cleansing, toning and exfoliating.
• Key ingredient: 20% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: Pentylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerin, vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside), licorice extract, purslane, green tea extract, allantoin, provitamin B5 (panthenol).
• Editor’s notes: This is the most potent niacinamide serum of all—suitable for difficult-to-treat conditions like enlarged, stretched-out pores; “orange peel” texture; hard, clogged bumps; blotchy skin; and post-acne marks. Boasting the highest percentage of niacinamide, it goes on like a liquid gel (and if you’re oily, it could replace the need for other hydrators). It is also silicone-free, oil-free and fragrance-free.

• What it does: Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum is a lightweight serum that refines skin tone and texture for brighter, healthier-looking skin. It can be used morning and night, before moisturizer.
• Key ingredient: 10% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: Dipropylene glycol, glycerin, betaine, vitamin E.
• Editor’s notes: This is a basic, gel-like serum from a brand that is not only affordably priced, but also 100% transparent about its ingredients. As such, the exact concentration of everything in the formula is disclosed, along with the pH level (7.1). It’s free of fragrance, oil and silicone, and can be used on all skin.

• What it does: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops is a dewy highlighting serum that brightens your skin immediately and over time, while helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. It can be used daily, as needed, as either a serum or a highlighter.
• Key ingredient: Niacinamide (concentration not disclosed).
• Other ingredients: Propanedol, glycerin, watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid.
• Editor’s notes: Think of this product—which has the texture of an emulsion–as a cross between skincare and makeup. You can wear it as a hydrating and brightening serum underneath your moisturizer. Or, you can apply it as a illuminator (either all-over, on the high planes of your face, or mixed with foundation) to impart a subtly glossy finish. It is both silicone-free and oil-free, and while we aren’t told how much of the active is in here, keep in mind that clinical studies have reported results with concentrations as low as 2%.

• What it does: Revolution 15% Niacinamide is a moisturizing serum for all skin types to help reduce the look of blemishes and pores. It can be used morning and night.
• Key ingredient: 15% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: Propanediol, zinc PCA, glycerin, butylene glycol.
• Editor’s notes: You don’t need to spend a lot to get a high-strength niacinamide treatment. This serum gives you a 15% dose of the active ingredient in a simple, budget-friendly formula. Since it specifically targets breakouts and enlarged pores, it includes oil-regulating and anti-inflammatory zinc, plus propanediol and glycerin to hydrate. It’s also fragrance-free, oil-free and silicone-free.

• What it does: Skin Inc Supplement Bar B3+ Serum is a multitasking serum that reduces the look of dark spots, evens skin tone, hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier. It can be used morning and night, before moisturizer.
• Key ingredient: Niacinamide (concentration not disclosed).
• Other ingredients: Butylene glycol, glycerin, pentylene glycol, provitamin B5 (panthenol), hyaluronic acid.
• Editor’s notes: Although it’s aimed at tempermental skin, this product—like all the serums from this brand—can be used by everyone. Not only is it free of fragrance, oil and silicone, it features a proprietary encapsulation technology that keeps the ingredients fresh and potent until the moment they touch your skin. It has a completely weightless feel, and can be worn alone or mixed with the brand’s other serums for a customized “cocktail.” My only wish is that the bottle was bigger!

• What it does: Consonant Vitamin B3 + Zinc Serum is a lightweight serum that targets congestion, blemishes and uneven skin tone while improving barrier function, preventing water loss and regulating sebum production. It can be used morning and night, before moisturizer, either all-over or as a spot treatment.
• Key ingredient: 10% niacinamide.
• Other ingredients: 1% zinc sulfate, 1% provitamin B5 (panthenol), propanediol.
• Editor’s notes: This clarifying serum for acne-prone skin is from the same clean beauty brand that created my all-time favourite hydrating serum (HydrExtreme). Just like its sister product, it’s made with just a few non-toxic ingredients, and no fragrance, oil or silicones. Even though it targets blemishes, it has such a velvety, hydrating texture that you may find it moisturizing enough to skip face cream.