Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a powerhouse skincare ingredient known for its ability to brighten skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, control oil production, and strengthen the skin barrier. Whether you’re battling acne, dullness, or signs of aging, a high-quality niacinamide serum can transform your complexion.
1. Glossier Super Pure Serum with Niacinamide + Zinc
A minimalist favorite, the Glossier Super Pure serum combines 5% niacinamide with zinc PCA to help calm redness, minimize blemishes, and balance sebum production. The lightweight water-gel formula absorbs quickly without stickiness, making it perfect for oily, acne-prone, or combination skin.
- Benefits: Controls excess oil, soothes irritation, refines pores
- Skin Type: Oily, combination, blemish-prone
- Price: $34.00
- Where to Buy: Glossier.com
- Reviews: Users rave about how gentle yet effective it is, with consistent results over a month of use.
2. Cosrx The Niacinamide 15 Serum
COSRX’s potent 15% niacinamide serum is a true powerhouse. Enriched with allantoin and N-acetylglucosamine, it targets stubborn hyperpigmentation and supports a smoother skin texture.
- Benefits: Brightens dark spots, smooths rough skin, supports skin barrier
- Skin Type: All skin types, especially dull or uneven skin
- Price: $25.00
- Where to Buy: COSRX
- Reviews: Highly rated for fading dark marks in just a few weeks.
3. Paula’s Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment
This ultra-concentrated formula boasts a 20% niacinamide concentration to dramatically minimize enlarged pores and even out tone. It also contains acetyl glucosamine for added texture refinement.
- Benefits: Pore-tightening, brightening, improves skin resilience
- Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination, mature
- Price: $44.00
- Where to Buy: PaulasChoice.com
- Reviews: Loved by users with persistent large pores, though it can be intense for sensitive skin.
4. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
A fan favorite on TikTok, this hybrid serum-highlighter is infused with watermelon extract and niacinamide to deliver a dewy, glass-skin glow.
- Benefits: Hydrates, brightens, layers beautifully under makeup
- Skin Type: All skin types
- Price: $50.50
- Where to Buy: Sephora
- Reviews: Users adore the subtle shimmer and fresh scent.
5. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
A cult classic budget serum that remains undefeated. Its 10% niacinamide with zinc helps to regulate sebum, reduce breakouts, and improve overall skin clarity.
- Benefits: Affordable, effective, improves skin texture
- Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone
- Price: $6.60
- Where to Buy: Sephora
- Reviews: Consistently praised for clearing congestion and controlling oil.
6. Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
A gentle yet effective formula with 12% niacinamide plus 2% zinc, Naturium’s serum helps calm redness, minimize pores, and strengthen your barrier.
- Benefits: Balances oil, soothes redness, evens out tone
- Skin Type: Combination, oily, sensitive
- Price: $17.00
- Where to Buy: Naturium
- Reviews: Widely appreciated for its gentle, non-irritating formula.
7. Caudalíe Premier Cru Anti-Aging Serum with Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid
A luxurious anti-aging serum that fuses niacinamide with hyaluronic acid and viniferine, Caudalíe’s serum smooths wrinkles, brightens, and plumps the skin for a youthful radiance.
- Benefits: Anti-aging, firming, hydrating
- Skin Type: Mature, dry, normal
- Price: $168.00
- Where to Buy: Amazon
- Reviews: Loved for its sophisticated texture and premium anti-aging benefits.
Niacinamide is a must-have for anyone seeking brighter, clearer, and healthier skin. Whether you need oil control (The Ordinary), anti-aging (Caudalíe), or a radiant glow (Glow Recipe), there’s a serum for every concern. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll cover more!
Ready to glow? Pick your perfect niacinamide serum and let your skin shine!
