Best Dermatologist-Tested Niacinamide Serums for Reducing Redness, Inflammation, and Discoloration
Our Favorite Niacinamide Serums
Best overall
Naturium Niacinamide Face Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Why it’s great:
Easily applies. Minimal fragrance. Skin was immediately brighter according to our testers
Drawbacks:
None that we experienced
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide 12%, Zinc 2%, HA and Vitamin E
Price per unit: $16 / Fl Oz
SkinSafe rating: A+ (highest rating of allergen free)
Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:
“Skin felt immediately brighter”
“Does not have fragrance”
“Absorbs quickly and goes well with a moisturizer!”
Best for redness and inflammation
COSRX Niacinamide 15% Face Serum
Why it’s great:
Easy to apply and higher concentration of niacinamide was helpful for redness
Drawbacks:
Somewhat thin, so it seems to require more product
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide 15%, Zinc PCA
Price per unit: $25 / Fl Oz
SkinSafe rating: A+ (highest rating of allergen free)
Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:
“Thin, so easily applied, and has a mild but pleasant fragrance”
Best for underlying discoloration
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum, Dark Spot Corrector With Anti-Aging Melasyl + 10% Niacinamide
Why it’s great:
Excellent product that has the benefits of niacinamide, but combined with the melasyl technology which has demonstrated improvement for discoloration
Drawbacks:
Has a moderate fragrance that may not be for everyone. Was well received in our group.
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide 10%, Melasyl
Price per unit: $45 / Fl Oz
SkinSafe rating: pending
Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:
“Feels like a higher quality product”
“Dries quickly and made me skin feel softer and brighter shortly after application”
Best for dry and sensitive skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Niacinamide Serum for Face with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin B3
Why it’s great:
Combined with hyaluronic acid and is fragrance free, so an excellent choice for those with dry or sensitive skin
Drawbacks:
One user felt it made the skin more red immediately after, but this resolved with time
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide 10%, HA
Price per unit: $23 / Fl Oz
SkinSafe rating: Pending
Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:
“Had a cooling effect on the skin, though it seems hydrating and took a while to dry on the face”
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In our quest to identify the most effective niacinamide serums, we conducted a rigorous, blind-tested experiment with the help of experienced dermatologists. This approach allowed us to eliminate any bias and focus solely on the performance of each product.
Our team of dermatologists evaluated a wide range of the most popularly purchased niacinamide serums, considering factors such as ingredient concentration, formulation, side effects, and user experience. We included products ranging from $6 all the way to $125.
Our dermatologists assessed each serum's ability to address common skin concerns such as uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, redness, and inflammation. We also evaluated the serums' performance on different skin types, including oily, dry, and combination skin.
Through our BLINDED comprehensive testing process, we were able to identify the best overall niacinamide serums, the best budget option, and top performers for specific skin concerns like acne-prone skin and sensitive skin. It's our hope that these findings will help you make a more informed decision when choosing the right niacinamide serum for your unique needs.
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Product Selection:
We searched the keywords ‘niacinamide’ on Amazon.com. We excluded sponsored items.
We selected the most popular products on Amazon’s query for the keywords.
Finally, we selected the top 5 products on the search page fitting the above inclusion criteria.
Two products (Maelove, Laroche-Posay, and PCA) were provided free of charge for this experiment.
Product Testing:
Our testing team consisted of 2 dermatology residents and 1 dermatology attending located in Boston, Massachusetts. Our skin profiles are as follows:
Normal; Fair-medium with yellow undertones
Dry-sensitive; Dark brown
Combination; Fair-medium with tan undertones
Just as for our vitamin C experiment, we also used a split face approach for this project. Randomization of areas of the skin and products were performed. Ratings were recorded after two weeks of use.
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La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum, Dark Spot Corrector With Anti-Aging Melasyl + 10% Niacinamide
Naturium Niacinamide Face Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
COSRX Niacinamide 15% Face Serum
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum - 10% Niacinamide Balancing B3 Facial Serum
Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Niacinamide Serum for Face with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin B3
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
PCA SKIN Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum with Niacinamide
Maelove Nia10 Serum
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Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, has become a trending ingredient in dermatology. This compound offers a number of benefits for a variety of skin concerns such as pore size, redness, inflammation, and evenness of tone.
Even Skin Tone
One of the primary reasons niacinamide has gained such popularity is its ability to even out skin tone. By inhibiting the transfer of melanin to skin cells, niacinamide can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more uniform complexion. This makes it an excellent choice for those struggling with uneven skin tone or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne. This also means that patients who have dyspigmentation who then treated with medications such as hydroquinone, resulting in unevenness, may have benefit from niacinamide.
Reducing Pore Size
Niacinamide is also great for pore size. It helps regulate sebum production, which can lead to a reduction in the appearance of enlarged pores. By keeping excess oil away from the face, niacinamide can give the skin a smoother, more refined texture.
Redness and Inflammation
For those battling redness and inflammation, niacinamide acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help calm irritated skin, making it particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin or conditions like acne or rosacea.
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The great thing about niacinamide is that it is very flexible and has a general benefit for most patients.
Oily and Acne-prone Skin
For those with oily or acne-prone skin, niacinamide can be very beneficial; in our clinics, we often recommend niacinamide for redness that persists in the background of acne or rosacea. The ability to even out the skin tone is great for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne. Additionally, its ability to regulate sebum production helps control excess oil, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of breakouts.
Dry and Sensitive Skin
Individuals with dry or sensitive skin can also reap the benefits of niacinamide. Many niacinamide products are concurrently built with humectants such as hyaluronic acid, and the hydrating properties help strengthen the skin barrier, locking in moisture and preventing water loss. This can lead to hydrated skin that's better equipped to defend against environmental stressors.
Aging and Mature Skin
For patients with aging or mature skin, niacinamide can be good because B3 is a natural anti-oxidant, like Vitamin C. While it does not help with wrinkles, it can be paired with other products that do help to reduce fine lines.
Normal or Balanced Skin
Even those with relatively "normal" skin can use niacinamide to maintain and improve their skin's health. Its ability to strengthen the skin barrier and provide antioxidant protection makes it an excellent preventative measure against various skin concerns.
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You should factor in a few different elements when browsing for a niacinamide serum.
First and foremost, note the concentration of niacinamide in the serum. Most effective formulations contain between 5% and 15% niacinamide. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with a lower concentration and gradually work your way up.
Look for serums that combine niacinamide with complementary ingredients. For example, zinc pairs well with niacinamide and can help further control oil production, making it ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Hyaluronic acid is another great companion to niacinamide, as it provides additional hydration and can help plump the skin.
Lastly, check the ingredient list for potential irritants or allergens, especially if you have sensitive skin. Look for fragrance-free formulations and avoid products with a long list of unnecessary additives.
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Adding a niacinamide serum into your existing skincare routine is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step recommendation on how to add in a niacinamide serum:
Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin.
Apply Niacinamide Serum: After your skin is clean and dry, dispense a few drops of the niacinamide serum onto your fingertips. Gently pat and press the serum into your skin, focusing on areas of concern such as enlarged pores, uneven texture, or redness.
Additional Serums: If you're using other serums, such as a vitamin C serum or hyaluronic acid serum, you can layer them with your niacinamide serum. However, we are big fans of minimalism in skincare, and therefore, it may just as well be effective not to use other serums when you are using a niacinamide serum, and instead alternate them to avoid dilution of the ingredients.
Moisturize: Follow up with your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration and further nourish your skin.
Sunscreen (AM routine): Always finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
