There’s a lot of ingredient hype in the skincare world—some of it warranted, some of it not so much. But we’re here to tell you that niacinamide is the real deal. Like niacin, which is found in food sources, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can be found in a growing number of topical products. And from reducing hyperpigmentation and discoloration to clearing breakouts, this vitamin’s list of benefits is seemingly endless.
“Niacinamide inhibits melanin [skin pigment] production, which gives the skin a brighter appearance,” explains New York City-based dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD. The ingredient has also become popular in acne routines, with good reason. “It’s very helpful for acne, because it’s also anti-inflammatory,” explains Dr. Henry. Those anti-inflammatory properties make it tolerable for pretty much all skin types, too. “It can also be quite soothing, which makes it great for sensitive skin,” she adds.
Because niacinamide is water-soluble, it can be found in everything from cleansers to toners. But serums are a great way to get your daily dose of the skincare ingredient, as it can be both highly concentrated or act as a supporting player along with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid. And unlike those with harsher ingredients, niacinamide products can be used daily. “Because of its soothing properties, it’s great for everyday use,” explains Dr. Henry. Ready to make the skincare ingredient as integral to your skincare routine as SPF? Read on for 10 of our favorite serums that contain niacinamide, plus why we love them.
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Not only does this beloved formula contain vitamin B3, but it also has vitamin B5, sodium hyaluronate (a cousin of hyaluronic acid), and squalane—all of which are freakin’ incredible for increasing skin’s hydration and elasticity.
Just a little of this serum soothes and calms redness and irritation (see ya, rosacea), thanks to a cocktail of anti-inflammatory ingredients including oats, ginger, probiotics, and four—yes, four—types of vitamin B.
Mix 2-3 drops of this water-like liquid into your favorite moisturizer or hydrating serum to instantly add skin-tone-perfecting powers. Its 10% concentration is high, but when diluted with your favorite skincare products, it’s just right.
Not only is this 4% niacinamide serum effective at clearing blemishes and controlling oil production, it’s also affordable; a 40 mL bottle is under $30 (and a 10 mL travel-size is just $3!).
This serum has a little of everything—a mild retinol for fine lines, lactic acid for increased cell turnover, niacinamide for skin texture—but the formula is still gentle enough for all skin types.
Technically, this cult-fave formula is great for pretty much everyone, but the lightweight formulation (and addition of pore-clearing zinc) is especially ideal for dealing with excess sebum.
The sphere-packed bottle looks high-tech, but it’s the ingredients that make this formula worth trying. In addition to yes, niacinamide, it also contains caffeine to fight puffiness, peptides to soften fine lines, and cannabis sativa oil to hydrate and maintain the skin’s barrier.
Ashwagandha—an antioxidant-rich adaptogen you may have heard helps destress the system—and brightening goji berry round out this niacinamide serum’s triple threat of ingredients that protect skin cells against free radical damage.
You can use this minimal yet potent serum on its own, or mix and match it with others (vitamin C, ceramides, and collagen are just a few that the brand offers) for a layered formula that’s personalized just for your skin.
Found: The perfect serum-lotion hybrid for those who want glowy skin, but prefer their products fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and excess-ingredient-free.
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