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11 best niacinamide serums for soothing redness, fighting breakouts and brightening the skin
Say it with me "Ni-A-Cin-A-Mide"
I'll admit it, when it comes to refining my skincare routine I find it tricky to narrow down my wish list... But one ingredient I'll never skip? A niacinamide serum (aka vitamin B3).
Yup, whilst I love my vitamin C for getting a glow, hyaluronic acid for moisturising and retinol for targeting those ever-present fine lines, niacinamide has become my go-to for preventing breakouts and brightening up my skin. And I'm not alone, the ingredient has been growing in popularity as more and more beauty brands embrace its benefits.
If you're thinking about adding a little niacinamide to your skincare shelfie, here's all you need to know...
What is niacinamide?
So, let's get down to the nitty gritty, what actually is niacinamide? "Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3, which has a wide range of excellent benefits for the skin" explains Dr Mary Sommerlad, Consultant Dermatologist for online Dermatology platform, Dermatica.
It's most commonly used in serums and can be found in percentages of 4%, 10% and 20%. "It is generally very well tolerated by all skin types however, I would always suggest using a lower percentage as a leave-on product if you have never tried it before" says Sommerlad.
What does niacinamide do to the skin?
Turns out, it actually does quite a lot. "Firstly, it can help treat acne by balancing oil production, reducing inflammation and helping even out skin tone imbalance" says Sommerlad. "It can also help those with eczema as it supports the skin barrier, helps boost hydration and is anti-inflammatory. Finally, it's also great for those interested in reducing the signs of premature ageing, as it works to minimise pore size, even out pigmentation and smooth out fine lines."
How does niacinamide work?
Well, that all sounds pretty wonderful, but how does it tick all those boxes? "Niacinamide boosts the skin's natural production of ceramides (which are lipids that help form the skin's barrier and help retain moisture)", explains Sommerlad. "It also has antioxidant properties and stimulates keratinocytes (the primary type of cell found in the epidermis), both of these actions help maintain and enhance the skin barrier."
How often should I use niacinamide?
"You can use Niacinamide in your morning or evening routine. Apply it after cleansing the skin and before applying your moisturiser.", Sommerlad summarises.
So, what's the best niacinamide serum?
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The OG of niacinamide serums, you could argue that The Ordinary made this relatively unheard of ingredient, an in-demand elixir for anyone looking to overhaul their complexion. With 10% niacinamide and 1% Zinc PCA, it will certainly keep sebum under control and minimise breakouts.
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment
The heftiest dose of niacinamide we've ever come across, this treatment claims to dramatically refine the look of uneven texture and visible pores (where do we sign up?).
The hero ingredient is paired with an antioxidant blend of liquorice extract and vitamin C, to brighten and refine the skin tone and texture.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin
There'a reason La Roche Posay are always our go-to for great skincare, not only does this serum contain niacinamide, but it's also packed with Salicylic Acid, LHA and Glycolic Acid, making it the perfect formula for decongesting pores and preventing future breakouts.
e.l.f. SuperRefine 10% Niacinamide Serum
e.l.f. SuperRefine 10% Niacinamide Serum
Who can argue with 10% for £10, and it's got some serious shelf appeal too in this sunny yellow. The concentrated serum combines niacinamide with vitamin b5 and willow bark, for a final product that balances, calms and smooths for daily radiance and minimised pores.
THE INKEY LIST Niacinamide
THE INKEY LIST Niacinamide
This is one of the best niacinamide serums on a budget. The £9.99 serum contains 10% Niacinamide to reduce excess oil, blemishes and redness, along with 1% hyaluronic acid, to deliver hydration to the skin and keep it from getting dry or tight.
Superdrops™ Brightening Niacinamide (10%)
Superdrops™ Brightening Niacinamide (10%)
With a hefty 10% niacinamide, this serum is one of most effective we've come across - it helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and promotes elasticity. The formula also helps reduce the appearance of pores while refining and smoothing skin. It's £60 for non-members but just £15 for members. You can get 30 days free membership below.
BYOMA Brightening Serum 30ml
BYOMA Brightening Serum 30ml
Yes this beauty contains our favourite ingredient, niacinamide, but that's just the tip of the iceberg... It's also packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and blend of skin-barrier boosting tri-ceramide complexes.
It's a brilliant all-rounder for brighter, hydrated skin. Oh, and did I mention it's also oil-free, non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty free.
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
It's hard not to be a Naturium fan-girl tbh, with affordable price points, quality ingredients and beaut packaging, the brand has fast become a go-to on the Cosmopolitan beauty desk. Of course, this serum is no exception, with a whopping 12% niacinamide, plus 2% zinc, this minimises pores and helps to refine and smooth the skin, whilst balancing oil production - win, win.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Not just a pretty face, this Insta-worthy serum has an impressive ingredients line up. Inspired by South Korean skin care, the formula is designed to give you an intense glow instantly, whilst niacinamide works to brighten the complexion over time.
Glossier Super Pure
Glossier Super Pure
Formulated with 5% niacinamide, Glossier's offering is a little more gentle than most, making it a better option for people with sensitised skin or dry complexions. Along with niacinamide, it also contains Zinc PCA, to help decongest pores without being overly drying.
Honest Beauty Calm & Porefect Serum
Honest Beauty Calm & Porefect Serum
Jessica Alba's Honest Beauty brand is known for being formulated without 'questionable chemicals', but that doesn't mean this serum is lacking in clout.
The fragrance-free, vegan formula contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, along with a lipid complex that helps to strengthen your skin's natural barrier. This helps prevent any dryness or irritations and ensures skin stays happy and calm.
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