15 best niacinamide serums 2025, tried & tested
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Certainly the unsung hero of my own personal skincare regimen, niacinamide serums are just as important to me as my trusty hyaluronic acid. From smoothing out the texture of my skin to keeping it nice and hydrated and helping me deal with the aftermath of yet another PCOS-associated breakout, it's safe to say that vitamin B3 has become a non-negotiable ingredient of my daily routine.
“Niacinamide is a non-irritating, water-soluble vitamin that integrates well into daily skincare routines,” explains Dr Nora Jaafar — cosmetic and medical dermatology doctor at Rejuvenation Clinic. “Given its gentle profile, it's totally safe for long-term, daily application — even for sensitive skin types.”
But as is the case with most beauty products, I'm also not going to sugarcoat the fact that finding the best niacinamide serum isn't always an easy task. Take it from me: I've tried enough irritation-inducing formulas to know exactly what you need to keep in mind to avoid any unwanted mishaps. With the help of the GLAMOUR team, I've curated an edit of all the best (and most effective) niacinamide facial serums for every skin type and budget – tried and tested by yours truly.
SKIP TO: GLAMOUR's top picks | What is the best percentage of niacinamide? | Can all skin types use niacinamide? | Can you use niacinamide with vitamin C? | Can I use niacinamide every day?
The best niacinamide serums — at a glance:
- Best Overall: Medik8 Clarity Peptides 10% Niacinamide-Infused Serum
- Best Affordable: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Best Niacinamide Serum For Dark Spots: La Roche-Posay MelaB3 Anti-Dark Spot Serum
- Best Serum For Large Pores: Facetheory Porebright Niacinamide 10% Refining Serum
- Best Hydrating Niacinamide Serum: The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum
How we test niacinamide serums:
Over the years, the GLAMOUR editors have tested countless self-proclaimed “best” niacinamide serums – ranging from affordable to premium formulas – on different skin types. When reviewing any face serum, we always aim to keep in mind various criteria, including but not limited to: how quickly we saw results, whether it resulted in any irritation and if it worked well underneath makeup or other skincare products. After something else? Shop the best vitamin C serums, best ceramide serum, best peptide serum and best hydrating serum.
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What is niacinamide?
A form of vitamin B3 commonly found in meat, fish, milk, eggs, and green vegetables, niacinamide is an essential vitamin that helps with cell health and energy metabolism. Also a popular skincare ingredient, its anti-inflammatory qualities mean it's great for helping with acne, eczema, and rosacea — but it's also just generally great for maintaining healthy-looking skin as a whole.
What are the benefits of niacinamide in skincare?
“Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a multitasking antioxidant that can help soothe, firm and hydrate the skin, reverse the signs of aging (including fine lines and wrinkles), lighten dark spots and redness as well as reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production — which may benefit conditions like acne and rosacea,” shares Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut.
Not to mention, niacinamide is known to pair well with other active ingredients. “Niacinamide is a soothing ingredient, so it can help make an exfoliating ingredient or product more tolerable to sensitive skin, allowing you to use it more frequently and see the benefits of it,” she says. “Because of these properties, it pairs well with retinols and alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs.”
Otherwise, niacinamide can also enhance the hydrating benefits of humectants — think the best hyaluronic acid serums and glycerin — so it’s a winner in moisturisers, too. “It works by preventing evaporation of moisture from the skin into the environment,” Dr. Robinson explains. In other words, it helps support our delicate moisture barriers too.
Heads up: to maximise the benefits of niacinamide, sunscreen is essential, so make sure you follow up your serum with a product that has at least SPF 30, which is the minimum amount recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Simply apply a few drops to the palm of your hand morning and evening, apply after cleansing and toning, and follow with a moisturiser and your trusty face SPF. Bottom line: There’s no reason not to slot this powerhouse topical ingredient into your skincare routine.
GLAMOUR’s top niacinamide serums, tried and tested.
Tester: Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: Science-backed skincare brand Medik8 are pioneers of cutting-edge product technologies in skincare. Formulated to rescue blemish-prone and dull skin, it promises to serve up “visibly perfected, glass-like skin when you need it most.” The 10% niacinamide inclusion calms and soothes redness, blemishes and blotchy skin, while the inclusion of hyaluronic acid promotes hydrated, supple skin, and Zinc PCA helps to regulate oil production and promote the skin’s natural healing process.
Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: Another combo of zinc and niacinamide (but with double the concentration of the latter compared with the Glossier serum), this blend does it all. While it helps clarify skin, even skin tone and address blemishes — since it decreases oil production — it can work to reduce the appearance of acne scars too. It's also been shown to actually support the skin barrier, in case you're worried about potential irritation.
Tester: Robyn Eugene, GLAMOUR's Social Media Manager.
- Strength: 2%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: This of this serum as “glass skin” in a bottle. It deploys niacinamide, amino-acid-rich watermelon, and hydrating hyaluronic acid for long-term hydration and brightening benefits, while its sheen gives skin a dewy glow for instant brightness. Thanks to those two functions, you can use it as a typical face serum or apply it over makeup as a highlighter. Lightly tinted, it's one of our favourite brightening serums for a bronzed, radiant, and oh-so-glowy finish.
Tester: Ali Pantony, GLAMOUR's Website Director.
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: Use it on its own or blend it with your go-to moisturiser or a face serum, this niacinamide booster from Paula's Choice works wonders for minimising the look of blemishes and smoothing skin texture. This potent formulation boasts a blend of vitamin B3 as well as panthenol, and feels incredibly hydrating yet lightweight on the skin. The result? More even skin texture, fewer visible pores and a brighter complexion.
More of GLAMOUR’s favourite niacinamde serums.
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: Balanced, hydrated skin for under £10? This serum makes it possible. It contains 10% niacinamide to manage oil production, as well as 1% hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin. The duo leaves skin softer, plumper, and less shiny in a matter of seconds.
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Pros & ConsPros- It's gentle enough for sensitive skin types.
- Affordable.
Cons- The straightforward bottle makes it hard to control how much you dispense.
Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide
- Strength: 5%.
- Cruelty-free? No.
Why we love it: As with all science-backed Kiehl's products, this facial serum has been formulated without much fuss. Yep: its ingredient list features just 10 items, which means you're only applying what you really need to. It's also suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. Key benefits? Think: minimised shine, a calmer complexion, reduced redness and reduced scarring. The key ingredient is, of course, niacinamide, but it also contains water, glycerin, propanediol, methyl gluceth-20, hydroxyacetophenone, sodium hyaluronate, caprylyl glycol, carbomer and sodium hydroxide.
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Pros & ConsPros- Layers well with other serums without pilling.
- Hydrating.
- Aids in reducing acne scarring.
Cons- Nothing of note.
La Roche-Posay MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? No.
Why we love it: Niacinamide is best known as a brightening ingredient. (It interferes with the transfer of melanin, or pigment, in the skin — meaning any melanin created from sun exposure or inflammation doesn’t make it to your skin’s surface). This particular serum puts that feature to work to deliver anti-ageing benefits, reducing the number, size, and colour of dark spots, sun spots, and other types of discolouration. (And since it’s an antioxidant, it’ll also keep free radicals from further damaging skin).
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Pros & ConsPros- The texture is lightweight and easy to massage in.
- Visibly noticeable results in as little as 2 weeks.
- Helps with acne scarring.
Cons- Expensive.
Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: Ideal for use over the face, neck and décolleté, Sunday Riley's niacinamide serum is suitable for all skin types and is formulated to encourage a more even, brighter complexion. The niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of pores and calm redness and blemishes, while the brightenyl, a biotechnologically created molecule, helps brighten the skin and soothe sensitivity. It also includes powerful antioxidants trans-resveratrol and EGCG, both of which protect the skin from the impacts of stress and pollution. Dark spots, be gone.
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Pros & ConsPros- Cruelty-free.
- Visibly helps with the signs of ageing.
Cons- Expensive.
- Some reviewers with dry skin reported that it dried out their skin a bit too much.
- Strength: 3%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: Keen to get to the source of any problems, all BYOMA products are infused with Tri-Ceramides that help to boost, repair, and restore the skin barrier. This ultra-lightweight formulation puts on brightening and smoothing the skin — by tackling uneven texture, lightening scars and patches of pigmentation, and providing a serious hit of hydration. Expect to feel nourished and radiant — all for a pretty affordable price.
Pros & ConsPros- Pretty affordable.
- Nourishing and moisturising formula.
- Absorbs really quickly.
Cons- Not a particularly high percentage of niacinamide.
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum
- Strength: 5%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: Best applied daily (and always under an SPF when applying in the morning), the SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum uses 5% niacinamide alongside anti-inflammatory 1.8% Tranexamic Acid and 5% HEPES – or Sulfonic Acid, which provides gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells – to minimise the appearance of discolouration, from scaring to dark spots.
Pros & ConsPros- Great anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Offers gentle exfoliation.
- Helps with discoloration.
Cons- Expensive.
Facetheory Porebright Niacinamide 10% Refining Serum
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: As its name suggests, this serum puts the focus on those problematic pores. Boasting a rather large concentration of niacinamide, it's a great serum for tackling uneven skin tone and minimising any pesky enlarged pores — but it's also infused with soothing azelaic acid that's perfect for blemishes, and a tiny touch of salicylic acid to lightly buff away any dead skin cells and product build-up. It's a suitable serum for all — but feels particularly well-suited to oily and combination skin types.
Pros & ConsPros- Really refines and smooths out skin texture.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Lightweight and absorbs quickly.
Cons- Only available directly from Facetheory.
- Strength: 2%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: When it comes to beauty and wellness products, arguably no country does it better than South Korea – and this serum is a prime example. Formulated for sensitive, acne-prone and blemish-prone skin, this Korean serum addresses multiple skin concerns and contains niacinamide and propolis extract, the latter of which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pros & ConsPros- Gives the skin a dewy-looking glow.
- Hydrating and gentle.
Cons- Has a stickier consistency than other formulas.
Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Serum
- Strength: 3%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: Perfect for blemish-prone skin, this gorgeous gel-serum is packed with a potent blend of ingredients; pore unclogging salicylic acid, visibly brightening and refining niacinamide, and soothing rose water to hydrate and refresh the complexion — while also minimising excess sebum production. It's suitable for all skin types, and works really well at quickly clearing away spots and acne.
Pros & ConsPros- Helps control oil production.
- Refines uneven skin texture and tone.
- A gentle exfoliator that's safe for sensitive skin.
Cons- Some reviewers say it's a little drying.
L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: If you're after an effective yet affordable niacinamide serum, look no further than this number from L'Oreal. Thanks to the included 10% concentration of niacinamide and amino-sulfonic acid, this face serum works to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation and even out the skin tone, while feeling lightweight and non-sticky on the skin.
Pros & ConsPros- Non-greasy feel.
- Affordable.
- Works well for reducing dark spots.
Cons- The high concentration may irritate sensitive skin.
- Strength: Doesn't say.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: Certainly not your typical serum, this glow-boosting primer is a makeup/skincare hybrid. Made with brightening and smoothing niacinamide, nourishing vitamin E, and hydrating glycerin, the formula will leave you with a truly radiant and glossy base — while the built-in roller applicator helps to sculpt out definition, and reduce puffiness. Best of all, the priming serum is slightly tacky to the touch when applied — and will grip your makeup in place for up to eight hours.
Pros & ConsPros- The perfect priming base for make-up.
- Brightening and hydrating formula.
- Applicator helps sculpt and reduce puffiness.
Cons- Tacky texture means it's best with make-up on top.
What is the best percentage of niacinamide?
“Clinical studies suggest that niacinamide is effective at concentrations between 2-5%, with proven benefits including improved barrier function, reduced transepidermal water loss, and control of sebum production," explains Dr Nora Jaafar — cosmetic and medical dermatology doctor at Rejuvenation Clinic. "Concentrations of 10% or more can also be really beneficial, but they come with an increased risk of irritation — particularly in individuals with sensitive skin.”
Can all skin types use niacinamide?
Niacinamide is well-tolerated across all skin types — but some will benefit from using it more than others. "It's particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone or oily skin, as it helps regulate sebaceous gland activity, and reduce inflammatory lesions," Dr Nora explains.
Can you use niacinamide with vitamin C?
While outdated research sometimes suggests the opposite, we can assure you that you're totally fine to use modern formulations of niacainamide and vitamin C together. “Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory and skin barrier-enhancing properties — while vitamin C (ascorbic acid) functions as a potent antioxidant and collagen-stimulating agent,” Dr Nora explains. “When used together, they can provide complementary benefits for brightening and photoprotection.”
Can I use niacinamide every day?
In short — yes. "Studies show that consistent use — both morning and evening — can enhance barrier function, regulate oils, and reduce oxidative stress," Dr Nora adds.
Looking to take your skincare routine to the next level? Check out our guides for the best eye creams, best moisturisers, best face washes and the best cleansers with salicylic acid.
