Niacinamide is an actual do-it-all ingredient that has earned a permanent spot in many of our skincare routines. Here, we take a closer look at this powerhouse component (boasting multiple skin benefits, from reviving dull skin and locking in moisture to refining texture) and bring you a curated list of the best niacinamide serums to shop now for each and every skin type – tried and tested by Vogue Scandinavia’s beauty team
All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
In recent years, niacinamide has become one of the most popular skincare ingredients, with virtually every beauty brand offering products containing this potent component. And it’s no surprise – niacinamide is a true skincare workhorse, tackling multiple concerns, from softening fine lines and minimising the look of pores to strengthening the skin barrier and evening out skin tone. In fact, renowned aesthetic doctor Barbara Sturm comments, "when used correctly in an optimal formulation, it has overarching benefits for skin health and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can improve skin texture, moisture and functionality.”
Below, find answers to common questions about niacinamide and a curated list of the best niacinamide serums to shop now.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. Since the body doesn’t store it, you need to regularly replenish it through your diet (by consuming foods like fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, and cereals) and through skincare products enriched with niacinamide to boost its benefits for your complexion.
What are the benefits of niacinamide in skincare?
Sturm calls topical vitamin B3 “a true multitasking ingredient” because of its many benefits and powerful anti-inflammatory properties. “It not only helps to control excess oil on the skin and visibly reduce the look of enlarged pores, but it also helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves uneven skin tone, restores radiance, strengthens the natural skin barrier and renews the skin’s surface, reducing the effects of environmental damage,” explains Sturm. “In addition, vitamin B3 also prevents moisture loss as it helps to support the natural production of skin-strengthening ceramides.”
How to use niacinamide in skincare?
Generally speaking, niacinamide works for all skin types, even the most sensitive, and is best delivered into the skin as a serum or cream. But there is a catch: “Too high a concentration of topical vitamin B3 with significant amounts of residual Nicotinic Acid can have a negative effect and lead to irritation, sensitivity and redness,” warns Sturm. She recommends five per cent as the sweet spot for niacinamide, an effective yet gentle dosage suitable for all skin types, especially for sensitive and reactive skin.
For those looking to maximise niacinamide’s benefits, choosing products containing a 10 to 20 per cent concentration is a great option. However, higher-dosage serums should be introduced to your skincare routine gradually, starting with two to three times a week to avoid irritation. Following the general rule of layering skincare from the lightest to the heaviest, apply your niacinamide serum – which is often water-based and lightweight – after cleansing and toning your face.
When to use niacinamide serum?
You might be wondering whether to use a niacinamide serum in the morning or at night. The answer? You can use it in both your AM and PM routine, depending on your preference. At night, when the skin is in its regenerative state, niacinamide works to repair and strengthen the skin barrier, soothe inflammation, and lock in moisture. During the day, it helps control excess oil production while also boosting radiance.
Can you pair niacinamide with other serums and skincare ingredients?
Niacinamide and retinol – Niacinamide and retinol make a great pairing in your evening routine and can be safely used together. While both have anti-ageing and acne-fighting benefits, their synergy lies in niacinamide’s ability to protect the skin barrier. Since retinol is a potent active that can cause irritation, niacinamide helps soothe the skin, strengthen the barrier, and bolster hydration, mitigating the potential irritation caused by retinol.
Niacinamide and vitamin C – Here’s another brilliant match. Sturm, for instance, recommends incorporating both vitamin C and niacinamide into your skincare routine. “Layering the two serums supercharges their brightening and skin-perfecting effects,” she says.
Niacinamide and AHAs/BHAs – There are mixed opinions on whether niacinamide can be used alongside AHAs/BHAs. While the general consensus is that they can be combined, there are a few things to bear in mind. To minimise the risk of irritation, it's best to apply them at different times of the day – AHAs/BHAs in the evening and niacinamide in the morning. However, if you want to incorporate both into the same routine (for example, niacinamide and salicylic acid (BHA) can be a great pairing for oily and acne-prone skin), apply your AHA/BHA first, then wait roughly 30 minutes before following up with niacinamide. This will help prevent any pH imbalances, which can lead to redness and irritation.
The best niacinamide serums to try in 2025:
The best niacinamide serum overall
What you need to know: This formulation features a robust 10 per cent concentration of niacinamide and is packed with antioxidants, including trans-resveratrol and EGCG. Together, these supercharged ingredients brighten the complexion, refine skin texture, and minimise the appearance of fine lines and pores while hydrating, soothing and strengthening the skin barrier. Although deeply moisturising, this serum keeps excess oil production at bay. A true do-it-all, it is suitable for all skin types.
Why we love it: While this serum may sound like it promises a lot, after a few months of use, we found that it delivered – minimising the look of pores, controlling excess oil production, and evening out skin tone and texture (especially reducing redness and acne scarring). Despite its higher niacinamide concentration, no irritation occurred when it was gradually introduced into the routine. A lightweight formula, it doesn’t leave a sticky feeling but absorbs quickly, making the skin feel supple and refreshed.
The best budget-friendly niacinamide serum
What you need to know: This serum by The Ordinary hasn’t received rave reviews for nothing. Powered by a 10 per cent concentration of niacinamide, combined with a shot of zink, the formulation targets blemish-causing bacteria while working to improve skin texture and tone. The zink also bolsters niacinamide’s oil-reducing properties without drying up the complexion.
Why we love it: Aside from its wallet-friendly price tag, this serum wonderfully battled smaller breakouts. But, if you’re struggling with more severe acne, however, don’t expect it to clear that entirely. There was also a noticeable difference in oil production, with the serum leaving the skin less shiny, yet still hydrated throughout the day.
The best niacinamide serum for dry skin
What you need to know: Dr. Barbara Sturm has concocted an effective yet gentle niacinamide serum that will help revive even the roughest and flakiest complexion. Featuring a five per cent concentration of niacinamide, coupled with marine plankton extract and panthenol (provitamin B5), the serum perfects the skin, from smoothing texture and tightening pores to preventing premature ageing. The addition of the plankton extract brings an extra boost of hydration while supporting skin barrier health.
Why we love it: The skin immediately soaked up this lightweight serum without any greasy residue. The most noticeable change was in skin texture, which appeared less dull, softer and dewy, with visibly smaller pores. The serum is an excellent choice for those with parched skin or who feel the effects of harsh Nordic winters in their complexion, thanks to its soothing and ultra-moisturising properties. The only downside? The price, which is on the more expensive side.
The best niacinamide serum for sensitive skin
What you need to know: Beloved K-beauty brand Beauty of Joseon’s niacinamide serum is an excellent choice for beginners who are introducing the ingredient into their routine for the first time and those with sensitive or reactive skin. With a low two per cent dosage of niacinamide paired with 60 per cent propolis extract, this brightening serum delivers the benefits of niacinamide without overwhelming the skin. Propolis extract is known for its calming and skin-regenerating properties, while a touch of tea tree extract adds soothing and oil-controlling benefits.
Why we love it: True to its name, this serum gives a subtle lit-from-within glow. However, its soothing abilities are the real winner, reducing redness and achieving a refreshed and rejuvenated feel. The serum also works well as a hydrating base under your foundation for a dewy look.
The best niacinamide serum for oily skin and large pores
What you need to know: At 12 per cent, Naturium’s niacinamide serum boasts a robust concentration of niacinamide, which makes it the best at tackling the concerns the ingredient does the best: enlarged pores and oily and textured skin. But it goes even further: with two per cent zinc, the vegan and cruelty-free serum also purifies the skin while helping to minimise fine lines and improving skin tone.
Why we love it: Oiliness is one of the most frustrating skin concerns, but luckily, there are solutions like this serum from Naturium, which we found especially effective in reining in excess oil. Moreover, we noticed a visible improvement in pore size and overall skin texture, as a previously bumpy, coarse complexion felt smoother and more supple.
CeraVe
Resurfacing Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin
Via Beauty Bay
The best niacinamide serum for acne-prone skin
What you need to know: This CeraVe formulation packs a real punch, combining niacinamide with other powerhouse ingredients, including retinol, three essential ceramides, and liquorice root extract. As mentioned above, retinol and niacinamide are highly effective pairing, particularly in acne-fighting and anti-ageing products. This serum not only reduces breakouts but also helps restore the skin barrier, fade acne scars, and refine the skin’s surface.
Why we love it: The ingredient combo in this serum is clearly effective, as it noticeably decreased breakouts – mild hormonal acne flare-ups included. Some subtle fading of scars was also observed while the skin remained hydrated and balanced, likely due to the calming effects of niacinamide and the nourishing ceramides. However, if you have sensitive or reactive skin or are new to retinol, this serum may feel a bit too strong until your skin adjusts.
The best niacinamide serum for glow
What you need to know: Trust cult-favourite brand Glow Recipe to bring products that achieve a natural radiance, and these niacinamide dew drops are no exception. Enriched with antioxidant-rich centella, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and calming watermelon extract, this niacinamide serum brightens the skin from within, improving skin texture and the look of pores. Expect a luminous, supple complexion.
Why we love it: Not only is this a gentle, skin-perfecting serum fit for all skin types, but it's also highly versatile. You can apply it in multiple ways – before your moisturiser, as the final step in your skincare routine, or even layered over foundation for the ultimate glow. Personally, we loved mixing it with a foundation for a fresh-faced finish.
The best niacinamide serum for hyperpigmentation and dark spots
What you need to know: Niacinamide is known for its ability to target hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and La Roche-Posay’s Mela B3 serum, formulated with a 10 per cent concentration of niacinamide, is designed specifically for that purpose. Bolstered by hyaluronic acid and the brand’s patented Melasyl™ ingredient, the serum hydrates the skin while fading and preventing the appearance of dark pigment patches – whether caused by ageing, sun exposure or acne.
Why we love it: This product requires consistent use before you start seeing results, but we did notice an improvement – especially in pigment spots caused by acne and sun exposure. With its silky, lightweight texture, the serum seamlessly sinks into the skin and can be used as a hydrating base for foundation.
The best niacinamide serum for anti-ageing
What you need to know: If you're looking for a youth-boosting retinol serum but want to avoid purging and flaky skin, this serum is for you. A gentler alternative to high-dose retinol, this retinal serum – infused with 5 per cent niacinamide, ceramides, ashwagandha, and cloudberry – brightens the skin while softening fine lines and wrinkles. Meanwhile, niacinamide, ceramides, ashwagandha, and cloudberry ensure your skin barrier won’t get disrupted, while enhancing the retinal's anti-ageing prowess.
Why we love it: While the serum is gentler compared to retinol, it’s still very potent and needs a proper moisturiser to go with it. That said, the results – when used three times a week in the PM – delivered as promised, with fine lines and skin texture visibly improving over weeks of use. Skin feels plumper and refreshed without the breakout flare-ups that retinol can sometimes cause.