Niacinamide is one of the best multitasking skin-care ingredients we have access to today. Numerous brands have launched serums in the last couple years using the ingredient as the star. From visibly brightening to reducing the appearance of pesky large pores, niacinamide is praised by dermatologists and skin-care aficionados.
“For those with large pores and/or excessive oil production, niacinamide can help,” says celebrity aesthetician René de la Garza. “They help regulate sebum production and refine skin texture by supporting the skin’s natural exfoliation process. Niacinamide promotes the removal of dead skin cells and helps to smooth the skin’s surface. This ultimately gives the appearance of smaller pores.”
What percentage of niacinamide is best in skin-care products?
“When browsing for skin-care products, it may not always be easy to determine the percentage of niacinamide in a product,” says Ocean Springs, MS dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, MD. “I always recommend that my patients start by looking for a niacinamide product from a brand they are familiar with and whose formulas have worked on their skin before. The type of niacinamide product you choose should depend on your skin type, goals, age, budget, or other skin concerns, and not just the percentage of the ingredient listed.”
That being said, Dr. Zubritsky shares that any percentage of niacinamide between 2 and 10 percent can be effective. If you are someone who has sensitive and/or reactive skin, I would recommend starting at a low percentage and working your way up.” Most niacinamide serums can be used twice a day, but check the directions on any skin-care product before use. If there are certain acids or retinol in the formula, it may be reserved for nighttime-use only.
Which ingredients does niacinamide work best with?
“The best ingredients to mix with niacinamide are retinol, peptides and salicylic acid,” says Dr. Zubritsky. “These ingredients will further maximize the benefits that niacinamide already provides. These include tackling skin concerns like acne and hyperpigmentation, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.”
Which ingredients should niacinamide not be layered/mixed with?
“Niacinamide should not be layered with products that are 100-percent vitamin C, like some ampoules and serums on the market,” Dr. Zubritsky says. “This is because the high-potency ingredient mixed with niacinamide can sometimes cause irritation and inflammation on the skin.”
“The easiest and most effective way to incorporate niacinamide into your skin-care routine is through a serum,” says Dr. Zubritsky. Here, our favorite niacinamide serums under $50 so you can achieve healthy, beautiful skin without breaking the bank.
“This is my favorite niacinamide serum to recommend to my patients,” says Dr. Zubritsky. “You can’t beat the price tag and the formula not only includes niacinamide, but also powerful ingredients like collagen peptides and vitamin E. These ingredients work together to provide multiple skin benefits in one product, including firming skin, smoothing lines and providing long-lasting hydration.”
Recommended by 90,000 dermatologists across the globe, La Roche-Posay is known for its efficacious formulas highlighting key ingredients. In this formula, 10-percent niacinamide is mixed with the brand’s exclusive Melasyl and the brand’s own soothing Thermal Spring Water from France.
It’s a great option for those with dark spots, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This can be caused by the marks left behind by acne blemishes. In a consumer study, skin imperfections looked reduced after two weeks.
For those with oily skin and/or large pores, this serum is one to try. The formula contains 10-percent niacinamide to keep excess oil at bay while also working to reduce the occurrence of blemishes and appearance of redness. However, the brand also added multi-molecular hyaluronic acid to the formula for hydration. It’s a really nice balance, and you can’t beat the $10 price tag.
Niacinamide is the star in this lightweight serum at a 7.5-percent concentration, but it’s mixed with 2.5-percent amino sulfonic acid and 2-percent ferulic acid for even more brightening power. The combination works for all skin types, including sensitive, and is a potent formula for dark spots and post-acne marks. Plus, it’s been validated by an external panel of dermatologists for stability and safety.
This fragrance-free dark spot corrector packs a punch with 10-percent niacinamide and 4-percent tranexamic acid for mega brightening benefits. You don’t need dark spots to benefit either: If your skin has been looking dull or blotchy, or has some redness, this formula can even it out for a more balanced, beautiful complexion.
For those with oily skin, this 5-percent niacinamide serum (there are only nine other ingredients, and it’s fragrance-free) is a great pick. It works to visibly reduce excess shine, as well as any lingering redness, and can be used by all skin types, even sensitive.
Two to three drops is enough for the whole face, although the brand also recommends this hack: “Zone treat your face by applying this serum to areas prone to oiliness and breakouts. Follow with your favorite moisturizer where needed.”
You’ve probably seen this lightweight serum all over TikTok, as it’s a favorite of beauty gurus and influencers alike. This is a great option for someone who wants a dewy glow because it essentially acts like highlighter and skin care in one step. However, it’s not greasy, so you can use it even if you have oily skin.
And, if you can’t get enough of it and want to try something new, dab a little on your cheekbones on top of your blush instead of highlighter for an even more natural sheen.
Anyone with large pores looking for a refining serum that won’t break the bank, this one’s for you. The 12-percent niacinamide combined with zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid can make pores look smaller, while also minimizing dark spots and fine lines over time. Plus, it’s vegan and fragrance-free.
Oily and acne-prone? Try this non-comedogenic, 15-percent niacinamide serum that works to control sebum production as it simultaneously soothes inflammation from acne AND reduces the appearance of post-acne scars. In clinical trials, after four weeks, 50 percent of users saw an improvement in the number of whiteheads, and 48 percent saw an improvement in their skin’s oil synthesis.
This 10-percent niacinamide serum has more than 1,100 five-star reviews, with reviewers describing it as “life-saving” and “a miracle serum,” and having “the best texture on the market.” It’s vegan, fragrance-free and beloved by those who are either oily, acne-prone or dealing with post-acne marks and uneven skin texture. And at this steal of a price point, there’s really no reason not to give a go.
Specifically formulated to target stubborn dark spots (one of niacinamide’s best benefits), this fragrance-free, quick-to-absorb serum blends vitamin B3 with brightening licorice root and antioxidant-rich golden kiwifruit to promote a clearer, healthier-looking complexion. One reviewer even called it “a magic eraser” for her skin after using the product regularly.
Dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free, this 10-percent niacinamide serum is ideal for those with dehydrated skin looking for help in the discoloration department, thanks to the addition of hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin. (Don’t forget to top it with moisturizer if your skin is on the drier side.)
With continued use, it helps decrease the appearance of dark spots and large pores, while evening skin tone. In an eight-week consumer home-use study, participants said it evened the look of their skin tone in two weeks, applying the serum morning and night.
This water-based formula combines niacinamide and zinc as well, which is a home run for skin rejuvenation. Together, the pair improves the skin’s barrier function and radiance, and anti-inflammatory zinc is great at regulating oil production. In a clinical study, the serum proved the hydrate the skin by reinforcing the skin barrier in as little as seven days. After eight weeks, skin was smooth and more luminous.
Ferulic acid is a super potent antioxidant that helps prevent discoloration, so when paired with niacinamide, skin gets a double dose of brightening benefits. This is a great formula—it’s also a NewBeauty Award winner—for those who are regularly exposed to environmental aggressors, like UV rays and pollution, that lead to free-radical damage. Over time, it reduces hyperpigmentation and sunspots for improved radiance.
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