Vitamin (cell-signalling)
Niacinamide
INCI: Niacinamide·Studied at 2–5% (up to 10%)·Moderate evidence
A stable, water-soluble form of vitamin B3 and one of the more reliable multitaskers on a label, studied for the appearance of an even tone, refined-looking pores and a supported-looking barrier.
Studied for
- ·The appearance of an even tone
- ·The look of refined pores and balanced shine
- ·The appearance of a supported, comfortable-looking barrier
How it’s thought to work
A precursor to skin coenzymes studied for association with the appearance of a more even, resilient-looking complexion; it is stable and plays well with almost everything.
Questions
- Is 10% niacinamide better than 5%?
- Not automatically. Much of the supportive research sits around 2–5%, and higher levels like 10% can feel like too much for reactive skin or cause pilling under other layers. More is not reliably better here.
Serums we’ve scored with Niacinamide
- $6The OrdinaryNiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- $13The Inkey ListNiacinamide
- $12Good MoleculesDiscoloration Correcting Serum
- $21.99CeraVeResurfacing Retinol Serum
- $18The Inkey ListPHA Toner
- $115SkinCeuticalsDiscoloration Defense
- $40TopicalsFaded Brightening & Clearing Serum
- $17NaturiumNiacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
- $34GlossierSuper Pure Niacinamide + Zinc
- $44Paula's Choice10% Niacinamide Booster
- $45La Roche-PosayMela B3 Serum
- $78Dr. Dennis GrossC + Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum
- $25CeraVeSkin Renewing Retinol Serum
- $45La Roche-PosayRetinol B3 Serum
- $29OlayRegenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum
- $18Beauty of JoseonGlow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
- $69SkinfixBarrier+ Triple Lipid Activating Serum
- $26NumbuzinNo.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum
- $28NumbuzinNo.3 Skin Softening Serum
- $22Some By MiSnail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum
- $24Some By MiAHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
- $24IsntreeHyaluronic Acid Water Essence
- $26IsntreeTW-Real Bifida Ampoule
- $31GoodalGreen Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum
- $18Purito SeoulCentella Green Level Buffet Serum
- $18Purito SeoulGalacto Niacin 97 Power Essence
- $26I'm FromRice Toner
- $26medicubeZero Pore One-Day Serum