Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
Reviewed by SerumTruth Editorial · Price and formula checked July 2026
A dewy, well-priced glow serum that leans on a big dose of propolis with a supporting 2% niacinamide. The niacinamide is the better-evidenced half; propolis is a pleasant, limited-evidence conditioner. A nice-to-use layer, not a corrective treatment.
- Every active discloses its concentration
- Cheap to use, about $11 a month
- Evidence17 / 30
Strength of the research behind the key actives
- Propolis Extract: limited evidence
- Niacinamide: moderate evidence
The average of the key actives’ evidence grades.
- Potency21 / 25
Dosed at studied levels, not fairy-dusted
- Propolis Extract (60%): dosed at a studied level
- Niacinamide (2%): dosed at a studied level
How strongly the actives are dosed, led by the strongest, not how many there are.
- Delivery & stability14 / 20
Delivery tech + packaging that protects fragile actives
- Delivery: standard
- Packaging: clear dropper
- No fragile actives here, so packaging barely moves the score.
Delivery tech plus packaging, and packaging only counts when actives are fragile.
- Formulation8 / 10
Disclosure, active breadth, and ingredient generation
- 2 of 2 actives disclose a concentration
- 2 key actives (breadth credit caps at 3)
- Current-generation or synergistic: Propolis Extract
Disclosure, active breadth, and current-generation or synergistic actives.
- Value14 / 15
What a month of use costs vs. the category
- About $11 per month to use
- $18 for 30 ml, used about twice a day (about 0.3 ml each time), so a bottle lasts about 1.7 months
What a month of use costs: full marks at $6 a month or less, the floor at $60 a month or more.
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Ranks #33 of 84 hydration & barrier serums we have scored.
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What’s inside
| Active | Disclosed | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Propolis Extract | 60% | Studied |
| Niacinamide | 2% | Studied |
Propolis extract as the hero, brand-stated at 60%, with 2% niacinamide and a low level of betaine salicylate, in a frosted glass dropper. It is aimed at the appearance of a dewy, comfortable and more even-looking complexion, the niacinamide adding tone and shine support. It is not vegan, and propolis is a known allergen for some, so patch testing is sensible.
How it’s delivered
Air- and light-sensitive actives (vitamin C, copper peptides) lose potency fast in the wrong packaging, so delivery and the bottle are scored, not just what’s on the label.
The actives, explained
What the research says
Lab testing on human skin models found propolis extract reduced UV related damage markers, suggesting it may help guard against photodamage.
Propolis Extracts Inhibit UV-Induced Photodamage in Human Experimental In Vitro Skin Models. Antioxidants (Basel), 2019. PubMed ↗
Topical 5% niacinamide was linked to more even looking skin tone, softer looking lines, and less visible blotchiness after 12 weeks.
Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatologic Surgery, 2005. PubMed ↗
A study of the active, not this exact product. What matters for the score is whether this serum uses it at a comparable dose.
Higher-scoring alternatives
Same category, better SerumProof score. Worth a look before you buy.
Revision history
- July 11, 2026Price and formula rechecked
- July 10, 2026Review published
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Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. The SerumProof score reflects our reading of publicly available research and formulation disclosures. See how scoring works.