You know B vitamins are good for you but did you know they’re also a great skincare ingredient?
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a jack-of-all-trades skin hero that does everything from moisturising to soothing inflammation and much more. It’s a popular solution for clearing congested, acne-prone skin and can even help reduce oil production.
The 7 Best Niacinamide Serums for Brighter, Healthier Skin
Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide
The Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide from ALPHA-H contains a powerful blend of ingredients that work together to enhance the skin’s barrier function, improve hydration, and even out the appearance of skin tone and texture. With an array of anti-aging benefits, this serum can aid with skin suppleness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The ALPHA-H Vitamin B Serum also contains ferulic acid, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and promotes hydration. This makes it the perfect choice for those looking for a serum that provides both anti-aging and environmental protection.
Beauty of Joseon, Glow Serum, Propolis + Niacinamide
30ml
Price at time of publish - 07.01.24
Saya Skincare Super Serum
Sustainable skincare brand Saya’s nicinamide aka ‘Super Serum’ works to improves skin texture, regulates oil production, and reduces skin decline.
This lightweight, deeply hydrating formula supports collagen production and is ideal for ageing, dry, damaged, and acne-prone skin. Enriched with multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid, PentavitinⓇ, a B-Vitamin complex with 10% Niacinamide, ChroNOline™, and Australian Native wildberries, it hydrates, plumps, and protects the skin.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary is a pioneer in the beauty world, making potent yet budget-friendly skincare that can be seen on the top shelf of even the most discerning beauty editors.
One of their best-sellers is the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum considered a ‘holy grail’ thanks to its effectiveness and affordability. The powerful combo of 10% Niacinamide and Zinc works synergistically to reduce bacteria on the skin, regulate oil production, and minimise the appearance of pores. It’s been a personal saviour in managing and clearing hormonal acne around my mouth.
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
The 10% niacinamide provides anti-inflammatory and pore-minimising effects, Vitamin C works to brighten dull skin and dark spots and target fine lines and Allantoin and Licorice extract provides soothing benefits — particularly for sensitive or irritated skin.
With consistent use, you will find a more radiant and glowy complexion, pores minimised and a smoother and more hydrated skin surface.
asap super B complex
Niacinamide gets a hydrating boost with hyaluronic acid in asap’s Super B Complex. This well-loved serum by the Aussie Cosmecutical brand is excellent for reviving dull and dehydrated skin, treating fine lines and wrinkles with antioxidants, and offering a collagen boost. The lightweight formula also contains glycolic acid and lactic acid (AHAs), that work with niacinamide to brighten the complexion and fade hyperpigmentation.
Though it offers many benefits, a slight downside to this product is the potential irritation due to the two types of AHAs, especially for those new to chemical exfoliants, making it not ideal for daily use. Additionally, the serum’s niacinamide percentage is not indicated.
The Beginner’s Guide to Niacinamide
Niacinamide is the buzz-worthy ingredient of the moment but I think over time, it will prove to be more than a passing fad. It has all the makings of a skincare classic, like retinol and vitamin C. Niacinamide is made from vitamin B3 (also called niacin) and is under the B complex vitamin category.
What is Niacinamide?
“Niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3) is a unique antioxidant that stands out for its ability to retrain skin cells to function in a healthier manner. Applied topically, it translates to very specific benefits for the skin,” explains Stordahl.
What is the benefit of Niacinamide for your skin?
The benefits of Niacinamide for the skin are multifaceted and significant, particularly in enhancing the skin’s appearance and protection.
Stordahl highlights the compound’s capabilities: “Among its most impressive benefits, research shows niacinamide can tighten enlarged pores, improve dull/uneven skin tone, and help smooth ‘orange-peel’ textured skin (especially when used in high concentrations). Niacinamide also strengthens the skin’s barrier (its first line of defence) and plays a role in repairing signs of past damage (including fine lines and wrinkles).
“Even more fascinating, evolving research shows it can help the skin to better protect itself from UV light (you still need sunscreen, but the additional support is a plus).” These attributes make Niacinamide an important ingredient for those looking to achieve healthier, more resilient skin.
What percentage of niacinamide is effective?
When it comes to the effectiveness of niacinamide in skin care, the percentage used plays a vital role in determining the results.
Stordahl explains, “Niacinamide offers benefits for skin starting in concentrations as low 0.2%, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded it is safe in concentrations all the way up to 20%. With the higher end of the spectrum concentrations, you get more dramatic results, especially when it comes to minimising the appearance of lax pores that have stretched and enlarged and smoothing out textured skin.
“Lower concentrations of niacinamide (under 5%) are perfect for maintenance and prevention, while higher concentrations of niacinamide are ideal for skin concerns that are more difficult to treat,” she added.
What percentage of niacinamide is effective?
Niacinamide’s versatility in skincare has led many to wonder what it can and cannot be mixed within a routine.
Stordahl clears up some common misconceptions, explaining, “Niacinamide plays well with other actives, including powerful ingredients like peptides, retinol, hyaluronic acid, BHA, and all types of antioxidants. There’s outdated misinformation on the web that you can’t use niacinamide with vitamin C but that’s since been debunked (it was based on old research that wasn’t interpreted correctly—you can get a deeper dive on that here). Essentially, you can mix niacinamide with anything, as long as your skin tolerates it.”
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