The Best Niacinamide Serums We Tested for Smoother, More Radiant Skin Start at $6
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Spoiler alert: We loved Westman Atelier's Skin Activator Serum with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
People / Kristin Kempa
There’s no shortcut to healthy, clear skin, but niacinamide is a tried-and-true workhorse that can turbocharge your skincare routine.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and a versatile antioxidant, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Trisha Khanna. Available in concentrations from 2 to 20 percent, it's beneficial for almost all skin types and boasts anti-inflammatory properties that provide a host of benefits.
“A safe and effective niacinamide serum can help lessen the depth of wrinkles, brighten skin texture, and help cultivate hydration within the skin," says celebrity esthetician Nerida Joy, who has counted Jennifer Garner as a client since 1999.
With this in mind, we tested dozens of niacinamide serums on different skin types to uncover which products provided more luminous, hydrated complexions over the course of eight weeks.
Niacinamide Benefits
Brightens skin
Improves skin texture
Reduces inflammation
Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Helps clear acne
Reduces oil production
Strengthens lipid barrier
Fades hyperpigmentation
Best Overall: Westman Atelier Skin Activator Serum with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
Star Qualities
Brighter and more moisturized skin after first use
Hydrated, firmed, smoothed, and evened out skin tone over time
Quick-absorbing
Red Flags
Relatively expensive
This ultra-potent serum earned top marks in our testing thanks to its gentle yet effective formula which had both immediate and lasting impact on our tester’s skin.
Beyond niacinamide, it’s formulated with plumping hyaluronic acid, firming peptides, radiance-boosting fermented algae, and smoothing adenosine. This combination left skin feeling brighter, tighter, and smooth to the touch. We loved that it absorbed readily into skin, easily layering beneath our go-to moisturizer.
Star Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, noni fruit, fermented algae, adenosine, L-arginine, EGCG, probiotics, prickly pear cactus extract, L-glutamine, ceramides
Add to Cart
For a truly indulgent self-care moment, splurge on the Skin Activator Rollerball which comes with two Skin Activator serum refills and an applicator that our tester loved. Cool to the touch and easy to clean, the rollerball helped depuff and soothe our tester's skin.
People / Joie Probst
Best Overall (Cheapest): The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
Star Qualities
Remarkable quality for the price point
A little goes a long way
Brightened and evened out skin tone
Red Flags
None we could find!
The Ordinary is an editor-loved brand for affordable replicas of high-end products, and this 10 percent niacinamide serum fits the bill. It felt fancy to apply, with a slick formula that only required a few drops to spread all around our face and neck. A little goes a long way here — one small bottle lasted us several months, even with twice-daily application.
The formula left our skin feeling slightly tight afterwards, but a quick layer of moisturizer was an easy fix. After three weeks, we noticed distinctly brighter skin and our testers were delighted to find their breakouts were few and far between (and much tamer when they did occur).
Star Ingredients: 10% niacinamide, 1% zinc | Size: 30 ml, 60 ml
The More You Know
If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test before using any niacinamide products with concentrations over 5 percent.
Best Firming: Alpyn Beauty Wild Nettle & Niacinamide Instant Firming Serum
Star Qualities
Firmer, more supple skin after first use
Layers well with other products
Noticeably reduced fine lines around eyes
Red Flags
No noticeable effect on dark spots
Silky and lightweight, this gel-like serum wowed us with its instant and lasting tightening effect. It felt soft and gentle as we applied, leaving a subtle glow but no tacky or unpleasant residue after it fully absorbed (which took about a minute).
As our skin drank it up, we noticed a gentle tightening of our skin. These weren’t just temporary results — after two weeks, we began seeing lasting changes in our skin texture, particularly our undereye area as it smoothed out fine lines.
Our tester (and even their friends) noticed their eyes looked brighter and “more alive." Made with rambutan and niacinamide, the latter didn’t appear to be the star of the show, as we didn’t notice much difference in our dark spots.
Star Ingredients: Wild nettle, niacinamide, rambutan | Size: 30ml
What is Rambutan?
Rambutan is a plant-based alternative to retinol, helping plump, soften, and hydrate skin, leaving it more supple than before.
Best for Acne Scars: Cosrx The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Star Qualities
Doesn’t clog pores
Reduced dark spots, acne scaring, and breakouts
Curbs sebum production to help neutralize oily skin
Red Flags
15 percent concentration may be too high for sensitive skin
Struggling with acne scarring or recurring breakouts? This hyper-concentrated serum is here to help get everything under control. We saw results after a few weeks of daily use, as stubborn acne scars and dry black heads faded away. Our skin texture smoothed out drastically and our scars lightened up.
The formula is non-comedogenic, so you can trust that it won’t clog pores; however, this means it can also be slightly drying and you may need to pair with a face moisturizer, especially if you already have dry skin. We also saw a drastic reduction in breakouts and this serum helped minimized inflammation whenever anything did pop up.
Star Ingredients: 15% niacinamide, N-acetylglucosamine, zinc PCA, allantoin | Size: 20ml
People / Drea Bocook
Related: The 13 Best Acne Products of 2024, According to Dermatologists and Our Testing
Best Investment: Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum
Star Qualities
Shrank and smoothed the appearance of pores
Creamy, midweight texture feels indulgent
Red Flags
Results were not immediate (but did last after 2-3 weeks of use)
Designed to target large or sunken pores, this serum worked wonders on our skin during the testing period. Yes, it’s a splurge compared to most products we teated, but if you’re struggling with a coarse or uneven complexion, it’s hard to beat. We were so struck by the results that we’d be willing to give up a few little luxuries (farewell for now, overpriced lattes) to make this a regular part of our routine.
The formula itself feels luxurious, striking that just-right Goldilocks balance between too runny and too tacky. It feels indulgent to apply and absorbs within about a minute; it was a breeze to layer beneath the other products in our skincare routine.
This doesn’t offer the same sort of instant brightness or tightening effects as others we tested — the results revealed themselves slowly — and then all at once. We woke up 10 days into testing and suddenly had all-around younger-looking, brighter, and glowy skin.
Star Ingredients: Niacinamide, Ectoin, Exopolysaccharides (Marine Plankton Extract), Glycerine, Purslane Extract, Apricot Kernel Oil, Panthenol, Sunflower Seed Oil, Vitamin E | Size: 30ml
Best for Radiance: Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops with 5% Niacinamide
Star Qualities
A little goes a long way
Creates instant radiance while softening and smoothing skin
Helped reduce the frequency of breakouts
Red Flags
The subtle sparkle may not be for everyone
Upgrade your go-to radiance drops with this niacinamide-infused serum, which works to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots while light-reflecting pigments perk up tired skin. While the formula is not sparkly or glittery, it is shimmery (think of a champagne-hued highlighter).
While that cosmetic aspect may not appeal to everyone, anyone who already uses a highlighter would likely appreciate that these drops have the same effect, with the added benefits of fewer breakouts, reduction of hyperpigmentation and the appearance of fine lines — plus softer and more balanced skin.
Star Ingredients: Niacinamide, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, Mulberry Leaf | Size: 0.5 ounces
Editors Say
"I recently dug out this B-Goldi serum when I came out of hibernation this spring. It's just what I needed to brighten up my skin on Zoom calls when I didn't want to apply a full face of makeup. The added skincare benefits are just icing on the cake." — Erika Reals, senior shopping editor
People / Alexa Jade Frankelis
Best for Beginners: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
Star Qualities
Feels both cooling and hydrating
Layers seamlessly under moisturizer or makeup
Super quick-drying formula
Red Flags
Only minor improvement in dark spots
If you’re looking to brighten up your overall complexion but are planning to apply your niacinamide serum during the day, this is an excellent choice. We loved how soft, creamy, and luxurious this felt; our skin couldn’t drink it up fast enough.
It absorbed almost instantly during testing, creating an immediate glow that provided the ideal base for the rest of our routine. The formula dries lightning-fast and never pills, so it’s easy to layer under foundation and moisturizer.
While our skin looked brighter after the first use, we noticed real results after about two weeks of consistent use: Our complexion was clearer, our dark spots subtly lightened, and our skin noticeably brighter overall.
Star Ingredients: Niacinamide, licorice root, golden kiwifruit, undecylenoyl phenylalanine | Size: 30 ml
People / Gibreel Martinez
Related: The 12 Best Eye Creams for Puffiness of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Sensitive Skin: Glossier Super Pure Serum with Niacinamide + Zinc
Star Qualities
Safe for sensitive skin
Brightened and evened out skin tone
Red Flags
Didn’t reduce appearance of fine lines or pores
This water-based formula is gentle yet effective for anyone with sensitive skin. The weightless formula felt refreshing, like splashing cold water on your face. We were running through it quickly as a result, but after a few applications, we discovered you just need two or three drops each application.
Patience is a virtue here, as it took a few weeks for this gentle formula to work its magic: Six weeks into testing, we noticed our complexion was brighter overall and our dark spots had subtly faded. Our skin looked clearer and signs of sun damage and inflammation became less noticeable.
Star Ingredients: 5% niacinamide, zinc PCA | Size: 30ml
Related: The 13 Best Face Moisturizers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Instant Glow: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Star Qualities
Instantly hydrates and adds glow
Brightened skin over time
Layers well under other products
Red Flags
Takes a bit longer to absorb
We loved the cooling, hydrating boost this serum gave our skin so much that applying it felt like self-care. The thin, buildable gel spreads easily over skin, creating a natural, glow-from-within sort of radiance that won’t irritate your skin, unlike some highlighting products that contain mica powder or glitter. Use as an illuminating primer or give your skin a glossy (but not oily) finish after you’ve applied your makeup — it layers easily both under and over other products. Plus, the watermelon scent is pleasant and non-irritating — although that may not appeal to everyone.
Star Ingredients: Watermelon, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, moringa seed oil | Size: 15ml or 40ml
People / Arnesia Young
Best Smoothing: La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Face Serum
Star Qualities
Subtly smooths and softens skin
Lightweight and quick-drying
Improved skin texture within three weeks
Red Flags
Didn't reduce dark spots
The French are famous for their skincare secrets, one of which is the antioxidant-rich thermal spring water from the town of La Roche-Posay. The skin-soothing water works in harmony with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help rebalance skin tone.
After three weeks of regular use, we began to notice our skin looked brighter and healthier — not to mention, it felt soft and smooth to the touch. The effects were subtle but noticeable, although we wish that it had done more to fade our dark spots.
Star Ingredients: Niacinamide, phe-resorcinol, hyaluronic acid, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water | Size: 30ml
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Niacinamide Serum
Star Qualities
Dries lightning fast
Made our skin feel soft and instantly more plump
Red Flags
Didn’t provide drastic results
Neutrogena counts celebs like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Garner as fans, and with good reason: The drugstore brand is reliably affordable and effective, as exemplified by this niacinamide serum.
It quickly freshened up our teser's face and the formula was easy to spread; it made our skin feel soft and dewy. Since it dried almost instantly, it would be suitable for anyone with a low-maintenance skincare routine who needs more hydrated, brighter skin.
Star Ingredients: 10% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Size: 30ml
People / Katherine Polcari
Best for Acne: Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Star Qualities
Shrinks pores and clears up congested skin
Melts into skin and improves elasticity
A little goes a very long way
Red Flags
Not suitable for sensitive or teenage skin
Needs to be worn with sunscreen
Anyone dealing with blotchy skin, clogged bumps, and orange-peel texture in their complexion will find welcome relief with this powerful serum from Paula’s Choice. It packs a serious punch, with a whopping 20 percent concentration of niacinamide — while it’s marketed as gentle enough to use once or twice daily, we found that using it every other day was plenty to see results.
Our skin’s elasticity improved dramatically. When we’d apply the serum at night, we woke up to a visibly bouncier, more youthful complexion. It layered smoothly under moisturizer at night and below our daytime skincare in the morning. By the end of the testing period, our skin was smoother and had far fewer breakouts.
Star Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, licorice extract | Size: 20 ml
The More You Know
Use SPF when applying this in daytime, since it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Related: The 12 Best Sunscreens from Neutrogena, Supergoop, and More, Tested on the Beach
Best for Fine Lines: SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3 Face Cream with Niacinamide
Star Qualities
Mattifies and instantly moisturizes
Soft and supple skin after first use
Smoothes fine lines and enhances overall brightness
Red Flags
Relatively expensive
Only subtly improved dark spots
This lightweight water-based emulsion feels pleasant, spreads smoothly, and melts quickly into skin for a boost of hydration that won’t leave any sticky or tacky residue. Frankly, it feels as expensive as it is — this is a clinically-formulated luxury product that’s worth the splurge.
Niacinamide, glycerin, and triple-peptide concentrate work together to deliver and trap moisture for all-day hydration, promoting cell turnover — and results in a more youthful, luminous complexion.
Star Ingredients: 5% niacinamide, 2.5% tri-peptide concentrate, 15% glycerin | Size: 50ml
Best for Redness: Typology 12% Niacinamide Serum
Star Qualities
Layers easily with moisturizer and makeup
Evened out skin tone and reduced redness
Faded sun spots and acne scars over time
Red Flags
Somewhat sticky and viscous
Skin texture didn't improve much
Designed to minimize breakouts and soothe redness by promoting microcirculation, this water-based serum wowed us with how drastically it reduced our skin’s redness over the course of several weeks. While the effects weren’t obvious at first, we saw a shift in our skin tone after three weeks of daily use.
The lightweight formula is easy to spread, but due to its viscosity the product would begin to run down our face before we’d replaced the dropper. While we’d love a more seamless application, we were still impressed with the results.
Star Ingredients: 12% niacinamide | Size: 15 ml, 30 ml
What to Know About Niacinamide Serums
Concentration
Niacinamide concentrations typically range from 2 to 10 percent, with some boasting up to 12 to 20 percent — but more doesn’t always mean better in this case.
"I believe in consistency and everything in moderation,” Joy tells PEOPLE. “Niacinamide serums of less than 5 percent are going to be more favorable to avoid possible skin inflammation and irritation.”
Key Ingredients
“When choosing a niacinamide serum, avoid actives, such as alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids in the same formula,” Joy says. “Keep it solo and clean to avoid chemical interactions.”
Skin Reactivity
Experts agree: Niacinamide serum is great to use for all skin types, but recommend a 5 percent concentration if you have sensitive skin or any sort of condition like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis. However, for targeting dark spots or fine lines, you may need a concentration above 5 percent.
People / Mollie Pendexter
Behind the Scenes
With so many niacinamide products on the market, it can be hard to figure out which will be the most effective for your skin — particularly since concentrations can range from 2 to 20 percent. So we tapped 28 testers with different skin types to test 29 niacinamide serums, carefully cataloguing each product’s consistency, absorption, effectiveness, and overall results.
After cleansing their faces (and patch-testing each product to ensure it didn’t cause reactions), our testers applied the niacinamide serum (one to two drops) and gently massaged the formula into their skin. We noted any immediate benefits — such as hydration or brightness — and how quickly it absorbed into the skin.
To determine the effectiveness and overall results, our testers continued using them for eight weeks — typically once or twice daily, depending on the instructions — to assess any potential long-term benefits.
After the testing period, we rated each niacinamide serum on a scale of one to five, with five performing the highest. The serums with the highest average scores earned a spot on this list as well as the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and how should you apply a niacinamide serum? How often can you use them?
Generally speaking, you can apply a niacinamide serum once or twice a day on top of cleansed skin, either in the morning or at night, says Dr. Khana. If you plan to use it in the morning, top it off with sunscreen to boost your protection from the sun’s UV rays.
“When and how often a niacinamide serum should be applied all depends on the individual's skin type and sensitivities, their skincare regimen as a whole and the formula’s guidelines,” Joy says.
That said, some formulas with higher concentrations of niacinamide, like Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment, should be used less frequently.
What other products work well together with niacinamide, or should be avoided?
“Niacinamide can be effectively combined with many other ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, kogic acid, and peptides,” says Dr. Khana. On the other hand, she warns that mixing niacinamide with AHAs — like glycolic acid and lactic acid cleansers — can cause irritation and should be avoided.
Dr. Joy echoes that advice, noting that she prefers to see niacinamide “combined with soothing [and] cooling ingredients, such as allantoin and glycerin.” We love SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3, which is formulated with 15 percent glycerin for maximum hydration.
What skin types are they good for? Who should avoid them?
Niacinamide serums are beneficial for “virtually all skin types,” says Dr. Khana, who warns that those who may have a rare allergy to the ingredient should avoid it, of course.
Joy adds that while niacinamides are great for nearly everyone, the concentration level you seek out should reflect the sensitivity of your own skin.
“Not all niacinamide formulas are equal and definitely less is more!” says Joy. “Because so many people today have more sensitive skin due to either stronger at-home modalities available, chemical exfoliants, and our ever-changing environment, stay with choosing a niacinamide concentration of less than 5 percent.”
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Sophie Dodd is a PEOPLE contributor who has been writing for the brand since 2018. She covers travel and lifestyle, with a focus on homegoods and beauty products. She’s previously covered other skincare topics for PEOPLE Tested, including at-home laser hair removal devices, gua sha tools, and eye creams for dark circles.
For this story, Sophie pored over the results of our niacinamide serum testing and used her expertise as a commerce and lifestyle writer to research the highest-rated products. She also tapped renowned skincare experts Nerida Joy and Dr. Trisha Khana to understand the real benefits of niacinamide serums and what to keep in mind when buying them.
Our Experts
Nerida Joy is a celebrity esthetician with over 45 years of experience and more than 100,000 facials under her belt. She has been Jennifer Garner’s go-to facialist for over 25 years.
Dr. Trisha Khana is a board-certified dermatologist based in Central Florida. She earned her MD at Columbia University.
What is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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