Look No Further Than These Niacinamide Serums for a Youthful, Glowing Complexion

With a name that sounds like a nutrient that should be in your morning smoothie, niacinamide packs a punch with a multitude of skin-nourishing benefits. A derivative of vitamin B3, this star skincare ingredient strengthens and protects the skin barrier, soothes and calms inflammation, helps fight acne, regulates oil production, improves skin texture, lessens fine lines and wrinkles, reduces hyperpigmentation, brightens and evens the complexion, increases hydration, and boosts collagen—phew! Its multitasking properties make niacinamide a superhero for all skin types.

While highly effective, niacinamide is also gentle and safe on dry to sensitive skin. “Niacinamide offers the similar skin-restorative benefits as retinol, except it fortifies without the irritating qualities,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, at Shafer Clinic in NYC. “It also acts as an antioxidant by limiting free radical damage.”

“Niacinamide is among the more widely researched ingredients for topical skincare, says Sandra Chiu, L.Ac., traditional chinese medicine practitioner and founder of Lanshin skincare studio in NYC. And although used in products from eye creams to moisturizers, niacinamide-based serums can offer the best results due to its concentration.

“Niacinamide is beneficial in all topical forms, however, I personally like serums for this powerful ingredient, as they are able to absorb better into the skin and go to work for you versus washing the benefits away if in a cleanser,” says celebrity facialist Candace Marino, based in Beverly Hills.

Use a niacinamide serum during both your morning and evening skincare routines, recommends Gina Marí, Los Angeles-based celebrity aesthetician and Noble Panacea facialist advisor. “Apply it right after cleansing and toning, since you want to layer your products from lightest to thickest, and then follow with your moisturizer and eye cream,” says Mari.

Click ahead to see our picks of niacinamide serums from skin brighteners and pore refiners to hydrators and wrinkle fighters.