Niacinamide Serums Are Your Skin's Ultimate Glow-Boosting Multitasker

Results so good, you have to see it to believe it.

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In terms of targeted skincare, you want hyaluronic acid if your skin needs a boost of hydration. You need vitamin C for daily antioxidant protection. AHA and BHAs aid in exfoliation, and peptides enhance skin suppleness. But when it comes to the best niacinamide serums? Be prepared to target a handful of skin concerns in one fell swoop.

Niacinamide is a “skincare superstar,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lian Mack, MD, of the versatile form of vitamin B3. “In skincare, niacinamide helps to reduce redness, hyperpigmentation, pore size, strengthen the skin barrier, regulate sebum production, and act as an antioxidant.” It's also key for skin barrier support, reducing sensitivity, calming inflammation, and regulating oil production. "This makes it especially effective for improving overall skin texture and tone," says Lisa Chevalier, M.M.S., PA-C, a Physician Associate and Founder of SoVous Medical Spa and Laser Center in New York.

The list of benefits goes on. Other well-documented benefits of niacinamide include reducing hyperpigmentation, softening fine lines through improved elasticity, and calming redness and blotchiness, even in rosacea-prone skin, Chevalier adds.

With the ingredient's great adaptability top of mind, a top-notch niacinamide serum is a welcome addition to just about any skincare routine. Still, it’s key to be discerning when scooping up your serum. You want to take the concentration of niacinamide into account and factor in what other ingredients were included in the formulation. To find the best niacinamide serum for you, scroll ahead. Top dermatologists (and yours truly!) are breaking down exactly what to look for.

The Best Niacinamide Serums

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky tests Marie Veronique's gorgeous Soothing B3 Serum—a staple in her routine.

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky tests Marie Veronique's B3 Serum.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky tests ma:nyo's Galac Niacin 2.0 serum.

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky tests ma:nyo's Galac Niacin 2.0 serum. Can you see how watery it is? It slipped out of her hand right after that middle photo was snapped.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Ava Vilensky tests Glow Recipe's Niacinamide Dew Drops serum.

The little sister in question, Ava Vilensky, tests Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum. Maybe it does look better on her.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Ava Vilensky/Sophia Vilensky)

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky tests Drunk Elephant's B-Goldi serum.

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky tests Drunk Elephant's B-Goldi serum. The glow sells itself.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Sophia Vilensky tests Grown Alchemist's Skin Renewal serum.

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky tests Grown Alchemist's B-Goldi serum. The glow sells itself.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Sophia Vilensky)

What to Look For in a Niacinamide Serum

  • Concentration

More isn’t always better—especially when it comes to the concentration of your favorite skincare ingredients. When deciding what niacinamide concentration will be best for you, it's important to consider your skin type. If you’re sensitive to new products, easing into the ingredient is best. “Look for lower concentrations of one to two percent,” says Dr. Mack. “At higher concentrations, niacinamide may actually cause redness, irritation, or contact dermatitis, which manifests as a red, scaly rash.”

That said, if you tolerate new ingredients fairly well or are specifically concerned with treating discoloration, the two to 10 percent range is perfect. “If you are using niacinamide to treat dark spots, I would recommend the five to 10 percent concentration,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Karp, MD.

As you might've noticed above, not every brand shares how much niacinamide they actually use in their product. My best advice is to check its placement on the ingredient list—the higher it is, the more of the ingredient is present. Also, because we want to make sure your skin will tolerate whichever product you choose, make sure to patch test a small area before slathering your face.

  • Other Ingredients

"One of niacinamide’s biggest strengths is how versatile it is as a team player," Chevalier says. The ingredient pairs well with just about everything. Take its relationship with vitamin C, for example. The ingredients were once thought to cancel each other out, but modern studies show they work well together to brighten skin and boost antioxidant defense. It's also a perfect companion with retinoids because it buffers irritation by strengthening the barrier and reducing inflammation.

"Combined with zinc, niacinamide helps regulate oil and reduce inflammation in acne-prone skin. Niacinamide helps lock in the hydration that hyaluronic acid draws into the skin, making this an exceptional combo for hydration and skin recovery," the expert adds. "Niacinamide can also be combined effectively with tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and arbutin for the purpose of brightening and fading pigment, providing a multi-pathway attack on dark spots.

  • Consistency

Although vitamin B3 can be found in many steps of your skincare routine, niacinamide works especially well in serum form—hence the recommendations above.

“You don’t need to use multiple products with niacinamide in the same routine. You’ll see the same benefit from just one,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, previously told Marie Claire. “I tend to recommend niacinamide be used as a serum. The thinner consistency of a serum is ideal for niacinamide, so it absorbs deeply into the skin.”

A close-up of Dieux's Deliverance Serum texture.

A close-up of Dieux's lovely Deliverance Serum texture.

(Image credit: Dieux)

Do I Need Niacinamide?

There’s a high probability that you'd benefit from incorporating a serum with niacinamide into your skincare routine. "Almost everyone can benefit from niacinamide as it’s incredibly well-tolerated across all skin types," says Chevalier. "It’s especially helpful for those with oily or acne-prone skin (regulates sebum, reduces breakouts), sensitive or reactive skin (restores the barrier, calms redness), dry or dehydrated skin (boosts ceramide levels), mature skin (improves elasticity and softens fine lines), and hyperpigmentation or uneven tone (fades dark spots and boosts radiance)."

The expert's only caution is to use a lower concentration—think two to five percent—if your skin is highly sensitive. "High concentrations like those at 10 percent+ can occasionally cause flushing or tingling in rosacea-prone or compromised skin," she explains. "If that happens, dial down the strength. Not everyone needs a high dose to see results."

Should I Use Niacinamide Post Procedure?

Chevalier often recommends niacinamide for patients both pre- and post-aesthetic treatments. "Using niacinamide for two to four weeks before lasers, microneedling, or even peels can strengthen the skin’s barrier and reduce downtime," she says. "It makes the skin more resilient and can even improve healing response."

Post-treatment, you can use it "to calm inflammation, support recovery, and reduce post-inflammatory pigment (especially in darker skin tones).""Just make sure the formula is gentle, fragrance-free, and ideally 5 percent or less," she adds. "In my experience, niacinamide helps clients bounce back faster with fewer flare-ups and better long-term results."

What Should I Avoid With Niacinamide?

While niacinamide works well with most other ingredients, you'll want to make sure you're not going overboard with the actives. Chevalier says that pairing niacinamide in the same step as strong acids or low pH exfoliants can reduce efficacy and/or cause flushing on the skin. "I’ve even seen people use too many active ingredients, including niacinamide, that lead to the initiation of their skin pigmentation or melasma," she notes.

Why Trust Marie Claire?

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

How We Tested

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky found the best niacinamide serums on the market based on customer reviews, Marie Claire editor recommendations, expert recommendations, and her own testing. After receiving samples of numerous niacinamide serums, she got to testing on her own (and her sister's!) skin, evaluating each product based on texture, price, smell, dry down, and its specific benefits before choosing the 12 best overall to highlight.

Meet the Experts

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Dr. Lian Mack

Lian Mack, MD is a board certified dermatologist committed to excellence in comprehensive dermatological care. She holds a special interest in skin conditions as it applies to skin of color, as well as all aspects of aesthetic enhancements including neurotoxins, injectable fillers, and laser treatments. She has achieved a Master Injector Certification from Allergan, the largest makers of dermal fillers and Botox.

Dr. Mack graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University, Columbia College in the City of New York. She continued her postgraduate studies at Weill Cornell Medical College, during which she did a one-year research fellowship in melanoma research at the NYU School of Medicine. After a one-year internship at New York Hospital, she went on to complete her residency in Dermatology at St. Luke’s – Roosevelt Hospital Center where she served as Chief resident during her final year. Prior to GlamDerm, Dr. Mack worked in Chelsea alongside her mentor Dr. Michael Eidelman. Currently, she volunteers as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center.

Dr. Mack has authored numerous peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and a member of several professional societies including the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and has actively served as a member and on the board of the Women’s Dermatologic Society.

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Dr. Anna Karp

Dr. Anna Karp is a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at NYU School of Medicine. With a passion for both medical and cosmetic dermatology, she provides expert care to patients of all ages, specializing in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology.

Dr. Karp is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a dedicated mother of two and resides with her family in Brooklyn Heights.

A woman with long brown hair, Lisa Chevalier, sits in front of a watercolor background and smiles.
Lisa Chevalier

Lisa M. Chevalier, M.M.S., PA-C is a NCCPA Board Certified New York and New Jersey licensed Physician Associate who specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology with a focus on laser therapies, injectables and aesthetics. She earned her master’s degree in medical sciences along with her certification in Physician Associate studies at Nova Southeastern University’s School of Medicine.

She completed her clinical rotations at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill-Cornell Medical College and Lenox Hill Hospital on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Prior to her Physician Associate studies, she earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Baldwin-Wallace University while she worked as a nutrition counselor and a certified personal trainer.

Dr. Corey L. Hartman in a blue suit
Dr. Corey L. Hartman

Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist as well as the founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Sophia Vilensky
Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.

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