Not to mention, niacinamide is known to pair well with other active ingredients. “Niacinamide is a soothing ingredient, so it can help make an exfoliating ingredient or product more tolerable to sensitive skin, allowing you to use it more frequently and see the benefits of it,” she says. “Because of these properties, it pairs well with retinols and alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs.”
Otherwise, niacinamide can also enhance the hydrating benefits of humectants — think the best hyaluronic acid serums and glycerin — so it’s a winner in moisturisers, too. “It works by preventing evaporation of moisture from the skin into the environment,” Dr. Robinson explains. In other words, it helps support our delicate moisture barriers too.
Heads up: to maximise the benefits of niacinamide, sunscreen is essential, so make sure you follow up your serum with a product that has at least SPF 30, which is the minimum amount recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Simply apply a few drops to the palm of your hand morning and evening, apply after cleansing and toning, and follow with a moisturiser and your trusty face SPF. Bottom line: There’s no reason not to slot this powerhouse topical ingredient into your skincare routine.
GLAMOUR’s top niacinamide serums, tried and tested.
Best niacinamide serum overall
Tester: Elle Turner, GLAMOUR’s Senior Beauty Editor.
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: Science-backed skincare brand Medik8 are pioneers of cutting-edge product technologies in skincare. Formulated to rescue blemish-prone and dull skin, it promises to serve up “visibly perfected, glass-like skin when you need it most.” The 10% niacinamide inclusion calms and soothes redness, blemishes and blotchy skin, while the inclusion of hyaluronic acid promotes hydrated, supple skin, and Zinc PCA helps to regulate oil production and promote the skin’s natural healing process.
Best niacinamide serum: the runner-up
Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: Another combo of zinc and niacinamide (but with double the concentration of the latter compared with the Glossier serum), this blend does it all. While it helps clarify skin, even skin tone and address blemishes — since it decreases oil production — it can work to reduce the appearance of acne scars too. It’s also been shown to actually support the skin barrier, in case you’re worried about potential irritation.
Best niacinamide serum for glow
Tester: Robyn Eugene, GLAMOUR’s Social Media Manager.
- Strength: 2%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: This of this serum as “glass skin” in a bottle. It deploys niacinamide, amino-acid-rich watermelon, and hydrating hyaluronic acid for long-term hydration and brightening benefits, while its sheen gives skin a dewy glow for instant brightness. Thanks to those two functions, you can use it as a typical face serum or apply it over makeup as a highlighter. Lightly tinted, it’s one of our favourite brightening serums for a bronzed, radiant, and oh-so-glowy finish.
Best niacinamide serum for smoothing
Tester: Ali Pantony, GLAMOUR’s Website Director.
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: Use it on its own or blend it with your go-to moisturiser or a face serum, this niacinamide booster from Paula’s Choice works wonders for minimising the look of blemishes and smoothing skin texture. This potent formulation boasts a blend of vitamin B3 as well as panthenol, and feels incredibly hydrating yet lightweight on the skin. The result? More even skin texture, fewer visible pores and a brighter complexion.
