14 best niacinamide serums 2025, tried & tested
Certainly the unsung hero of my own personal skincare regimen, niacinamide serums are just as important to me as my trusty hyaluronic acid. From smoothing out the texture of my skin to keeping it hydrated and helping me deal with the aftermath of yet another PCOS-associated breakout, it's safe to say that vitamin B3 has become a non-negotiable ingredient of my daily routine.
“Niacinamide is a non-irritating, water-soluble vitamin that integrates well into daily skincare routines,” explains Dr Nora Jaafar — cosmetic and medical dermatology doctor at Rejuvenation Clinic. “Given its gentle profile, it's totally safe for long-term, daily application — even for sensitive skin types.”
But as is the case with most beauty products, I'm also not going to sugarcoat the fact that finding the best niacinamide serum isn't always an easy task. Take it from me: I've tried enough irritation-inducing formulas to know exactly what you need to keep in mind to avoid any unwanted mishaps. With the help of the GLAMOUR team, I've curated an edit of all the best (and most effective) niacinamide facial serums for every skin type and budget – tried and tested by yours truly.
How we test niacinamide serums:
Over the years, the GLAMOUR editors have tested countless self-proclaimed “best” niacinamide serums – ranging from affordable to premium formulas – on different skin types. When reviewing any face serum, we always aim to keep in mind various criteria, including but not limited to: how quickly we saw results, whether it resulted in any irritation and if it worked well underneath makeup or other skincare products. After something else? Shop the best vitamin C serums, best ceramide serum, best peptide serum and best hydrating serum.
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Why you can trust me:
It's my literal job to test beauty and wellness products, from azelaic acid serums to PDRN serums and eyelash growth serums. A result of attending events, getting eyes on new releases before anyone else and speaking to hundreds of experts around the ingredients and formulas best suited to different skin types and tones, I'm more in-tune with what's worth your money than your average beauty fanatic. I've tested hundreds of products over the course of my career, and some of the best are featured in this guide.
Ahead, the 14 best niacinamide serums of 2025, approved by GLAMOUR editors.
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Strength: 10%.
Cruelty-free: Yes.
Key ingredients: vitamin B and vitamin B5.
Skin type: Best for oily skin types.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 (vitamin B5), and feels incredibly hydrating yet lightweight on the skin. The result? More even skin texture, fewer visible pores and a brighter complexion.
Tester: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Pros & ConsPros- Contains vitamin B3 and B5
- Oil-controlling
- Ideal for keeping breakouts and blackheads at bay
Cons- Expensive
Strength: 10%.
Cruelty-free: Yes.
Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, arbutin, hyaluronic and polyglutamic acid.
Skin type: Suitable for dull, dry skin types.Why we love it: I’ve been reaching for Anua’s Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum constantly, and it’s earned its spot on my bathroom shelf. With 10% niacinamide to smooth and refine, 4% tranexamic acid to target dark spots, plus a hit of 2% arbutin to brighten, it’s basically a glow cocktail in a pretty pink bottle.
There’s also hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids for that bouncy, hydrated feel, so it never leaves skin tight or dry. The lightweight serum glides onto the skin like silk, sinks in fast and layers beautifully under my moisturiser and SPF - what more could you wish for?
Pros & ConsPros- Lightweight and fast absorbing
- Brightens dark spots and deeply hydrates
- Gentle ingredients - great for sensitive skin types
Cons- Can feel tacky if too much is applied
La Roche-Posay MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? No.
Why we love it: Niacinamide is best known as a brightening ingredient. (It interferes with the transfer of melanin, or pigment, in the skin — meaning any melanin created from sun exposure or inflammation doesn’t make it to your skin’s surface). This particular serum puts that feature to work to deliver anti-ageing benefits, reducing the number, size, and colour of dark spots, sun spots, and other types of discolouration. (And since it’s an antioxidant, it’ll also keep free radicals from further damaging skin).
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Pros & ConsPros- The texture is lightweight and easy to massage in.
- Visibly noticeable results in as little as 2 weeks.
- Helps with acne scarring.
Cons- Expensive.
- Strength: 2%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
- Key ingredients: Propolis extract.
- Skin type: Ideal for acne and blemish-prone skin types.
Why we love it: When it comes to beauty and wellness products, arguably no country does it better than South Korea – and this serum is a prime example. Formulated for sensitive, acne-prone and blemish-prone skin, this Korean serum addresses multiple skin concerns and contains niacinamide and propolis extract, the latter of which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pros & ConsPros- Gives the skin a dewy-looking glow.
- Hydrating and gentle.
Cons- Has a stickier consistency than other formulas.
- Only 2% strength
Simple Booster Serum 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Strength: 10%
- Cruelty-free? Yes
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), glycerin
- Skin type: Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
Why we love it: This serum is a total gem for calmer, clearer skin. With 10% niacinamide, it helps control excess oil, soothe redness, and fade post-breakout marks, while glycerin keeps your skin hydrated and plump. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it layers beautifully under moisturiser or SPF without leaving any sticky residue. Perfect for anyone who wants effective skincare without overcomplicating their routine (or breaking the bank).
Pros & ConsPros- Soothes redness.
- Hydrates.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
Cons- Needs consistent use for results.
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid.
- Skin type: Ideal for blemish-prone skin types.
Why we love it: If your skin has been looking a bit shiny in the T-zone but tight everywhere else (we’ve all been there), this budget-friendly hero from The Inkey List is a game changer. It packs 10% niacinamide - a powerhouse for calming redness, smoothing uneven texture and keeping oil production in check - plus 1% hyaluronic acid to keep skin feeling soft and hydrated instead of stripped. The texture is light, non-sticky and layers beautifully under moisturiser or SPF, making it one of the easiest ways to slot a hardworking active into your routine without spending a fortune.
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Pros & ConsPros- It's gentle enough for sensitive skin types.
- Affordable.
Cons- The straightforward bottle makes it hard to control how much you dispense.
- Strength: 3%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
- Key ingredients: Barrier-boosting tri-ceramide, hyaluronic acid.
- Skin type: Best for dry skin types.
Why we love it: Keen to get to the source of any problems, all BYOMA products are infused with Tri-Ceramides that help to boost, repair, and restore the skin barrier. This ultra-lightweight formulation puts on brightening and smoothing the skin — by tackling uneven texture, lightening scars and patches of pigmentation, and providing a serious hit of hydration. Expect to feel nourished and radiant — all for a pretty affordable price.
Pros & ConsPros- Pretty affordable.
- Nourishing and moisturising formula.
- Absorbs really quickly.
Cons- Not a particularly high percentage of niacinamide.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
- Strength: 2%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
- Key ingredients: Amino-acid-rich watermelon and hyaluronic acid.
- Skin type: Best for dry skin types.
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.
Pros & ConsPros- Versatile formula.
- Hydrating.
- Glow-boosting.
Cons- Not as effective for reducing inflammation or smoothing skin texture.
Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
- Key ingredients: Powerful antioxidants trans-resveratrol and EGCG.
- Skin type: Suitable for all skin types.
Why we love it: Ideal for use over the face, neck and décolleté, Sunday Riley's niacinamide serum is suitable for all skin types and is formulated to encourage a more even, brighter complexion. The niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of pores and calm redness and blemishes, while the brightenyl, a biotechnologically created molecule, helps brighten the skin and soothe sensitivity. It also includes powerful antioxidants trans-resveratrol and EGCG, both of which protect the skin from the impacts of stress and pollution. Dark spots, be gone.
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Pros & ConsPros- Cruelty-free.
- Visibly helps with the signs of ageing.
Cons- Expensive.
- Some reviewers with dry skin reported that it dried out their skin a bit too much.
Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide
- Strength: 5%.
- Cruelty-free? No.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, methyl gluceth-20, propanediol, hydroxyacetophenone.
- Skin type: Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Why we love it: Kiehl’s is known for its simple formulations that punch above their weight - and this serum does exactly that. With just 10 ingredients, it hones in on what your skin actually needs (without the added fluff). 5% niacinamide to calm redness, smooth post-blemish marks and tame shine, plus glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to keep your skin plump and hydrated. It’s lightweight, gentle - perfect for anyone wanting a calmer, brighter complexion without overcomplicating their routine.
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Pros & ConsPros- Layers well with other serums without pilling.
- Hydrating.
- Aids in reducing acne scarring.
Cons- Small bottle for the price.
L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
- Strength: 10%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
- Key ingredients: Amino-sulfonic acid.
- Skin type: All skin types.
Why we love it: When it comes to niacinamide serums that actually do what they promise and don’t break the bank, this L'Oréal gem is one to beat. Packed with an impressive 10% niacinamide alongside gentle amino-sulfonic acid, it works overtime to fade dark spots, smooth uneven tone and give skin that bright, “I’ve just had a full night’s sleep” look. The best bit? It’s lightweight, non-sticky texture absorbs fast, making it the perfect everyday staple under SPF or makeup.
Pros & ConsPros- Non-greasy feel.
- Affordable.
- Works well for reducing dark spots.
Cons- The high concentration may irritate sensitive skin.
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum
- Strength: 5%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
- Key ingredients:
- Skin type:
Why we love it: Used daily (and always teamed with your fave SPF in the morning), the SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum is a total game-changer for uneven skin tone. It combines 5% niacinamide with 1.8% tranexamic acid and 5% HEPES (a gentle exfoliating sulfonic acid) to tackle everything from stubborn dark spots to post-breakout scarring.
It’s basically a shortcut to a brighter, more even complexion without having to overhaul your whole routine - perfect for when you want results without having to try a crazy amount of products to get there.
Pros & ConsPros- Great anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Offers gentle exfoliation.
- Helps with discoloration.
Cons- Expensive.
Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Serum
- Strength: 3%.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, rose water, niacinamide.
- Skin type: Suitable for all skin types.
Why we love it: Perfect for blemish-prone skin, this gorgeous gel-serum is packed with a potent blend of ingredients; pore unclogging salicylic acid, visibly brightening and refining niacinamide, and soothing rose water to hydrate and refresh the complexion — while also minimising excess sebum production. It's suitable for all skin types, and works really well at quickly clearing away spots and acne.
Pros & ConsPros- Helps control oil production.
- Refines uneven skin texture and tone.
- A gentle exfoliator that's safe for sensitive skin.
Cons- Some reviewers say it's a little drying.
- Lower niacinamide percentage to others on our list.
- Strength: Doesn't specify.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
- Key ingredients: vitamin E, glycerin.
- Skin type: Suitable for all skin types.
Why we love it: Certainly not your typical serum, this glow-boosting primer is a makeup/skincare hybrid. Made with brightening and smoothing niacinamide, nourishing vitamin E, and hydrating glycerin, the formula will leave you with a truly radiant and glossy base — while the built-in roller applicator helps to sculpt out definition, and reduce puffiness. Best of all, the priming serum is slightly tacky to the touch when applied — and will grip your makeup in place for up to eight hours.
Pros & ConsPros- The perfect priming base for make-up.
- Brightening and hydrating formula.
- Applicator helps sculpt and reduce puffiness.
Cons- Tacky texture means it's best with make-up on top.
What is niacinamide?
A form of vitamin B3 commonly found in meat, fish, milk, eggs, and green vegetables, niacinamide is an essential vitamin that helps with cell health and energy metabolism. Also a popular skincare ingredient, its anti-inflammatory qualities mean it's great for helping with acne, eczema, and rosacea — but it's also just generally great for maintaining healthy-looking skin as a whole.
What are the benefits of niacinamide in skincare?
“Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a multitasking antioxidant that can help soothe, firm and hydrate the skin, reverse the signs of aging (including fine lines and wrinkles), lighten dark spots and redness as well as reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production — which may benefit conditions like acne and rosacea,” shares Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut.
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.
What is the best percentage of niacinamide?
“Clinical studies suggest that niacinamide is effective at concentrations between 2-5%, with proven benefits including improved barrier function, reduced transepidermal water loss, and control of sebum production," explains Dr Nora Jaafar — cosmetic and medical dermatology doctor at Rejuvenation Clinic. "Concentrations of 10% or more can also be really beneficial, but they come with an increased risk of irritation — particularly in individuals with sensitive skin.”
Can all skin types use niacinamide?
Niacinamide is well-tolerated across all skin types — but some will benefit from using it more than others. "It's particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone or oily skin, as it helps regulate sebaceous gland activity, and reduce inflammatory lesions," Dr Nora explains.
Can you use niacinamide with vitamin C?
While outdated research sometimes suggests the opposite, we can assure you that you're totally fine to use modern formulations of niacainamide and vitamin C together. “Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory and skin barrier-enhancing properties — while vitamin C (ascorbic acid) functions as a potent antioxidant and collagen-stimulating agent,” Dr Nora explains. “When used together, they can provide complementary benefits for brightening and photoprotection.”
Can I use niacinamide every day?
In short — yes. "Studies show that consistent use — both morning and evening — can enhance barrier function, regulate oils, and reduce oxidative stress," Dr Nora adds.
Looking to take your skincare routine to the next level? Check out our guides for the best eye creams, best moisturisers, best face washes and the best cleansers with salicylic acid.
