Byrdie / Alli Waataja
Dealing with, well, any kind of complexion concern? The odds are that niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) is a solution—it can do pretty much anything and everything. Board-certified dermatologist Annie Gonzalez, M.D. says “Niacinamide is a versatile skincare ingredient” that’s especially great for those with all types of acne, hyperpigmentation, and those looking to smooth lines and wrinkles. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, too, so it belongs in almost any beauty cabinet.
We put 28 niacinamide products to the test, evaluating each based on the type, the skin benefits we saw, and how effective the formula was at delivering the results it promised. After consulting with a board-certified dermatologist we landed on these brightening all-stars.
Fast Facts About Niacinamide
- Skin type: If you have oily skin, look for a lightweight, water-based formula that sinks into the skin and skip products that leave behind excess oil or shine. If you have dry skin, consider a formula that contains hydrating elements like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. (BTW, we can help you determine your skin type.)
- Skin concern: Looking to boost radiance and even skin tone? A product with added vitamin C or illuminating pigments might do the trick. Hoping to address acne and dark marks? Added soothing elements like zinc and allantoin could be helpful.
- Concentration: When products specify it, Dr. Gonzalez says to aim for 4 to 5% concentration of niacinamide. If the concentration isn’t listed, if it’s listed as one of the first few ingredients, it’s likely an effective concentration.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops on Sephora
- Best Budget: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum on Amazon
- Editor’s Pick: Dr. Barbara Sturm Better B Niacinamide Serum on Amazon
- Best for Dark Spots: COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum on Cosrx
- Best for Acne: Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment on Amazon
- Best for Radiance: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Drops on Amazon
- Best for Redness: Typology 12% Niacinamide Serum on Typology
- Most Moisturizing: FAB Facial Radiance Niacinamide Serum on Amazon
- Best Fast Results: Sunday Riley B3 10% Niacinamide Serum on Sephora
- Best Firming: Alpyn Beauty Wild Nettle & Niacinamide Serum on Sephora
Drunk Elephant
What We Like: Smooth, lightweight texture blends into moisturizer and foundation easily, imparts a subtle golden glow, and a pea-sized amount is all you need.
What We Don't Like: Can be runny and watery.
Type: Illuminating serum | Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, diglucosyl gallic acid, morus alba leaf extract
Tester: Alexa, age 25-34, has combination skin with uneven texture and enlarged pores.
Review: “This product looked like makeup at first, so I thought it would do nothing for my skin. It ended up exceeding my expectations by addressing more problems than I thought was possible. It helped a lot with breakouts (even around that time of the month), uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation, making my skin feel softer and appear more vibrant, healthy, and balanced.”
The formula’s consistency is lightweight, and never made her skin feel anything but light, clean, and refreshed. It had no scent and didn’t irritate her skin in the slightest. It’s on the runny side, but Alexa found that by mixing it into her moisturizer or foundation, it was easier to spread. Plus, all she needed to use was a pea-sized amount to cover her whole face. Immediately after using it, her skin looked luminous (thank you, golden illuminating pigments).
Byrdie / Alexa Jade Frankelis
Best Budget
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
Sephora
What We Like: Simple and effective, strong concentration, and works with a variety of products.
What We Don't Like: Can be slimy at first.
Type: Serum | Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc
Tester: Hannah, age 25-34, has acne-prone skin with acne scars and dry spots.
Review: “This product is definitely worth the hype. I’m convinced my skin looks different after just eight weeks of testing this serum, some acne scars have disappeared and my acne has toned down a bit. My complexion is more radiant overall.”
Though slightly slimy at first, Hannah the serum absorbs into the skin nicely after about two minutes and layers well with other serums, creams, and SPF. A little goes a long way—Hannah isn’t even halfway done with the bottle after using it morning and night on her face and neck twice a day for two months. Also nice: It never made her break out (which she says is very common when she tries new products), which we chalk up the zinc in the formula, a mineral that has anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties.
Byrdie / Hannah Berg
Editor’s Pick
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum
Sephora
What We Like: Lightweight and milky, boosts radiance and smooths skin texture, and results build up over time.
What We Don't Like: Can tingle during first few uses.
Type: Serum | Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, provitamin B5
Tester: Ali, age 25-34, has combination skin and occasionally deals with breakouts, post-acne hyperpigmentation, and dryness.
Review: “My skin became significantly more radiant—there’s now a luminous quality to it. My favorite part about the serum is how the results build over time. I’ve grown more confident about my bare skin and it’s because this product gave me a more radiant, even complexion.”
This product has two major pros: it’s lightweight and effective. The consistency of the serum is thin and milky, but never runny. While the serum is gentle—it contains provitamin B5, an ingredient that protects the skin’s barrier and shields it from irritation. Ali experienced a slight tingling sensation when she first started using it, but that went away within a few minutes. The sensation disappeared altogether when her skin became acclimated to the serum. After a few weeks, her complexion was rejuvenated and some of her hyperpigmentation marks had faded. While she would still lean on vitamin C for more intense marks, she said that the product was well worth it for how well it softened and smoothed out her skin’s texture.
Byrdie / Ali Webb
Best for Dark Spots
Cosrx The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Cosrx
What We Like: Addresses dark spots, acne scarring, and more in a short time, gentle and calming, and safe for acne-prone skin.
What We Don't Like: Can feel tacky before it dries down.
Type: Serum | Size: 0.67 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc, allantoin
Tester: Drea, age 45-55, has combination skin with acne scarring and large pores.
Review: “This serum took care of acne scarring that would have otherwise taken a long time to heal. My skin evened out and there are fewer spots, scarring, and active acne breakouts. I recommend this to anyone who has acne scarring, post-acne hyperpigmentation, or large pores.”
This formula is a real winner when it comes to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (aka the redness left behind after a breakout) as it contains niacinamide (duh), anti-inflammatory zinc, and allantoin, an extract with potent healing and soothing properties. The initial consistency of this product is thin and somewhat tacky right out of the bottle. However, once it comes in contact with the skin, it spreads easily and sinks in quickly. A dime-sized amount is more than enough, and it layers beautifully with other skincare products. She raved about how easy it was to use and the fact that she saw such noticeable results in such a short time.
Byrdie / Drea Bocook
Best for Acne
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Amazon
What We Like: Plays well with other skincare, including prescription-grade, softens and smooths skin texture, and helps keep skin clear and calm.
What We Don't Like: Small bottle.
Type: Serum | Size: 0.67 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C
Tester: Mollie, age 25-34, with combination skin prone to hormonal acne.
Review: “I’ve found that while using this serum with my prescription skincare, my skin has been very clear and my pores look much smaller. It softened and smoothed my texture and controlled inflammation better than anything similar that I’ve tried. My skin looks glowy, clearer, and more plump after using this product.”
Although it feels like your typical serum (smooth, not too sticky, and spreadable), it’s so much more than that. It melts into the skin, plays well with other skincare products, and offers a plumping and radiance-boosting effect that’s unrivaled. “When I wore the serum overnight, I woke up with bouncier-looking skin,” she said. “When I wore it during the day, it added life to my skin.”
Best for Radiance
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Sephora
What We Like: Imparts a dewy, hydrated finish, helps address uneven skin tone and texture, and skin instantly looks glowy after use.
What We Don't Like: Can take a few minutes to fully sink in.
Type: Serum | Size: 0.5 oz., 1.35 oz., and 2.7 oz.| Key Ingredients: Watermelon extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Tester: Arnesia, age 25-34, has dry skin with under-eye discoloration and some skin texture.
Review: “My skin looked more radiant and even-toned. I struggled with some texture before testing, but this made my whole face feel smoother and softer. Plus, the discoloration on my cheeks is less noticeable. I loved applying this every day—it’s very cooling and smooth to the touch—and it imparts a dewy finish that made my skin instantly look better.”
The consistency is that of a light to medium-thick gel. It’s not runny but once you spread it, it thins out and goes on very smoothly. “Because it’s on the thicker side, it took a couple of minutes of patting it into the skin for it to fully absorb,” she said. “It wasn’t a drawback necessarily because I liked the cooling sensation and the subtle glow it left behind.” Best of all: Her skin never appeared oily or shiny and she found that it helped soothe dryness on contact. Oh, and the pump bottle ensured a mess-free experience every time. The formula features watermelon extract (an ingredient rich in skin-plumping amino acids and vitamins A and C), niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, which contains moisture-binding properties that promote bouncy skin.
Byrdie / Arnesia Young
Best for Redness
Typology 12% Niacinamide Serum
Typology
What We Like: Few drops go a long way, addresses uneven skin tone and fade dark spots, and lightweight consistency.
What We Don't Like: Feels sticky on the skin for a few minutes.
Type: Serum | Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide
Tester: Taylor, age 25-34 age group, has combination skin with fine lines and an uneven skin tone.
Review: “I noticed a change in the fine lines around my eyes and the color of my face—it appears less red and the sun spots I had faded away. My skin looks so much more even and glowy.”
This serum is easy to use and even easier for the skin to absorb with its light, liquid texture. It slowly ran down Taylor’s face (giving her enough time to put the dropper back in the bottle) and absorbed rather quickly. Her one complaint is that it initially made her skin feel sticky, but once she piled on moisturizer, the feeling went away completely. A little bit went a long way; she only needed a tiny droplet on each cheek, one on her forehead, and one on her chin.
Most Moisturizing
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
Amazon
What We Like: Illuminating and hydrating, skin appears more lively and fresh after use, and preps the skin beautifully for makeup application.
What We Don't Like: Little dropper can clog up with product.
Type: Serum | Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, licorice root, golden kiwi fruit
Tester: Gibreel, age 25-34 age group, has dry skin.
Review: “This serum was consistently hydrating and illuminating—whenever I applied it, my skin looked healthier instantly. It made my skin look smoother and more lively after each use. I’m pleased with the long-term results as well; my skin is clearer and more glowy.”
A soft, creamy liquid, this serum is a dream to apply. It glides over the skin effortlessly and it pairs nicely with a rich moisturizer. “Two to three drops cover the entire face and ensure skin prep is top tier before makeup,” she adds. Although she didn’t love the dropper (she found that it got clogged with product due to the small size), the results were worth dealing with. This formula is chock-full of skin-loving elements, like licorice root extract, which helps soothe and illuminate, as well as golden kiwifruit extract, which the brand says helps the skin retain moisture and has radiance-boosting properties similar to vitamin C.
Byrdie / Gibreel Martinez
Best Fast Results
Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
Ulta
What We Like: Softens and smooths skin, helps address redness and post-acne hyper pigment, and noticeable results in a few weeks.
What We Don't Like: Can tingle during first few applications.
Type: Serum | Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Brightenyl, trans-reservatrol
Tester: Natalie, age 18-24, has combination skin and occasional acne.
Review: “I’m happy with the results. My skin definitely improved over the testing period; it looks much clearer, softer, and brighter. I think the product prevented me from breaking out, too.”
It took a week or so to start seeing real progress, which is very fast compared to the rest of the products on this list. While Natalie shared that the serum felt slightly tingly on pimples and acne-prone areas at first, the feeling dissipated after about a week once her skin adjusted. The fast-acting serum and tingly feeling make sense to us, given that the product contains several potent actives, including niacinamide, Brightenyl (the brand’s biotechnologically created molecule that illuminates the skin and soothes sensitivity), and trans-reservatrol, a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and partners well with niacinamide to lighten dark spots.
Sephora
What We Like: Creamy yet lightweight consistency, helps with skin texture and tone, and addresses fine lines and skin firmness.
What We Don't Like: Can sit on top of the skin if not patted in.
Type: Serum | Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, wild nettle, rambutan
Tester: Chantia, age 18-24, has combination skin prone to cystic acne.
Review: “My skin has gotten a lot more firm, especially my undereye area. [It’s] softer and more plump, which came as a surprise to me. Plus, the serum did an excellent job of improving the texture of my skin.”
The serum has a creamy and silky texture that felt soft and gentle to the touch. Its lightweight consistency helps it layer well with other skincare and makeup. Her only gripe was that it needed to be patted into the skin to really sink deeply into pores; if she didn’t take the time to pat it in, she felt like it stayed on top of her face. That aside, she loved the results, which can be attributed to the blend of niacinamide, wild nettle (which hydrates and nourishes), and rambutan (a natural retinol alternative that reduces the look of texture and fine lines) in the formula.
Byrdie / Chantia Murphy
Best Lightweight
Glossier Super Pure Serum with Niacinamide + Zinc
Sephora
What We Like: Fluid, water-like consistency, weightless feel, and gently erases dark spots.
What We Don't Like: Nothing.
Type: Serum | Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc
Tester: Jackie, age 35-44, has dry skin with fine lines and dark spots.
Review: “This product is so lightweight that at first, I didn’t even think it was doing anything. But after the testing period, it brightened up dark spots in a gentle way, making my skin appear more clear and even.”
The serum feels like you’re just splashing water on your skin. “It felt easy and refreshing,” Jackie said. “The consistency is on the watery side, but that makes it easy to spread and layer with other products.” She only used two to three drops each time but felt like she ran out rather quickly. However, when she considered how luminous and even-toned her skin looked, she felt she could overlook the bottle size.
Byrdie / Jackie Cucco
Best Absorption
La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Face Serum
Amazon
What We Like: Sinks into pores quickly with no residue, seamless, mess-free application, and calming ingredients.
What We Don't Like: Results not as dramatic as other products on this list.
Type: Serum | Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Melasyl, thermal spring water
Tester: Kimberly, age 35-44, has combination skin with dark spots and fine lines.
Review: “After consistently using this product, I’ve noticed a difference in the appearance of dark spots and the texture of my skin. My spots have faded slightly in color and my skin is smoother and softer to the touch.”
This formula feels hydrating and smooth on the skin and sinks in a matter of seconds with a consistency that’s like a cross between a serum and a cream. Kimberly didn’t have to waste any time waiting for the serum to absorb and applied her moisturizer and SPF directly on top without missing a beat (so this is a win for those looking to shorten their skincare regimen). While she’s pleased with the results, she wishes she could have seen even more dramatic results, like some of the other participants in the test.
Best Drugstore
Olay Super Serum
Amazon
What We Like: Softening and hydrating, contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5, and helps address dry patches and dull skin.
What We Don't Like: Nothing.
Type: Serum | Size: 1.0 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
Tester: Sheila, age 25-34, has combination skin with a dull tone and rough patches.
Review: “My skin is softer, more hydrated, and less dull after testing this product. My dry patches are almost completely gone and the serum made my skin feel like I’ve gotten several hydrating facials—my skin is that much softer.”
Drugstore niacinamide products can absolutely perform comparably with more expensive options, and this one from Olay is proof. With a formula made from a blend of hydrating ingredients—shoutout niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5—it’s no surprise that Sheila saw such great results. While the product didn’t sit on top of the skin, per se, it did leave behind a slight shiny finish. If you have dry skin, you might like the dewy look, but if you have oily skin, you might not be a fan of the added shine.
SkinCeuticals
What We Like: Fades hyperpigmentation over time, mattifying effect that works well with makeup or bare skin, and hydrating and skin-firming ingredients.
What We Don't Like: Requires some rubbing in.
Type: Serum | Size: 1.7 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, tri-peptide concentrate, glycerin
Tester: Hilary, age 25-34, with dry skin with hyperpigmentation.
Review: “I noticed some fading of the darker melasma spots on my skin. Day to day, I didn't notice much difference, but with consistent use, I saw quite a payoff in the vibrancy, texture, and tone of my skin.”
Right off the bat, Hilary appreciated the texture of the serum, noting that its gel consistency felt nice on the skin. It did require a tiny bit of massaging to absorb, but she enjoyed the process. Once it was rubbed in completely, it was undetectable if not for a mattifying effect that Hilary liked. With such a hefty price tag, you might expect immediate results, but Hilary assured us that the results were worth it, they just took some time to be noticeable. With ingredients like niacinamide, the brand’s proprietary firming tri-peptide concentrate, and glycerin (a humectant that hydrates skin), there’s a lot to love about this formula.
Best Under Makeup
Westman Atelier Skin Activator Serum with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
Westman Atelier
What We Like: De-puffing rollerball applicator, smoothes, softens, and , and illuminating capabilities.
What We Don't Like: Nothing.
Type: | Size: 0.67 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, prickly pear cactus extract, ceramides
Tester: Joie, age 25-34, has skin prone to dryness and hyperpigmentation.
Review: “I could tell a difference in the overall smoothness and brightness of my face after using this serum consistently. After weeks of testing, it helped with hyperpigmentation, especially around my eyes. (Plus, the rolling applicator has helped with puffiness around the area, which was a huge added bonus.) Overall, my complexion is more luminous and younger-looking, and the feel of my skin is soft and smooth.”
The perfect base for skincare and makeup, this serum is easy to work into an existing routine. “The consistency felt luxurious and cool to the touch, instantly de-puffing my face—truly such a treat in the morning.” In this formula, you’ll find niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides (aka lipids that help the skin barrier stay hydrated and strong), and prickly pear cactus extract, an ingredient that calms the skin. Joie genuinely looked forward to using the roller every day since it felt like a self-care moment.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She has super sensitive skin and often has issues with more potent skincare actives, but happily, both she and her skin love niacinamide and the results it delivers.
Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie. She has sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin (a triple whammy) and relies on niacinamide to keep her skin even-toned and calm.
For this story, we consulted with:
- Annie Gonzalez, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida. Her specialties include adult and pediatric dermatology, as well as chronic skin conditions.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any niacinamide products from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
