The 10 Best Niacinamide Serums For Radiant Skin (2024)

This niacinamide booster serum—available in concentrations of 10% or 20%—helps even skin tone, minimizes the look of enlarged pores, and improves skin texture. What's also nice about a booster serum is that you can apply it on its own or mix it into another serum or moisturizer.

One reviewer says: "I experimented with both the 10% and 20% niacinamide formulations, and surprisingly, the 10% variant works wonders for my skin. It effectively reduces my pores, especially when paired with the BHA exfoliant. This combination works like magic, contributing to the overall youthfulness of my skin!" -Lily

For $10, this is a great acne serum for beginners—the 10% niacinamide and zinc concentration treat breakouts without irritating the skin or disrupting the moisture barrier.

One reviewer says: "I opted for The Ordinary due to the price and simplicity of ingredients — the labels weren’t packed with a long list of ingredients, and I wanted to know exactly what was going on my skin. Literally within one month of [use]. my skin was 90% clear and completely clear within two." -Chelsie

Another serum at an affordable price point, Naturium's Niacinamide Serum also features a high concentration of niacinamide and zinc in a formula that helps refine the look of enlarged pores. It's a favorite of our beauty director when her skin is breaking out or otherwise dull.

One reviewer says: "My skin is so much smoother and my pores look smaller, which is really nice! I’ve been using this with some toner pads from another brand and it’s done wonders for my skin." -Allison

For more of a complex, do-it-all serum, consider the YSE Vitamin C Morning Cocktail, which combines vitamin C and niacinamide, both antioxidants that brighten and rejuvenate dull skin, along with azelaic acid to even skin tone, and hyaluronic acid and squalane to hydrate and condition the skin.

One reviewer says: "The thing that I really appreciate about YSE'S Morning Cocktail Vitamin C is its sophisticated formulation that includes niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and squalene. All of these products add hydration while helping to control inflammation. As a woman in her fifties, I need a Vitamin C that [addresses] multiple concerns" -Stephanie K.

According to Rubin, the treatment serum features 4% niacinamide in a gentle, hydrating formula that improves radiance and reduces the appearance of visible redness in the skin.

One reviewer says: "The niacinamide treatment is perfect for my dry, sensitive skin! I use it during the day, underneath my moisturizer. Keeps my skin hydrated and soothed!" -Amanda K.

If your main skin concern is discoloration caused by sun damage, this ISDIN serum (with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and licorice root extract) is a great treatment to invest in. The combination of ingredients reduces pronounced dark spots and limits the appearance of new ones.

One reviewer says: "Melaclear is the only product that has helped me with my dark spots. I’ve tried other dark spots correctors and this it’s the only one that works. I have recommended it to my friends too." -Liliana C.

The niacinamide paired with "skin tightening sugars" and hydrating hyaluronic acid in this elegant formula gives a firming effect to the skin. We love this for dry skin or mature skin in particular, as the results are near immediate.

One reviewer says: "I absolutely love this serum. The formula as a whole is lightweight, not sticky, and smells lovely. My skin feels hydrated and smooth after use, creating a great base to apply makeup." -Taylor

Sold as a "natural retinol alternative," this Alpyn Beauty serum is great for anyone looking to soften fine lines in their skin without retinol. The niacinamide smooths texture, wild nettle hydrates the skin, and rambutan extract enhances radiance. The texture is lightweight and hydrating.

One reviewer says: "Wow. No product has ever reversed my signs of aging, but my deep expression lines are softening, and my skin looks smoother with less noticeable pores and less redness. Love, love, love." -Avneet

Neutrogena's Niacinamide Serum contains 10% niacinamide for oil control and hyaluronic acid for hydration. It's affordable and fragrance-free, making it a foolproof daily serum that can be found on the shelf of any local drugstore.

One reviewer says: "I love that I don’t have to buy two separate products anymore, I have 2-in-1 niacinamide and hyaluronic acid (...)The consistency is quite thin and dries fast." -Angelica D.

Another dark spot corrector at a lower price point, this one by La Roche Posay is particularly great for treating post-acne scarring.

One reviewer says: "[I've] been using this serum for a month and it has been fading [my] acne scars! I like how light it feels on the skin — and it absorbs very quickly." -Kathy C.

• Courtney Rubin, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder and chief medical officer of Fig.1 Beauty.

• Mona Gohara, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut.

• Melissa Doft, M.D., is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City.

• Morgan Rabach, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at LM Medical.

The better question is what doesn't niacinamide serum do? "Topical niacinamide helps epidermal barrier function by reducing transepidermal water loss and thereby keeping the skin moist," explains Rabach. "It's an antioxidant that reduces photo carcinogenesis [a biochemical sequence that leads to skin cancer] and has anti-inflammatory effects in acne and rosacea. It can also help to regulate oil production."

When shopping for a niacinamide serum, Rabach recommends looking for a 5-10% concentration. "This range is effective but also gentle for the skin," Rabach explains. "Look for lightweight serums that absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a residue." The serums mentioned above are all great options.

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