15 Best Niacinamide Serums of 2023, According to Dermatologists
We updated this article in October 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
Niacinamide has become one of the buzziest skincare words on the market—and for good reason. The superstar ingredient works to treat various skin concerns at once, making it essential to add the best niacinamide serum into your skincare regimen.
The ingredient is a form of vitamin B3 and can stand on its own in face serums and creams, but it’s even better when combined with other skin-boosting ingredients. “B3 is an essential nutrient the body needs,” says Purvisha Patel, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of .
“Niacinamide does a little bit of everything with minimum to potentially no irritation, making it a very inclusive ingredient,” says Elyse Love M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “This powerhouse ingredient soothes the skin barrier, decreases overall irritation for a slew of skin issues, helps enhance skin’s overall moisture, reduces oiliness, and promotes more even skin tones,” she explains.
Dr. Patel also adds that the ingredient has a significant brightening benefit, “as it affects melanocytes, cells that play a role in pigment formation in the skin.” For that reason, you’ll find it in products designed to fight discoloration and lessen acne scars. What’s more, because niacinamide reduces irritation, “it can temper the effects of other anti-aging ingredients that can cause the skin to act up, like wrinkle-smoothing retinol or exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids,” Dr. Patel adds.
How we chose the best niacinamide serums
We used expert input from Dr. Patel, Dr. Love, and Annie Gonzalez, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, as well as insight from hundreds of customer reviews to narrow down the best products.
Now that know the facts about this ingredient, you can give your skin the glow it deserves. Here are the best niacinamide serums you can try, according to experts and shoppers.
