Niacinamide is an ingredient that’s commonly found in skincare products, and it’s one of the most multi-purpose, too.
Also known as vitamin B3, it can improve elasticity, reduce fine lines, even out skin tone, improve texture, reduce redness, and is often well tolerated by most skin types.
It’s also compatible with many other skincare ingredients, which is why it can sometimes feel like it’s in every product you see, from serums to cleansers, moisturisers, eye creams, and even bodycare. As a result, it’s often safe to use it every day, morning and night.
However, when it comes to finding the right dedicated niacinamide serum for your skin, it can be confusing, given there are so many to choose from at varying price points.
With that in mind, I went straight to the experts and sought the help of two dermatologists to cut through the noise, answer the most commonly asked questions about niacinamide, and unpack how to incorporate it into your existing skincare routine.
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Meet the experts
Dr Ketaki Bhate is a consultant dermatologist at Kensington dermatology clinic, No23. Skin. She specialises in complex acne cases and skin cancer diagnoses, in addition to her work as a senior NHS consultant and academic researcher. She has been published extensively in the British Journal of Dermatology, JAMA Dermatology and Clinical & Experimental Dermatology, and is a frequent speaker at national and international dermatology conferences.
Dr Aiza Jamil is a consultant dermatologist at sk:n, a specialist skin care clinic in Manchester. Alongside her British credentials, she is also board-certified in the U.S in cosmetic and medical laser, and trained in aesthetic services including non-surgical facelifts, laser and treating scarring.
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Endocare age barrier niacinal serum gel
Size: 30ml
Fragrance-free: No
One of Dr Jamil’s top picks is this serum gel, which she describes as “fast-absorbing, hydrating and soothing” thanks to a formula featuring 10 per cent niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and a patented complex called “Edafence” technology.
“It nourishes and calms stressed skin while defending against pollution and environmental aggressors,” she explained. It’s oil-free, suitable for all skin types, and safe to apply daily as part of your morning or evening skincare routine before your moisturiser.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon.co.uk
The Ordinary niacinamide 10% + zinc 1%
Size: 30ml
Fragrance-free: Yes
Whether you’re shopping on a budget or not, Dr Bhate highly recommends this affordable, high-strength formulation from The Ordinary, which will set you back as little as a fiver.
“Niacinamide helps regulate sebum and reduce the look of congestion, while zinc adds an anti-inflammatory effect. This is great for combination and oily skin,” she says.
Dr Jamil is also a fan, for similar reasons: “The Ordinary niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% is a great, affordable option. Zinc is added to help regulate oil and calm inflammation, so this is a great option for those who have oilier skin,” she adds.
Buy now £5, Amazon.co.uk
La Roche-Posay mela B3 anti-dark spot serum
Size: 30ml
Fragrance-free: No
Another recommendation that both dermatologists agree on is La Roche-Posay’s mela B3 anti-dark spot serum, particularly if you’re trying to treat pigmentation.
Dr Jamil says it’s helpful as it combines 10 per cent niacinamide with dark-spot firmware, while Dr Bhate notes that it’s “excellent for those concerned about pigmentation in addition to barrier support”.
Apply three to four drops and massage into clean skin until fully absorbed, morning or night.
Buy now £36, Amazon.co.uk
The Inkey List niacinamide serum
Size: 30ml
Fragrance-free: Yes
Another affordable winner for Dr Bhate is this serum from The Inkey List which comes in at around £10. She describes it as a “simple, straightforward option with good texture that layers well under moisturisers and sunscreens, and is ideal for everyday use”.
Alongside 10 per cent niacinamide, the formula also contains one per cent hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps skin, and is another well-tolerated ingredient for most skin types.
Buy now £10, Lookfantastic.com
Paula’s Choice 10% niacinamide booster
Size: 20ml
Fragrance-free: Yes
If you’re looking for a gentle, effective niacinamide serum that's well-tolerated, this is one of Dr Bhate’s suggestions. “Its minimalistic formula suits sensitive or reactive skin and mixes well with other treatments,” she explains.
It's advised to apply two to three drops to your palm and then rub it into skin, or add it to a moisturiser or another serum if you prefer.
Buy now £49, Spacenk.com
Your questions about niacinamide answered
What is niacinamide and how can it benefit our skin?
Dr Bhate explains that niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 with a strong evidence base and is therefore widely used in skincare products. “Unlike exfoliants that strip or irritate, niacinamide works gently to support the skin’s natural barrier and improve the appearance of several common concerns,” she says.
These include: strengthening your skin barrier so you potentially reduce water loss – therefore making your skin feel less dry – reducing redness and inflammation, especially within acne-prone or sensitive skin, balancing oil production, improving uneven skin tone and pigmentation.
“If used consistently, it can also help improve post-inflammatory marks and improve elasticity and surface texture to support anti-ageing,” Dr Bhate adds.
Do all skin types tolerate niacinamide? Are there any skin types or conditions that you would not recommend it for?
According to Dr Jamil, one of the main benefits of niacinamide is that it is well tolerated by most skin types and highly compatible with other skincare ingredients, so risk of irritation is quite low. “However, if you have very sensitive, irritant-prone or rosacea-flaring skin, I would possibly avoid higher concentrations of over 10 per cent, as this can cause a flare-up. Also, those with compromised skin barriers who are actively raw, peeling or burning from over-exfoliation or overuse of retinoids, for example, may want to pause use of niacinamide as it may cause burning, stinging or a flare-up of symptoms,” she explains.
How long should it take before you see results from a niacinamide serum?
Dr Jamil advises that within as little as two weeks, you may notice a more supported skin barrier, with skin feeling less tight, irritated, red and textured.
Beyond that, she notes that after three to four weeks of consistent use, oil production should be more regulated, so you should notice less shine, fewer breakouts, and a more even skin tone.
“It may take up to eight weeks to see long-lasting results on pigmentation and texture. You should notice post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation fading, skin tone regularly looking more even and fine lines looking slightly smoother,” she adds.
What else do you need to know about introducing a niacinamide serum into your skincare routine?
To make sure you get the most out of a niacinamide serum, Dr Bhate recommends avoiding layering it with AHA and BHA acids, especially if you have sensitive skin, to avoid irritation.
“Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser alongside, to help the niacinamide do its job in supporting your skin barrier, and always use sunscreen. While niacinamide can help with pigmentation, preventing the pigmentation from occurring in the first place, with a daily broad-spectrum SPF is what truly protects your skin from UV damage,” she says.
Last but not least, she suggests exercising caution with fragrances in formulas, particularly if you have sensitive skin: “Simpler formulas often offer better tolerance with less irritation.”
Meet the experts
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