Niacinamide is a buzzy skin care ingredient, but for good reason. Not only is it hydrating, but it can also improve overall tone and texture.
“Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is an ingredient found in topical creams that helps brighten the skin, as well as improve its overall appearance,” says Dr. Sheila Farhang, a board-certified dermatologist and double-fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon.
Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that can help target skin care concerns like discoloration and redness, while still being gentle on the skin, according to Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist. “It supports the skin barrier, reducing water loss in the skin,” she says. “[It] also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good option for those with acne or rosacea-prone skin.”
We spoke to dermatologists about the benefits of niacinamide and how to incorporate it into your skin care routine. We also rounded up their picks for the best products with niacinamide to consider.
SKIP AHEAD The best niacinamide products in 2024 | What are the benefits of niacinamide? | How to shop for niacinamide products
How we picked the best niacinamide products
When shopping for skin care products with niacinamide, our experts recommend keeping in mind the following factors:
- Formulation: You can find niacinamide in skin care products like masks, creams, sunscreens and toners. Whichever formulation you choose will depend on your personal preference. However, if you want to get the most out of your niacinamide, consider choosing a leave-on product like a serum or moisturizer, according to our experts.
- Concentration: Niacinamide concentrations can go as low as 1% and can even reach higher potency with 20%. Start with a lower concentration and work your way up as your skin builds tolerance. Typically, 3% to 5% is the sweet spot for niacinamide, and anything above 5% can irritate some people, says Dr. Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
- Ingredients: Niacinamide will sometimes be formulated independently, while other times, you may see it accompanied by one or more skin care ingredients. “To get the biggest bang for your buck, look for multi-ingredient products versus single ingredients to simplify your routine and life,” says Idriss.
Related
The best niacinamide products in 2024
There are a number of skin care products on the market that contain niacinamide, including toners, lotions and serums. We asked experts for their favorite products and sought out highly rated options that align with their guidance. We also rounded up products our NBC Select staff loves.
Charlotte Tilbury’s Glow Toner
If you want to include niacinamide in your toner, consider this option, which comes recommended by Garshick and Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. Unlike other exfoliating toners, this one is acid-free and instead has gentler ingredients like prickly pear to support skin cell turnover, says King. It also helps hydrate and support the skin barrier as well as improve tone and texture, according to King.
Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum
This gentle, lightweight serum has just over 1% niacinamide, as well as zinc and willow bark to help soothe skin, decongest pores and calm breakouts, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ryan Turner. Apply two to three drops of the serum in a patting motion and, if possible, make sure your skin is still slightly damp from cleansing and toning so the product absorbs better into the skin, according to the brand.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This niacinamide serum is an affordable option that helps address acne and controls oil, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu. The water-based serum helps brighten the skin tone, reduces the appearance of acne and regulates sebum, which is an oily substance created by our bodies to moisturize the skin, according to the brand.
Glossier Super Pure
If you’re looking for a combination of niacinamide and zinc, consider this serum, which has a 4.2-star average rating from over 900 reviews at Glossier. With 5% niacinamide, this option helps improve tone and texture and reduces irritation associated with unwanted breakouts, while zinc will help reduce irritation and hydrate the skin, according to the brand. The serum also has hydrating ingredients like glycerin and allantoin, which absorb quickly into the skin, according to Glossier.
Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir
This Charlotte Tilbury serum is a multipurpose option that hydrates, brightens and plumps your skin, according to the brand. Not only does the niacinamide reduce the appearance of pores and uneven tone and texture, but it also has humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, according to King. This serum also includes vitamin C, which can give your skin a brighter, more even complexion, according to the brand. “It has a very subtle iridescence, not enough to look shiny or glittery, but enough to make the skin look luminous,” says King.
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
This serum has a concentration of 10% niacinamide — a higher dose than most other options on this list — to help enhance any existing skin care product in your regimen, according to Turner. “It’s designed to be mixed into other products, which is a fantastic concept — not everyone wants to completely change up their routine,” she says.
Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
If you want to combat dark spots, redness and oiliness, consider this Sunday Riley serum. It has a combination of antioxidants and hydrating ingredients to address common skin care concerns like discoloration. You can use this serum once or twice a day, both morning and night, according to the brand. The serum has a 4.7-star average rating from over 900 reviews.
Olay Super Serum
Through its combination of ingredients, including niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptides, vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acids, this 5-in-1 serum helps improve texture and tone, firms the skin, smooths fine lines and hydrates all at once, according to the brand. The lightweight daily formula, which has a 4.4-star average rating from over 1,500 reviews, is made for all skin types and is free from common skin care irritants like parabens, according to Olay.
Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Illuminating Drops
This Drunk Elephant option is a fun take on a niacinamide serum, according to Turner. In addition to 5% niacinamide, it has a sheer golden pigment to add a glow to the skin, says Turner. For the best results, shake your bottle before adding one or more drops to your favorite serum or facial moisturizer, according to the brand.
The Honest Company Green Juice Antioxidant Super Serum
This antioxidant-rich serum is like a green smoothie for your skin: It has carrot, lemon and kale extract, which are sources of vitamins A, E and C, niacinamide to improve discoloration and reduce redness, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, according to the brand. You can use this serum, which has a 4.4-star average rating from over 100 reviews on Amazon, on your face and neck, according to The Honest Company.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
This lightweight lotion, recommended by Chiu, combines niacinamide with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, support the skin barrier and boost hydration, according to the brand. The noncomedogenic and fragrance-free formula is suitable for all skin types, according to CeraVe. The brand recommends using this lotion at nighttime.
SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal
This moisturizer corrects environmental damage while improving fine lines and wrinkles, says Chiu. Suitable for all skin types, the lightweight cream strengthens the skin barrier, firms the skin, evens out skin tone and texture, and hydrates with ingredients like niacinamide, peptides and glycerin, according to the brand.
Face Reality’s Clearderma Moisturizer
This moisturizer combines humectants (ingredients that attract water) and emollients (ingredients that help the skin barrier) to hydrate and support the skin, says King. It has niacinamide, allantoin and bisabolol to soothe the skin, help with oil regulation and improve tone and texture, according to King. It’s also noncomedogenic, so it’s less likely to clog pores. Apply a dime-sized amount to your face and neck, according to the brand.
EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 46
In addition to offering broad-spectrum coverage, this sunscreen contains niacinamide to reduce inflammation and redness that may be associated with acne flare-ups, according to Garshick. This sunscreen is especially good for those with acne-prone skin, says Garshick. It’s also great for all skin tones because it doesn’t leave a white cast behind, according to experts in our guide to sunscreens for dark skin tones.
Related
What are the benefits of niacinamide?
“Niacinamide has benefits for almost every skin issue, making it the super star ingredient it is,” says Idriss. Below are some of the key benefits of niacinamide, according to Chiu:
- Retains and reduces moisture loss, which can ultimately improve the skin barrier
- Reduces inflammation and redness due to its gentle, anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it great for those with acne and rosacea
- Regulates sebum production for oily and/or acne-prone skin
- Evens out skin tone and texture, and improves hyperpigmentation
- Helps build keratin, which can improve the elasticity of the skin and keep it firm
How to shop for niacinamide products
If you want to get the benefits of niacinamide in your daily skin care routine, our experts recommend keeping in mind the concentration of the ingredient and the type of product.
Concentration
You can find niacinamide in various concentrations, ranging from 1% to 20%.
“Concentrations of 5% niacinamide have been shown to [improve] skin appearance with little risk of sensitivity, though it’s always best to start with a lower concentration first to see how it works for you and your skin,” says Turner. Concentrations of 5% niacinamide or higher may cause irritation, so it’s important to remember that “more” does not always equal ‘better,” according to Turner.
Formulation
Niacinamide is found in a variety of formulations, including toners, serums, moisturizers and masks. However, in order for you to get the most effective results, consider choosing a leave-on product like serums and moisturizers so that it has enough time to work on the skin, says King.
Moisturizers may have lower concentrations, and they’ll absorb slower than serums, which tend to absorb quickly and have a more concentrated dose of active ingredients, says Turner.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Sheila Farhang is a board-certified dermatologist and double-fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon as well as a reconstructive Mohs micrographic (skin cancer) surgeon in Tucson, Arizona
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell.
- Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist at her own private practice in New York City. Her areas of expertise include medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Ryan Turner is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and co-founder of TRNR Skin. His areas of expertise include cosmetic dermatology, general dermatology, surgical dermatology and laser surgery.
- Dr. Annie Chiu is a board-certified cosmetic and general dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute in Redondo Beach, California. Her areas of expertise include non-invasive cosmetic dermatology and aesthetics.
- Dr. Shereene Idriss is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology in NYC and is also the creator of the #PillowtalkDerm series on Instagram. Her areas of expertise include volume displacement, skin discoloration and textural changes of the skin.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter covering skin care and hair care, whose recent stories include roundups of the best body washes for sensitive skin and retinol alternatives. For this story, she interviewed experts and researched highly rated products containing niacinamide that were in line with expert guidance.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
