Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
You know an ingredient has made it once it starts getting top billing in product names—and that’s exactly what’s happened with the best niacinamide serums. Once overshadowed by heavy hitters like retinol and vitamin C, his multitasking form of vitamin B3 has become a mainstay in dermatologist offices and bathroom cabinets alike. A huge part of its appeal is that it’s one of the rare actives that plays well with just about everyone. Whether your skin leans oily, dry, sensitive, or somewhere in between, niacinamide helps balance things out—regulating excess sebum, softening the look of pores, brightening uneven tone, and calming redness in the process.
Our Top Niacinamide Serums
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, $150
- Best for Dry Skin: Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, $42
- Best for Dark Spots: La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum, $45
- Best for Oily Skin: Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%, $17
It’s also refreshingly low-drama. Unlike more aggressive actives, niacinamide supports the skin barrier rather than stressing it out, which makes it easy to layer into almost any routine. And because it pairs well with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinoids, and even exfoliating acids, it’s less about replacing your routine—and more about making everything else work a little better.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What does niacinamide do?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
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SkinCeuticals
P-Tiox
Bluemercury
Why we love it: As often as we’ve talked about SkinCeuticals P-Tiox (we’ve definitely called it “Botox in a bottle” more than once), it’s easy to assume the peptides are doing all the heavy lifting, but a closer look had us surprised to see niacinamide is actually front and center. As the first ingredient after water, it plays a major role in the formula, helping to even tone, refine the look of pores, and support the skin barrier so everything else works more efficiently.
As for the supporting players, “this serum contains a mixture of polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates skin and hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture,” says Christina Sun, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia. Together, she adds, “these ingredients help moisturize skin while also decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
As mentioned, the formula also includes signal peptides, which soften expression lines over time, while sea kelp extract provides antioxidant protection to help preserve collagen. Around here, P-Tiox has become a maintenance staple—something our editors reach for between in-office treatments to help keep results looking smooth, fresh, and extend the effects of Botox just a bit longer.
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying SkinCeuticals’s P-Tiox
Jessica Cruel
Cruel after applying SkinCeuticals’s P-Tiox
Jessica Cruel
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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“There is a combination of peptides, niacinamide, and PHA in this serum to help target a very specific sign of aging: expression lines. As someone who loves to laugh, I am particularly concerned about my nasolabial folds, a.k.a. smile lines. I use this serum so they don't get any worse. I have to say, I find my filler is lasting a lot longer in that area. It is not a complete replacement for aesthetic treatments like filler or neurotoxin, but this serum can complement those in-office treatments as maintenance. I like to switch off between this and my retinol.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- Niacinamide percentage: 5%
- Other key ingredients: polyhydroxy acid, laminaria extract, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum
SephoraSave to wishlist
Merit
Great Skin Instant Glow Serum
Sephora
Why we love it: While you might think of Merit as a makeup brand, it’s been doing skin care all along—just look at its ingredient labels for the receipts. So it wasn’t exactly shocking when the Great Skin Instant Glow Serum became its first official foray. True to form, the lightweight, bi-phase serum keeps things minimal but effective: Niacinamide helps brighten, even tone, and refine the look of pores, while multiple forms of hyaluronic acid layer in hydration for that plump, bouncy feel. There’s also cocoa seed extract (which gives it its reddish color), vitamin E for antioxidant support, plus coptis japonica root to soothe skin. The finish is fresh, glowy, and intentionally low-effort.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“The bi-phase formula has replaced a few steps in my routine: The water phase, where the niacinamide lives, gives that fresh, lit-from-within glow, while the oil phase softens and adds a subtle, hydrating sheen. It’s noticeably lighter than most serums I’ve tried—I actually wasn’t expecting it to feel quite so splashy! Because of that, I’ve found it works best when I pat it into my skin rather than rubbing it in like I typically would with a serum.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Niacinamide percentage: undisclosed
- Other key ingredients: cocoa seed extract, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, coptis japonica root
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Melasma: Medicube TXA Niacinamide 15% Serum
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Medicube
TXA Niacinamide 15% Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: With 10% niacinamide, it’s already a pretty high percentage, but add 5% tranexamic acid, and you’re in serious pigment-correcting territory. Medicube’s TXA+Niacinamide 15% Glow Facial Serum pairs that high-strength niacinamide with TXA to specifically target melasma and those stubborn post-acne marks that tend to linger. Niacinamide helps even tone and dial down excess pigment, while tranexamic acid works a little deeper, interrupting the pathways that trigger discoloration.
Niacinamide also helps limit how much of that pigment makes it to the skin’s surface, so you’re not just fading spots, but helping prevent new ones from fully forming. Supporting ingredients like arbutin, glutathione, and ferulic acid double down on brightening, while hyaluronic acid keeps things hydrated and bouncy.
Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the Medicube TXA Niacinamide 15% Serum
Elizabeth Gulino
Gulino after applying the Medicube TXA Niacinamide 15% Serum
Elizabeth Gulino
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
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"I like to use Medicube's TXA+Niacinamide 15% Glow Facial Serum in the morning before my SPF—it gives me a hydrating glowy base before I put the rest of my makeup on. There's minimal scent to the serum and it feels nice on the skin—a bit watery, but it sinks into the skin nicely." —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
More to know
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- Niacinamide percentage: 10%
- Other key ingredients: 5% tranexamic acid, arbutin, glutathione, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dark Spots: La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum
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La Roche-Posay
B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Dermstore
Allure associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry applying the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum
Melanie Curry
Why we love it: La Roche-Posay’s Mela B3 Serum pairs niacinamide with the brand’s proprietary Melasyl, which acts like a pigment “interceptor,” helping catch excess melanin before it clusters into visible spots—so you’re not just fading discoloration, but helping keep it from setting in to begin with. Niacinamide pulls double duty by evening tone and limiting the amount of pigment that reaches the surface, while retinyl palmitate (a gentler vitamin A derivative also known as pro-retinol) supports cell turnover to gradually lift existing spots.
Mineral-rich thermal spring water keeps the formula soothing and hydrating, making it a solid option for sensitive skin prone to hyperpigmentation—but since it contains a touch of fragrance and retinol, it’s worth patch-testing first.
Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
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“I started using this serum two months ago, and I've seen small improvements. My dark spots (specifically the acne scars under my chin) have slowly started to fade, and my skin has become slightly more even. A little goes a long way with this serum. A drop or two every night before moisturizing, and your skin becomes less discolored and more plump. And while results do take long (don't they always?), they do happen.” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
More to know
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- Niacinamide percentage: 10%
- Other key ingredients: Melasyl, retinyl palmitate
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Mature Skin: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex
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Alastin
Restorative Skin Complex
Amazon
Alastin
Lee applying the Alastin Restorative Skin Complex
Christa Joanna Lee
Why we love it: For all the buzz around TriHex+ and Alastin’s peptide tech, it’s worth noting that niacinamide sits right up top on the ingredient list (just behind water and glycerin), doing a lot of the heavy lifting to keep skin even-toned. For mature skin, this treatment focuses on keeping the renewal cycle moving—helping clear out damaged collagen and elastin so healthier skin can take its place. The latest reformulation adds octapeptide-45 to support collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, while magnolol helps calm inflammation and l-ornithine lends a subtle firming, plumping effect. Janet Allenby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Delray Beach, Florida, says it’s one of her favorite products containing niacinamide—partly because this vitamin is so compatible with the other highly effective ingredients in this treatment.
Tester feedback from Lee
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“As someone with dry, sensitive skin and a few early signs of aging (read: the appearance of fine lines around my eyes), my first foray into Alastin skin care has been a pleasant surprise. The Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+ feels like the perfect mix of an ultra-light moisturizer and serum—it sinks in fast but leaves my skin hydrated and smooth all day. After a few weeks, my complexion looks a little plumper and my texture is more even—with hardly any effort at all.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Niacinamide percentage: undisclosed
- Other key ingredients: TriHex Technology (peptide blend), magnolol, l-ornithine, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
More niacinamide serums we like
Best for Oily Skin: Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
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Naturium
Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Amazon
Soko Glam
Why we love it: Clocking in as the highest percentage of niacinamide on this list, this formula doesn’t beat around the bush. With 12% niacinamide to “refine pores, even tone, and dial down excess shine”—it’s a strong pick for oily or combination skin, says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. The addition of 2% zinc PCA pulls its weight, too: It regulates oil production and offers mild antibacterial support, which is especially useful if congestion or breakouts are part of the picture. Meanwhile, humectants like propanediol and sodium hyaluronate draw in moisture while helping the actives spread more evenly and absorb more efficiently, so you get the benefits without dryness.
More to know
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- Niacinamide percentage: 12%
- Other key ingredients: 2% zinc PCA, glycerin, propanediol, sodium hyaluronate
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: CosRx Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
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Cosrx
The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Yesstyle
Why we love it: K-beauty is synonymous with sensitive skin as the focus tends to be on barrier support, gentle actives, and formulas that do the job without pushing your skin too far. CosRx’s Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum fits right in: a fragrance-free formula that pairs 2% alpha-arbutin with niacinamide and tranexamic acid to target dark spots without the usual sting. This kind of combination “helps brighten discoloration through multiple pathways while remaining gentle enough for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Chang. Acetyl glucosamine helps refine tone, while madecassoside (a Centella asiatica derivative), panthenol, and allantoin keep reactive skin calm and comfortable.
More to know
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- Niacinamide percentage: undisclosed
- Other key ingredients: 2% alpha-arbutin, tranexamic acid, acetyl glucosamine, madecassoside, panthenol, allantoin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Budget: The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
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The Inkey List
Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why we love it: Niacinamide wears many hats, but in The Inkey List’s Niacinamide Serum, oil control is the main event. This straightforward formula contains 10% niacinamide—an especially effective level, according to Dr. Allenby—which helps regulate excess sebum, minimize the look of pores, and reduce the likelihood of breakouts (and the redness that often comes with them). It’s the kind of serum that keeps shine in check without tipping your skin into that tight, stripped feeling. The texture helps, too: lightweight, fast-absorbing, and nonsticky. With 1% hyaluronic acid, it boosts hydration, while allantoin soothes and supports the skin barrier.
More to know
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- Niacinamide percentage: 10%
- Other key ingredients: 1% hyaluronic acid, allantoin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does niacinamide do?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 with a wide range of benefits, including supporting the skin barrier and minimizing the look of fine lines. "Niacinamide works with your skin's natural chemistry to improve overall skin texture by rebuilding a lipid layer, minimizing the appearance of pores, and preventing UV damage and inflammation as an antioxidant," Seattle-based board-certified dermatologist Brandith Irwin, MD, told Allure.
Niacinamide is also believed to reduce redness, discoloration, and even acne, according to New York City board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. "In topical forms, it has been shown to reduce sebum production," she told Allure, noting that it's quite gentle on the skin.
Meet the experts
- Janet Allenby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Delray Beach, Florida,
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology based in New York City
- Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Concierge Dermatology & Laser, based in Seattle, Washington
- Christina Sun, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners based in Philadelphia
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best niacinamide serums and creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
