What does niacinamide do for your skin?

Niacinamide regulates oil production, reduces blemishes and pore appearance, calms redness, and strengthens your skin barrier. This vitamin B3 ingredient controls excess sebum and reduces inflammation without harsh side effects, making it ideal for achieving clearer, more balanced skin.

How often should you use niacinamide?

Niacinamide can be used daily, both morning and evening. Unlike other actives, you won't build tolerance, so consistent daily use provides the best results for oil control, pore refinement, and blemish prevention.

Can I use niacinamide with retinol?

Absolutely! Apply niacinamide before retinol to reduce potential irritation and strengthen your skin barrier. This combination is particularly effective for acne-prone skin since niacinamide prepares your skin and minimizes retinol sensitivity.

Does niacinamide help with acne?

Yes! Niacinamide helps prevent acne by regulating oil production and reducing inflammation. It keeps pores clear of excess sebum and dead skin cells while calming existing breakouts, making it effective for both treating and preventing blemishes.

How long does niacinamide take to work?

You'll notice oil control within 1-2 weeks, but allow 4-8 weeks for significant blemish reduction and pore refinement. The timeline progresses from immediate oil control to fewer breakouts around week 3-4, then visible pore improvement by weeks 6-8.

Can beginners use niacinamide?

Absolutely! Niacinamide is one of the gentlest actives, making it perfect for skincare beginners. Start with 10% concentration and use daily – no gradual introduction needed like with retinol or acids.

Is niacinamide safe for sensitive skin?

Yes! Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory and actually helps calm sensitive, reactive skin. It strengthens the skin barrier and reduces redness, making it an excellent choice for those who can't tolerate harsher actives.

What's better: 10% or 20% niacinamide?

Choose based on your skin type: 10% for combination skin, T-zone oiliness, or sensitive skin; 20% for very oily skin with enlarged pores throughout the face. The 10% is gentler while still highly effective for most people.

Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?

Yes, but with consideration. Our 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum is formulated to work safely with niacinamide. If using separate products, apply vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night, or ensure at least 30 minutes between applications.

Is niacinamide safe during pregnancy?

Yes, completely safe! Niacinamide is vitamin B3, which your body naturally produces. It's one of the safest actives for expecting and nursing mothers wanting clear, balanced skin without risk.

Best Niacinamide Serums 2026

Transform your skincare routine with our expertly curated guide to the best niacinamide serums and creams. Whether you're dealing with oily skin, enlarged pores, or blemishes, discover the perfect niacinamide product for your skin type and concerns.

What Is Niacinamide and Why Does Your Skin Need It?

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, is a powerhouse ingredient that's considered one of the most versatile and gentle actives in skincare. This water-soluble vitamin works by regulating oil production, strengthening the skin barrier, and calming inflammation for visibly clearer, more balanced skin.

Key Benefits of Niacinamide:

• Controls excess oil production by regulating sebaceous gland activity

• Minimizes pore appearance by keeping them clear and reducing oil buildup

• Reduces blemishes and breakouts through its anti-inflammatory properties

• Calms redness and irritation making it ideal for sensitive skin

• Strengthens skin barrier to improve moisture retention

• Evens skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots

• Works for all skin types from oily to dry, sensitive to mature

Niacinamide Concentrations: Finding Your Perfect Match

Unlike other actives that require careful introduction, niacinamide is gentle enough for daily use at various concentrations. Understanding which percentage suits your needs is key to achieving optimal results.

5-10% Niacinamide: Perfect for beginners, sensitive skin, or combination skin with T-zone concerns. Provides effective oil control and pore refinement without irritation.

15-20% Niacinamide: Ideal for very oily skin with enlarged pores throughout the face. Maximum concentration for intensive oil control and texture improvement.

How to Use Niacinamide: Your Complete Guide

Starting your niacinamide journey is straightforward thanks to its gentle nature. Follow this step-by-step guide to incorporate niacinamide effectively into your routine.

Step 1: Choose Your Concentration

Start with 10% if you're new to niacinamide or have sensitive skin. Those with very oily skin can begin with 20% for maximum oil control.

Step 2: Perfect Your Application

1 Cleanse thoroughly with a gentle cleanser

2 Apply hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid works perfectly)

3 Apply 2-3 drops of niacinamide serum to entire face and neck

4 Follow with moisturizer to lock in benefits

5 Always use SPF in your morning routine

Step 3: Build Your Routine

Morning: Cleanser → Hydrating Serum → Niacinamide → Moisturizer → SPF

Evening: Cleanser → Hydrating Serum → Niacinamide → Moisturizer

Best Time to Use Niacinamide

Unlike retinol or vitamin C, niacinamide can be used both morning and night. It's particularly effective in the morning as it controls oil throughout the day and works beautifully under makeup and SPF.

Can You Mix Niacinamide with Other Ingredients?

One of niacinamide's greatest advantages is its compatibility with virtually all other skincare ingredients, making it the perfect addition to any routine.

SAFE TO USE WITH NIACINAMIDE:

Hyaluronic Acid - The perfect partnership! Apply hyaluronic acid first, then niacinamide, for hydrated, balanced skin without oiliness.

Retinol - Apply niacinamide before retinol to reduce potential irritation and strengthen your skin barrier for better retinol tolerance.

Ceramides and Peptides - These barrier-supporting ingredients work synergistically with niacinamide for healthier, more resilient skin.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) - Can be layered together for comprehensive acne treatment, though sensitive skin should alternate use.

USE WITH CAUTION:

Vitamin C - While generally compatible, very high concentrations of both ingredients may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Our 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum is formulated to work safely with niacinamide.

MYTH BUSTING:

Niacinamide + Vitamin C "Cancels Out" - This is an outdated myth. Modern formulations are perfectly compatible when used correctly.

Shop Niacinamide Serums

4.6

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars

4.6 Stars (765 Reviews)

10% Niacinamide Serum

This lightweight, power-packed Niacinamide Serum is designed to balance, calm, and clarify your skin. With 10% Niacinamide, it helps reduce excess oil, minimize blemishes, and even out skin tone, while 1% Hyaluronic Acid provides added hydration for a smoother, healthier-looking complexion. Easily layered into your AM and PM routine, this serum absorbs quickly and works effectively without irritation..

Key Benefits:
Reduces excess oil and helps minimise the appearance of blemishes
Calms visible redness and evens out skin tone
Lightweight formula with added hydration for smooth, balanced skin

Key Ingredients:
• 10% Niacinamide - controls excess oil, target blemishes and tackle redness
• 1% Hyaluronic Acid - helps to hydrate and plump skin

Suitable For: All Skin Types, Breakouts & Blemishes

What our customers say: "I’ve been using this serum regularly and it truly never disappoints. With consistent use, you can definitely see a difference brighter skin, less visible pores, and a more balanced complexion. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t clash with other products in my routine." - Laura

$10.50

FAQs

Niacinamide regulates oil production, reduces blemishes and pore appearance, calms redness, and strengthens your skin barrier. This vitamin B3 ingredient controls excess sebum and reduces inflammation without harsh side effects, making it ideal for achieving clearer, more balanced skin.
Niacinamide can be used daily, both morning and evening. Unlike other actives, you won't build tolerance, so consistent daily use provides the best results for oil control, pore refinement, and blemish prevention.
Absolutely! Apply niacinamide before retinol to reduce potential irritation and strengthen your skin barrier. This combination is particularly effective for acne-prone skin since niacinamide prepares your skin and minimizes retinol sensitivity.
Yes! Niacinamide helps prevent acne by regulating oil production and reducing inflammation. It keeps pores clear of excess sebum and dead skin cells while calming existing breakouts, making it effective for both treating and preventing blemishes.
You'll notice oil control within 1-2 weeks, but allow 4-8 weeks for significant blemish reduction and pore refinement. The timeline progresses from immediate oil control to fewer breakouts around week 3-4, then visible pore improvement by weeks 6-8.
Absolutely! Niacinamide is one of the gentlest actives, making it perfect for skincare beginners. Start with 10% concentration and use daily – no gradual introduction needed like with retinol or acids.
Yes! Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory and actually helps calm sensitive, reactive skin. It strengthens the skin barrier and reduces redness, making it an excellent choice for those who can't tolerate harsher actives.
Choose based on your skin type: 10% for combination skin, T-zone oiliness, or sensitive skin; 20% for very oily skin with enlarged pores throughout the face. The 10% is gentler while still highly effective for most people.
Yes, but with consideration. Our 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum is formulated to work safely with niacinamide. If using separate products, apply vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night, or ensure at least 30 minutes between applications.
Yes, completely safe! Niacinamide is vitamin B3, which your body naturally produces. It's one of the safest actives for expecting and nursing mothers wanting clear, balanced skin without risk.

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