10% Niacinamide Serum | The INKEY List

Use in your AM and PM routine. After cleansing and hydrating, apply a pea-sized amount of Niacinamide Serum to face and neck.

Follow with

Finish with SPF in your AM routine.

INKEY Tip

Layer from thinnest to thickest formulas, allowing time between each step to help prevent pilling. If your skin is sensitive, apply Niacinamide before Retinol to help reduce potential irritation.

Heads up

Avoid using with high-strength Vitamin C or exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs, PHAs). Safe to use with our 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum.

When adding new products to your skincare routine, we always recommend patch testing. Learn more here.

Storage

Keep out of direct sunlight. Avoid eyes. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

• 10% Niacinamide: Reduces the appearances of excess oil, blemishes and redness.
• Hyaluronic Acid : Hydrates and plumps skin.
  

Water (Aqua / Eau), Niacinamide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phospholipids, Squalane, Xanthan Gum, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Allantoin, Sodium Phytate, Polysorbate 60, Panthenol, Glycolipids, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Citric Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate.

HOW TO USE

HOW DO YOU USE NIACINAMIDE SERUM? Apply 2–3 drops to clean skin, gently pat in, wait 1–2 minutes, then follow with moisturizer. Use after cleansing but before thicker serums or heavier creams - the correct order is cleanse, hydrating serum, niacinamide, moisturizer, then SPF for daytime routines. Full step-by-step guide →

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE NIACINAMIDE SERUM? Use morning, evening, or both - it's particularly beneficial in the morning under SPF for all-day oil control, and at night for overnight acne repair. Oily skin can use twice daily, while sensitive skin should start with evening use only.

HOW MANY TIMES A DAY CAN I USE NIACINAMIDE SERUM? Twice daily is ideal, morning and night, on clean damp skin before moisturizer. More isn't better, so there's no benefit to applying it more often. Always finish with SPF in the morning.

CAN YOU USE NIACINAMIDE EVERY DAY? Absolutely. Niacinamide is gentle enough for daily use and works better with consistent application - you won't build tolerance like you can with acids or retinol. Daily use provides continuous oil control, pore refinement, and breakout prevention.

CAN I LAYER IT WITH OTHER ACTIVES? Yes, but avoid mixing with high-strength Vitamin C and exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs, PHAs) in the same routine step. It's perfectly safe with our 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides - just apply niacinamide first. What not to layer together →

CAN I USE THIS WITH RETINOL? Absolutely. Apply niacinamide before retinol to reduce potential irritation and make your retinol routine more comfortable. This combination is particularly effective for acne-prone skin since niacinamide preps your skin barrier and minimizes retinol sensitivity. Can you use niacinamide with retinol? →

CAN YOU USE NIACINAMIDE WITH VITAMIN C? Yes - despite outdated advice to the contrary, niacinamide and vitamin C can safely be used together and genuinely complement each other. Vitamin C brightens and provides antioxidant protection; niacinamide calms, balances oil, and strengthens the barrier. For best results, apply vitamin C first in your morning routine, wait 30–60 seconds, then apply niacinamide. Avoid stacking very high-strength vitamin C (above 10% L-ascorbic acid) directly with niacinamide in the exact same application step. Our 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum is formulated to be safely compatible with niacinamide. Vitamin C vs. niacinamide - which glow ingredient wins? →

CAN I USE NIACINAMIDE WITH SALICYLIC ACID? Yes, and they work well together. Salicylic acid gets into pores to clear blackheads and congestion, while niacinamide helps control oil and calm visible redness. Cleanse with Salicylic Acid Cleanser, then apply your Niacinamide Serum to clean, damp skin. If your skin feels sensitive, alternate them rather than layering daily.

CAN I USE NIACINAMIDE WITH GLYCOLIC ACID? Yes. Use Glycolic Acid Toner first, let it absorb, then follow with your Niacinamide Serum. Glycolic acid exfoliates the surface while niacinamide helps with oil and texture. If you're new to acids, start with glycolic two or three nights a week and use niacinamide daily. Full guide on using Niacinamide & Glycolic Acid together

SHOULD I USE TONER BEFORE OR AFTER NIACINAMIDE SERUM? Toner first, then serum. The rule of thumb is thinnest to thickest. So cleanse, tone with Glycolic Acid Toner or PHA Toner, then apply your Niacinamide Serum, then moisturize. Let each layer absorb before the next.

HOW LONG DOES NIACINAMIDE TAKE TO WORK? You'll notice oil control within 1–2 weeks, but allow 4–8 weeks for significant breakout reduction and pore refinement. The timeline: immediate oil control → fewer breakouts at week 3–4 → visible pore improvement by weeks 6–8.

SKIN TYPES & CONCERNS

IS IT GOOD FOR DRY SKIN TOO? Yes. Niacinamide balances oil production rather than stripping it away, making it suitable for dry skin that gets congested or combination skin types. It strengthens your skin barrier and improves moisture retention - layer with our Hyaluronic Acid Serum for extra hydration. Is niacinamide good for dry skin? →

IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR OILY SKIN? Yes, it's one of the best ingredients for it. 10% niacinamide helps reduce excess oil, minimize the look of pores and improve overall texture, while the 1% hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated so it doesn't overcompensate by producing more oil. Most people see less shine within one to two weeks. Pair with Omega Water Cream for oil free hydration. More on oily skin here.

CAN NIACINAMIDE CAUSE ACNE & BREAKOUTS? Niacinamide itself is unlikely to cause breakouts. It's a well tolerated ingredient that helps control excess oil and calm visible redness. If you notice more blemishes after starting a new serum, it's usually down to introducing several new products at once, or another active in your routine. Start with one new product at a time and give it two to four weeks. Read more here whether Niacinamide causes acne.

DOES NIACINAMIDE CAUSE PURGING? No. Purging happens with ingredients that speed up skin cell turnover, like exfoliating acids and retinol. Niacinamide works differently, helping to balance oil and support the skin barrier, so it shouldn't trigger a purge. If your skin is breaking out, look at the other actives you're using. Learn more in our complete purging guide.

IS NIACINAMIDE OR RETINOL BETTER FOR ACNE? They're most effective together, but if you have to choose: niacinamide is the gentler option that targets oil production and redness more immediately; retinol is more powerful for preventing clogged pores and improving overall skin texture over time. For active breakouts, niacinamide works faster on visible redness. For long-term acne management and skin renewal, retinol is more transformative. Use niacinamide before retinol in your PM routine to help reduce potential retinol irritation - this pairing is well-established in evidence-based skincare. Can you use niacinamide with retinol? → Hyaluronic acid vs. niacinamide - which does your skin need? →

DOES NIACINAMIDE HELP WITH HYPERPIGMENTATION OR DARK SPOTS? Yes. Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanin (pigment) to skin cells, which over time reduces the appearance of dark spots, post-acne marks, and uneven tone. It won't replace a dedicated brightening treatment like our Tranexamic Acid Serum for stubborn hyperpigmentation, but it makes an excellent supporting ingredient in any brightening routine. Used consistently, 10% niacinamide can visibly even skin tone within 6–8 weeks. Vitamin C vs. niacinamide for hyperpigmentation →

WHICH IS BETTER FOR REDNESS: NIACINAMIDE OR AZELAIC ACID? Both reduce redness but through different mechanisms. Niacinamide is gentler, works continuously, and suits daily use for mild-to-moderate redness and oily or combination skin. Azelaic acid (our Redness Relief Solution, 10%) is more targeted for rosacea-associated redness and persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For redness alongside acne and oiliness - use niacinamide. For rosacea-type redness - azelaic acid. Many people benefit from layering both in the same routine. Azelaic acid and niacinamide: can you use them together? →

IS IT SAFE FOR PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING? Yes, completely safe. Niacinamide is vitamin B3, which your body naturally produces. It is one of the safest active ingredients for expecting and nursing mothers wanting clear, balanced skin without risk. Guide to pregnancy-safe skincare →

CAN I USE THIS WITH PRESCRIPTION TREATMENTS? Check with your doctor first, but niacinamide typically works well alongside prescription acne and anti-aging treatments since it's gentle and can help reduce irritation from stronger actives.

INGREDIENTS & FORMULA

WHAT DOES NIACINAMIDE SERUM DO? Niacinamide serum regulates oil production, reduces breakouts and pore appearance, calms redness, and strengthens your skin barrier for clearer, healthier-looking skin. This vitamin B3 ingredient controls excess sebum and reduces inflammation without harsh side effects. Does niacinamide help with acne? →

WHAT DOES NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3) ACTUALLY DO FOR SKIN? Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that works on multiple skin concerns simultaneously: it regulates sebum (oil) production, strengthens the skin barrier, visibly reduces pore size, calms redness and inflammation, and helps fade post-acne marks. At 10%, our serum delivers maximum efficacy while remaining gentle enough for daily use - even on sensitive skin. It's one of the most versatile and well-researched skincare ingredients available. What is niacinamide? → Does niacinamide help with acne? →

WHAT'S THE % OF NIACINAMIDE? This serum contains 10% niacinamide - the optimal concentration for effective oil control, pore appearance, and breakout reduction without irritation. Clinical studies show 5–10% niacinamide provides maximum benefits while being gentle enough for daily use on most skin types.

SHOULD I USE THIS OR A 20% NIACINAMIDE SERUM? Choose based on your needs: oily skin all over = 20% for maximum oil control. Combination skin, T-zone oiliness, or no active breakouts = stick with 10%. The 10% is better for sensitive or acne-prone skin since it's gentler while still highly effective.

WHAT'S THE PH LEVEL? The pH is 6.09 - optimal for niacinamide stability and skin compatibility. This slightly acidic pH ensures maximum ingredient effectiveness while being gentle enough for daily use and compatible with other skincare products. 

WHY ISN'T THIS PRODUCT VEGAN?
 This serum contains one egg-derived ingredient (phospholipids, listed as Glycine Soja Sterols/Soybean), which means it cannot be certified vegan. This serum is Leaping Bunny certified - no animal testing, ever.

IS THE SQUALANE ANIMAL-DERIVED? No - it's 100% plant-based squalane derived from sustainable sugarcane, making it cruelty-free and environmentally responsible.

This product is;

Fragrance-free

Gluten-free

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding safe