The Do-It-All Skincare Ingredient Your Routine Needs

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When compiling a list of the most effective skincare ingredients, there's no shortage of major players that are worthy of a spot. You've got the gold standard, retinol, which can battle fine lines, uneven skin tone, and even acne. Then there's vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that shields skin from environmental damage and has some age-reversing powers of its own. And who could possibly forget hyaluronic acid, the hydration hero that can hold onto 1,000 times its weight in water?

But there's another, possibly lesser-known, ingredient that's every bit as deserving of a place in your skincare routine: niacinamde. "Niacinamide is the physiologically active form of vitamin B3 and its benefits are quite broad," explains dermatologist Melody Maarouf, MD, of U.S. Dermatology Partners in Phoenix, AZ. "I typically recommend the topical form of this ingredient for three main skin concerns, including anti-aging, uneven skin tone, and oiliness and large pores."

Meet The Experts: Melody Maarouf, MD, a dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners in Phoenix, AZ, Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatology with Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York, Sheila Farhang, MD, a dermatologist with Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics in Tucson, AZ

You'll find niacinamide in many different formulas, including daytime moisturizers, thick creams, and their most popular preparation: the serum. These products tend to be lightweight and non-irritating, making them perfect for daily use, which is vitally important when considering incorporating niacinamide into your skincare routine. "Niacinamide has reversible skin effects—when patients stop using it, they can expect to return to baseline," says Dr. Maarouf. "So when choosing to use this ingredient, you should plan on sticking with it for the long haul so you don't lose any progress made."

To help you find the best niacinamide serum for your unique skin needs, we polled Dr. Maarouf and other top dermatologists, who offered their favorite picks for every complexion type and problem. Get your credit cards ready!

Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum

Niacinamide has a powerful effect on evening skin tone, and this serum takes full advantage of its abilities, pairing the superstar ingredient with plant-based ingredients that further target discoloration such as licorice root and golden kiwifruit. Perhaps that's why it's a favorite of dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD of Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York. "This serum can effectively tackle dark spots, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation related to acne," says Dr. Camp.

Tester review: "This product has helped with my dark spots so much. It's also helped heal my acne and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. I’ll definitely be purchasing again."

Niacinamide 10 Serum

This multitasker is your go-to if you find yourself dealing with a lackluster complexion as summer transitions to fall, a common occurrence right now. "This is a favorite of mine because it's formulated with not only niacinamide but also HEPES, which gently exfoliates the skin, and hyaluronic acid to help retain skin moisture," says Sheila Farhang, MD, a dermatologist with Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics in Tucson, AZ. The lightweight texture also absorbs beautifully into skin without even a hint of greasiness.

Tester review: "I have oily skin, and I have been using this products for months without a single pimple or breakout. It has a light fragrance which I don't mind."

Glow & Hydrate Day Serum

It's a fact: Super-dry skin looks less youthful. To tackle that, you can turn to this serum, which combines niacinamide with hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can attract water from deeper layers of the skin and the surrounding environment to the topmost layers for an immediate plumping effect. "It's super-lightweight, clean, and, most importantly, affordable," adds Dr. Farhang. And for those who care: It's vegan!

Tester review: "This serum is spectacular at keeping pores clear—totally worth the hype. It goes on so smooth, it’s ultra-hydrating, and it dries down to the perfect feel, with no tackiness. It's a little bit thick but I love it."

B3 Adaptive Superfoods Stress Rescue Super Serum

We're living in anxiety-ridden times—and if that's showing up on your face, here's the product for you: "A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum, this product combines niacinamide with ashwagandha, an antioxidant, and goji, a superfood and adaptogen, to correct and prevent visible signs of stress," says Dr. Camp. What are those visible signs of stress? Think fine lines, redness, and dryness due to a compromised skin barrier.

Tester review: "I had noticeable results after using this serum: My skin felt radiant and looked like I just got a facial."

Major Fade Hyper Serum

Developed by social media famous dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, MD, this is one of the first products introduced in her PillowtalkDerm skincare line and has since become a cult favorite. "This is my absolute favorite niacinamide product," says Dr. Maarouf. "Not only are you getting niacinamide, you're packing in other anti-aging and hyperpigmentation fighters like kojic acid and arbutin. In combination, these ingredients can help even out skin tone. The product lacks scents and dyes, and has a non-tacky finish, which allows for easy application of sunscreen and makeup afterwards."

Tester review: "This serum is amazing. I have been using it constantly, morning and night, for a couple of months now and will continue to use it. I’m starting to see a real difference in overall clarity and hydration. I have actually stopped using all other skin care and sticking with this line only."

Metacell Renewal B3

Yes, this product targets discoloration with 5% niacinamide. But it's also packed with other ingredients, such as a firming blend of peptides and hydrating and plumping glycerin, to give your complexion a soup-to-nuts youth boost. "This is a great product that I'll use in the winter," says Maarouf. "It functions as an anti-hyperpigmentation moisturizer in those dryer months." Sure, it's a splurge, but Skinceuticals has decades of science to support its products and the brand's formulations are often recommended by beauty experts and dermatologists (Dr. Camp is also a fan of Metacell).

Tester review: "I love this moisturizer. It’s light enough to use for daytime but also hydrating enough to be used as a night cream. It works well under makeup and has a great texture. And due to the price, I appreciate that one pump is plenty for face, neck and chest."

ISDINCEUTICS Melaclear Advanced

A powerful combination of niacinamide, transexamic acid, and a proprietary spot corrector complex, this luxe serum promises results in as little as two weeks. "This is a bit more expensive and functions as a pigment corrector that's also formulated with tranexamic acid and licorice root which helps brighten and soothe the skin," says Dr. Farhang. "I would recommend this one at night." Another important thing to keep in mind when using any niacinamide product: It's imperative that you regularly use sunscreen so as not to create new sun damage."

Tester review: "My dermatologist recommended this for me about a year ago. I’ve been using it everyday since then and I can definitely tell a difference. My skin is pretty sensitive but this is very silky and light. I’ll definitely buy it again."

BOOST 10% Niacinamide Booster

The beauty of a booster is that it can be used on its own or mixed in with the moisturizer that's already in your bathroom, making it simple to incorporate niacinamide into your routine. That could be why this formula, with 10% B3, is a favorite of Dr. Camp's. "It's transparent and lightweight," he says, "and addresses everything from uneven skin tone to redness and can minimize the appearance of pores and skin texture." It's also formulated with a powerful blend of antioxidants to shield skin from future environmental damage. Just a few drops is all it takes, so don't let the smallish size of the bottle turn you off.

Tester review: "The results came surprisingly fast—I've never had a product work so quickly before. It made my skin feel soft and definitely made the texture more even. I can't wait to see how clear everything gets with more time."

PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer

Meet the ultimate nighttime treatment to nurture your skin and help boost its natural repair process. The ubergentle formula is a blend of niacinamide, ceramides, and peptides and can safely be used on nearly all skin types, even the most sensitivity-prone complexions. "For maximalists who want a morning and evening routine, I recommend this product, which can be used as an overnight mask," says Dr. Maarouf. "Niacinamide is the main player to reverse the signs of the day’s damage, but the product is also packed with rice protein, linoleum acid, and vitamin E to further restore the skin’s barrier."

Tester review: "I love this cream. It doesn't upset my rosacea, has no scent, and doesn't sting or burn going on like some other moisturizers. I highly recommend this product."

The Better B Niacinamide Serum

Large pores are no match for this supercharged serum, which combines texture-refining niacinamide with marine-derived plankton, which supports a healthy skin barrier to help spur on skin's natural rejuvenation process. For all these reasons, The Better B is a top pick of Farhang's. You'll also love the lightweight milky texture—it absorbs beautifully and seamlessly so even the oiliest skin types can use it without worry.

Tester review: "I use this serum on a daily basis and since then I can clearly see my skin being better. My pores are less visible and my face appears more luminous."

Niacinamide Gel Cream 5%

For less than twenty bucks, you can snag this lightweight gel-cream formula to effectively target hyperpigmentation. "I personally love gel creams that leave a healthy and dewy glow to the skin," says Dr. Maarouf. "This one helps to achieve that trendy look of 'glass skin' by promoting moisturization and also combats the signs of hyperpigmentation. I tell my patients to be certain they're getting the 5% formulation, as the brand does carry higher percentage products that may cause skin irritation.

Tester review: "It works so well on my skin. I’m usually oily and this works as a great moisturizer. I like the new tube for convenience, but I feel like it holds less than the jar it used to come in."

Discoloration Defense

Another powerhouse from SkinCeuticals, this blend of niacinamide, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and HEPES works on the multiple pathways that can lead to skin discoloration. A splurge, for sure, but the brand insists that with regular use, you'll see the brightening results in two weeks. It's recommended to be used in conjunction with sunscreen and Farhang, who's a fan, would like you to slather it on at night due to the exfoliating ingredients in the formula.

Tester review: "This is the only brightening serum that has had any impact on my emerging sun and age spots. I use it at night—all over my face during the summer months and just on dark spots during the winter."

Super Pure Clarifying Face Serum

"For my younger patients whose main concern is oily skin and acne, I recommend this serum," says Maarouf. "It absorbs quickly without any tacky finish, so it’s easily combined with other products. I also really like that the product contains zinc, which is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, which can help co-fight the c. acnes bacteria, implicated in acne’s formation."

Tester review: "This helped make my skin so smooth. The serum is not sticky at all and feels so nice on. After using this product for two weeks, I immediately saw a difference with my skin."

Ultra Pure High-Potency 5.0% Niacinamide Serum

With just 10 ingredients, this serum is a dream for those with skin that is highly reactive to topical products. On top of that, a hearty dose of 5% niacinamide targets excess oil production to keep skin in the clear. And, after one week of use, testers agreed that their skin felt soothed. You'll also love the lightweight gel-like texture that hydrates without exacerbating oily or combination types.

Tester review: "The application is so smooth and my skin looks plump and healthy afterwards. I've been using this morning and night and it's been amazing so far."

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum

A vegan and cruelty-free serum with 10% niacinamide to reduce the appearance of blemishes and visibly brighten skin and 5% zinc PCA to regulate excess sebum production. You'll love the watery weightless texture, not to mention the can't-be-beat price.

Tester review: "Ever since I've started using this product, I've noticed a big difference in my skin. I don't get cystic acne anymore and any acne that does appear is small and goes away after a few days."

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3, and is part of the vitamin B complex, explains Dr. Camp. B3 is an exogenous vitamin, which means it's not naturally produced by our bodies and, instead, one that we get solely through diet: "We get it by eating meat, fish, eggs, and legumes," says Dr. Maarouf. "It plays a large role in DNA synthesis and repair and, as a result, its benefits are quite broad." Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated by even the most sensitive skin types, which is why it's found in many different skin preparations.

What are the benefits of niacinamide?

When it comes to skincare, there's seemingly nothing niacinamide can't do:

• It prevents collagen degradation. Niacinamide prevents a process known as glycation, says Dr. Maarouf. This occurs when a sugar molecule attaches itself to collagen and elastin—two proteins that keep skin firm and taut. When that happens, skin becomes saggy and less resilient, so throwing a wrench in that process is a good thing when it comes to the youthfulness of our complexion.

• It evens skin tone and fights hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide prevents pigment from being transferred to the upper layers of skin where it becomes visible to the naked eye, says Dr. Maarouf. It also minimizes the appearance of pores and redness, leaving your skin as a smooth, even canvas.

• It regulates oil production. If you're struggling with overactive oil glands, niacinamide can help by decreasing its excretion, says Dr. Maarouf. But don't worry if your skin tends to be drier—it won't cause dehydration.

• It helps to repair skin's moisture barrier. "By improving the skin barrier, niacinamide reduces water loss in the skin and increases moisture retention, leaving skin smoother looking and more hydrated," says Dr. Farhang.

How do you pick the best niacinamide serum?

Because niacinamide is water-soluble, looking for it in a serum preparation is probably your best bet, says Dr. Camp. It's also a good idea to keep your eyes on the percentage of niacinamide in a formula, insists Dr. Maarouf. "Anything higher than 5% may be too aggressive for someone with very sensitive skin and a formula that's less than 3% has not been shown to produce statistically significant improvements when compared to a control," she says. So, 3% - 5% is likely a sweet spot for most people.

And because niacinamide generally plays well with other actives and has few side effects, Dr. Farhang loves to see it paired with other well-studied ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

How do you use a niacinamide serum?

In general, products should be applied from thinnest viscosity to thickets, says Dr. Farhang—so any serum, niacinamide included, should likely be slathered on immediately after cleansing and before any thicker moisturizers or sunscreens.

In terms of how often you should be using your niacinamide, its generally well-tolerated when used twice daily, says Dr. Camp. Again, just make sure to use it in conjunction with sunscreen, especially if hyperpigmentation is what you're looking to tackle.

How we chose the best niacinamide serums

Women's Health editors, including beauty director Brian Underwood, researched and vetted the best niacinamide serums based upon recommendations from top dermatologists. Once the list was compiled, we scanned hundreds of tester reviews and ratings to narrow it down to the top 15 picks for a variety of skin types and concerns.

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