13 Best Niacinamide Serum Formulas to Tackle Just About Every Skin Concern

Years in the making, this serum pairs niacinamide with polyhydroxy acid, a cousin of AHA that gently exfoliates skin for a mild exfoliating effect. It's been tested on a wide range of skin tones and was shown to even out discoloration, reduce the look of pores, and improve skin texture, making it clutch if you’re looking to address multiple concerns in a single step.

• Pros: It sinks in quickly and doesn't leave a residue.
• Cons: The watery formula can get messy to apply.

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While niacinamide is unlikely to dry out your skin, this formula goes above and beyond to ensure skin stays comfortable. That comes courtesy of a blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and avocado oil—not to mention the brand's botanical blend, which is packed with vitamin C. That can amp up its brightening power, since niacinamide and vitamin C work via distinct mechanisms to keep discoloration at bay. In other words, you’re getting more brightening for your buck...which might explain why this is an Amazon bestseller.

• Pros: It offers great value and actively nourishes skin.
• Cons: Reviewers say the color and consistency aren't consistent.

Blemishes don't stand a chance against the combo of niacinamide and zinc PCA. Not only does niacinamide have the ability to control excess sebum production (add it to the list!), but the zinc PCA also keeps pores clear and clog-free sans dryness. (That means it'll help with breakouts too.) The cruelty-free formula also has a weightless water-gel texture that sinks in on the spot, so you won’t be left with any residue or heavy feel.

• Pros: Application is easy, and it won't pill.
• Cons: It may be too harsh for sensitive skin types.

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Another combo of zinc and niacinamide (but with double the concentration of the latter compared with the Glossier serum), this blend does it all. While it helps clarify skin and address blemishes—since it decreases oil production—it can work to reduce the appearance of acne scars too. It's also been shown to actually support the skin barrier, in case you're worried about potential irritation.

• Pros: It can work wonders for uneven skin textures.
• Cons: It might cause redness.

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While niacinamide and retinol do make for a killer pairing, this antiaging-minded serum takes the combo to the next level by teaming up niacinamide with rambutan, a botanical ingredient that replicates the effect of retinol in skin without the usual acclimation period. Together they can take on fine lines and even deeper wrinkles, leaving skin firm and smooth.

• Pros: The texture feels silky and luxurious.
• Cons: The 1-oz. bottle goes quickly.

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First Aid Beauty is known for its über-gentle formulations, and this is no different. Tested to be nonirritating, it combines niacinamide and vitamin C–rich kiwi extract to help fade dark spots, while allantoin, which helps skin retain moisture, keeps things comfy.

• Pros: It offers a happy medium for people who are breakout-prone and have sensitive skin.
• Cons: It can feel tacky depending on how much you apply.

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A clever duo in the Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum targets uneven skin tone at every step of the pigmentation process. It features niacinamide as well as an encapsulated form of vitamin C (which keeps it fresh and therefore more effective) and licorice root to throw a wrench in excess pigment production. It's also formulated with melanin-rich skin in mind, which is key since those with deeper skin tones tend to be at a higher risk for hyperpigmentation.

• Pros: It feels nourishing and absorbs quickly.
• Cons: The bottle design makes it hard to get the last drops.

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If you're already dedicated to your face serum, no sweat—you can just add two or three drops of this to your go-to or apply it solo before your moisturizer. The lightweight formula offers niacinamide in addition to licorice extract and vitamin C for all-around brightening and antioxidant protection.

• Pros: It's easy to incorporate with other products in your routine.
• Cons: You don't get much for the price.

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Sure, it's a serum, but it's also a highlighter. It deploys niacinamide, amino-acid-rich watermelon, and hydrating hyaluronic acid for long-term hydration and brightening benefits, while its sheen gives skin a dewy glow for instant brightness. Thanks to those two functions, you can use it as a typical face serum or apply it over makeup as a highlighter.

• Pros: The versatile formula gives you multiple ways to use it.
• Cons: It's not ideal for a matte makeup look.

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Balanced, hydrated skin for under $10? This serum makes it possible. It contains 10% niacinamide to manage oil production, as well as 1% hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin. The duo leaves skin softer, plumper, and less shiny in a matter of seconds.

• Pros: It's gentle enough for sensitive types.
• Cons: The straightforward bottle makes it hard to control how much you dispense.

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Dr. Robinson puts this hardworking serum among her favorites, as it “pairs niacinamide with tranexamic acid and skin-soothing licorice root extract,” she explains. “This product repairs hyperpigmentation, while also delivering great proactive benefits to the skin’s health and appearance.”

• Pros: It's the only one on this list with tranexamic acid, another powerful brightener.
• Cons: It's not exactly budget-friendly.

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