If you’re forever searching for a must-have product that will address a multitude of complexion concerns, then a Niacinamide serum may just be thing you need.We’re sure you’re thinking not another fancy skincare ingredient? But with an abundance of benefits such as softening fine lines and wrinkles or minimising enlarged pores, this all-rounder is finally getting the attention it deserves.
So, what exactly is it? Luckily head of research & development at Q&A Faye Purcell is here to shed some light so we can help you find the best face serums regardless of your skin concerns.
What is niacinamide?
“Niacinamide is a brilliant multifunctional active ingredient and a form of vitamin B3. This essential vitamin can’t be produced naturally in the body so is naturally derived from niacin or made synthetically. It’s one of those amazing multitasking marvels and commonly seen as an ingredient for oily and blemish-prone skin, due to its ability to reduce redness, rebalance uneven skin tone, and decongest pores. However, it also can improve glow, promote collagen production, and strengthen the skin barrier.”
Closer's best niacinamide serums at a glance:
Best affordable niacinamide serum: Simple Booster Serum 10% Niacinamide, ÂŁ7.99 on Boots
Best multipurpose niacinamide serum: Naturium Niacinamide Serum Plus Zinc, ÂŁ18 on Space NK
Best brightening niacinamide serum: Beauty Pie Superdrops Brightening Niacinamide, ÂŁ15 on Beauty Pie
Is your skin craving some moisture? Just like using a hyaluronic acid serum, a niacinamide serum will calm and hydrate your skin whilst balancing any excess oiliness. Looking for the best niacinamide serum to introduce into your skincare regime? Keep scrolling to check out our guide to the best niacinamide serums:
SHOP: The best niacinamide serum
Best affordable niacinamide serum
Simplewww.boots.com
Perfect for all skin types, Simple's Booster Serum can be applied alone or mixed with your chosen moisturiser. The 10% strength niacinamide will regulate sebum production, strengthen the skin's barrier and improve any unwanted texture and for ÂŁ7.99, you can't say no.
Customer review: "So pleased with my purchase. My skin was looking lifeless in the mornings, so I bought this new serum. It has given me such glowy looking skin and has added colour back to my face again. Will be buying this again and would recommend to all."
Pros
- Great price point
- Intense serum for great value
Cons
- Hard to tell when product has finished
Best soothing niacinamide serum for balancing the skin
Q&Awww.qandaskin.com
If you're in need of a radiance boost, this serum is the perfect option for you. Formulated with an optimal level of niacinamide to instantly brighten and restore the skin. The alcohol and fragrance free antioxidant formula blends niacinamide, glycerin, allantoin, rice extract and lactic acid along with a special Super Glow Extract.
Customer review: "If you want your skin to be super hydrated and glowy then this is the serum for you! I use it every morning before I apply my makeup and it's amazing. I've noticed that it's really brightened my complexion and leaves my skin glowing. I always get compliments on my skin once I've used this product."
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Great for under make-up
Cons
- Serum can sometimes come out too quickly
Best if you want to use less products
 Erborianwww.lookfantastic.com
Where make-up meets skincare. The Super BB Concealer-Serum is as concentrated as a niacinamide serum and helps to target dark circles, gives great coverage and cares for blemishes. If you are someone who doesn't like to use various products then this is for you. Available in 5 shades.Â
Customer review: "This brand never stops giving, if you’re looking for a face with perfect finish but looking like you have no makeup on this concealer is for you. Absolute dream product sits effortlessly on the skin would deffo recommend."
Pros
- Application is very soft and effortless
- Super hydrating
Cons
- Can crease under the eye area
Best pure niacinamide serum
La Roche-Posaywww.sephora.co.uk
La Roche-Posay focuses on and controls any sensitive skin concerns. The Pure Niacinamide Serum is blended with hyaluronic acid to retain the natural moisture as the niacinamide gets to work to even the skin tone and gently brighten. Looking to improve the appearance of dark spots or pigmentation? This is the serum for you to try.
Customer review: "This serum is one of my all-time favourite products for uneven skin tone. My skin is brighter, more even and my pigmentation is starting to lighten and my skin feels soft. When originally adding to my skincare routine I used once a day every other day to prevent any reactions and now I use it nightly with no problems at all."
Pros
- Gently exfoliates
- Intensely hydrates
Cons
- Glass bottle not ideal for travel
Best niacinamide serum for glow
Charlotte Tilburywww.charlottetilbury.com
We know and love Charlotte Tilbury skincare for its glowing results and her Magic Serum is no exception. The blend of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid helps to treat and brighten the skin but leaves a super radiant glow under make-up.
Customer review: "I’ve wanted to try Charlotte tilbury for ages as I’ve heard such good things about it and this serum does not disappoint. I put it on before I moisturise and it has my skin feeling tighter, more defined and pores look great. It’s not sticky when you put it on my skin laps it up and my make up sits really nicely on it."
Pros
- Works well as a makeup base
- Great for all skin types
Cons
- Glass bottle not ideal for travel
Best niacinamide serum for blemishes
Revolution Skincarewww.lookfantastic.com
Struggle with blemishes but looking to introduce niacinamide into your skin routine? This serum from Revolution Skincare is for you. This must-have serum blends together two skin-loving ingredients to reduce redness, treat blemishes and control excess oil production.
Customer review: "Brought for my acne lovely non sticky non oily serum it's thick but turns to water weight hopefully it works."
Pros
- Great price point
- Treats a range of skin concerns
Cons
- Not ideal for a drier skin type
Best intense niacinamide serum
Paula's Choicewww.spacenk.com
The Paula's Choice Niacinamide Treatment will get to work instantly to solve a variety of skin concerns. This intense treatment contains a safe 20% concentration of niacinamide to effectively treat texture, blemishes and pigmentation. Looking for a smooth, more radiant appearance? This intense treatment from Paula's Choice is one to add to your skincare routine.
Customer review: "I really like products from Paula Choice. good value for money. Niacinamide is one of my favourites, works really well on problematic skin, if you have oily skin you will love this product too. Reduces acne marks and oily skin with regular use. I recommend to try."
Pros
- Intense treatment with professional results
- Great for a range of skin concerns
Cons
- Might be too intense for those new to serums
Can I use niacinamide with other actives?
Faye suggests: “Niacinamide can be used day or night and plays nicely with most other skincare ingredients including AHAs and vitamin C. Well tolerated by all skin types, even sensitive, it’s been shown to strengthen the skin barrier, making it a great ingredient to include if you are a retinol user. It also works especially well when paired with aloe vera due to its skin-soothing and balancing powers.”