Do the best niacinamide serums still deserve a place in your skin-care routine? In short, it depends on your skin type. But before we get into that, let’s backtrack for a moment. Niacinamide may be a tongue-twister, but it’s simply another name for a water-soluble form of vitamin B3—and, as board-certified dermatologist Margarita Lolis, MD, explains, a powerful antioxidant. “It keeps your skin healthy by fighting against environmental insults,” Dr. Lolis tells Vogue. That said, it’s not an ingredient to add to your routine without intention; instead, it’s best used to target specific concerns. “Niacinamide serums tend to be geared toward fighting or treating problems like acne, rosacea, and pigmentation,” Ashley Magovern, MD board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor for Dermstore, tells Vogue.
Vogue’s Favorite Niacinamide Serums
There are other notable benefits too—which is why board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic formulator Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, calls niacinamide a “true all-in-one.” As fellow board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD explained in our guide to collagen-supportive ingredients, niacinamide helps reduce inflammation-induced collagen degradation. It also stimulates dermal fibroblasts, which can increase collagen production while supporting a healthy skin barrier. That said, niacinamide is a common sensitizer for those with allergies—so it’s always best to patch test first.
Personally, niacinamide has held a regular place in my routine for years to treat my oil-prone, reactive skin. “For those with more sensitive skin, niacinamide is an excellent alternative to ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate oil production,” board-certified dermatologist Noah Gratch, MD explains.
But as niacinamide evolved from a dermatologist’s recommendation to a household-name ingredient, it became almost impossible to avoid. These days, it seems like nearly every product contains it—from skincare and makeup to body care, hair care, and beyond. No, seriously: even my favorite foundation contains niacinamide, along with my go-to K-beauty moisturizer. Now that my skin is mostly under control, I keep my actives to a minimum. Still, whenever I need an extra balancing boost, I’ll reach for a dedicated niacinamide serum.
Ahead, discover a tight-edit of the best niacinamide serums to consider, plus everything you need to know about incorporating the sought-after ingredient into your skin-care routine.
