The Best Niacinamide Serums To Brighten And Smooth, According To Experts

Niacinamide concentration: 10% | Key ingredients: Brightenyl, resveratrol, ECGC | Price per ounce: $65

What’s notable: This advanced niacinamide serum includes key actives to minimize the appearance of pores, improve post-acne dark spots and promote a brighter, clearer complexion.

What could be better: The 10% niacinamide might be too strong for beginners and those with sensitive skin.

This pick from Sunday Riley combines 10% niacinamide with Brightenyl, a trademarked molecule designed to brighten and soothe sensitivity. It also features resveratrol to help lighten dark spots, refine pores and minimize the appearance of fine lines, along with EGCG (an antioxidant from green tea), which limits damage from oxidative stress. The water-based serum absorbs quickly, and reviewers say it has a smooth texture that leaves their skin glowing. According to the brand, skin improvements are visible in as few as two weeks.

Niacinamide concentration: 10% | Key ingredients: Zinc | Price per ounce: $6

What’s notable: Incredibly budget-friendly, this niacinamide serum includes zinc to help regulate sebum production.

What could be better: It has a slightly sticky texture that can make it not feel fully absorbed.

This inexpensive serum’s combination of 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc helps it to reduce shine, control excessive sebum, minimize the appearance of pores and even skin tone. The lightweight, water-based formula has a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, so it’s suitable for most skin types. It’s ideal for blemish-prone skin, and many reviewers credit it for clearing their acne and evening out their complexion over time. 

Niacinamide concentration: 5% | Key ingredients: Marine plankton extract, panthenol | Price per ounce: $160

What’s notable: This luxurious serum contains soothing, strengthening and hydrating ingredients to promote refined, radiant skin.

What could be better: It’s on the pricier side, and the niacinimide concentration is on the lower end compared to similar products.

Those with normal, dry, combination or oily skin can benefit from this nourishing serum, which combines niacinamide, marine plankton extract and panthenol to refine pores, hydrate and more. The fragrance-free formula has a smooth, milky texture that feels indulgent, absorbs well in about a minute and layers nicely with other skincare products. Plus, the lower niacinamide concentration minimizes the potential for irritation or sensitivity. Reviewers report that this product works as advertised, doesn’t irritate their skin and lasts longer than expected.

Niacinamide concentration: 4% | Key ingredients: Postbiotic ferments, magnesium, copper and zinc ions | Price per ounce: $17

What’s notable: The skin-soothing ingredients, low niacinamide percentage and hydrating formula make this serum suitable for sensitive skin types.

What could be better: The fragrance-free formula doesn’t have synthetic or odor-blocking ingredients, and some reviewers find the natural scent a turnoff.

A mindful combination of ingredients, including niacinamide, postbiotic ferments and metal ions, makes this brightening serum well-suited to dry, irritated and sensitive skin. It’s also safe for those with eczema or rosacea. The serum visibly reduces redness and evens skin tone, and the creamy formula doubles as a daily moisturizer. What’s more, the protective and sustainable packaging is specifically designed to keep light, air and bacteria out.

Niacinamide concentration: 10% | Key ingredients: Melasyl, thermal spring water | Price per ounce: $45

What’s notable: This product features the brand’s proprietary Melasyl, a patented ingredient that targets discoloration to give a more even skin tone.

What could be better: It contains a strong fragrance that may be off-putting to some.

Looking to correct sun spots, age spots or post-acne marks? La Roche-Posay’s recently reformulated 10% niacinamide serum now includes Melasyl, a patented ingredient that minimizes the appearance of discoloration to visibly reduce dark spots. It’s a potent addition to niacinamide, which also evens skin tone and brightens dull skin. And like most of the brand’s products, this serum features thermal spring water sourced in La Roche-Posay, France, which boosts the formula’s antioxidants and trace minerals. The serum has a non-greasy texture, and reviewers say a little goes a long way to work effectively.

Niacinamide concentration: 15% | Key ingredients: N-Acetylglucosamine, zinc, allantoin | Price per ounce: $37

What’s notable: This potent serum contains 15% niacinimade and zinc to reduce excess oil, fade dark spots and minimize the appearance of pores.

What could be better: The high concentration of niacinamide could irritate sensitive skin.

This concentrated blend from the Korean brand Cosrx targets hyperpigmentation, soothes breakouts, promotes collagen synthesis and more. Especially ideal for those with oily skin, this serum pairs 15% niacinamide—the highest on our list—with zinc and acetylglucosamine to reduce excessive oil and shine. Allantoin adds a moisturizing element to the lightweight formula, which is fragrance-free and quick to absorb. The serum has thousands of 5-star ratings, with reviewers noting it controls oil well.

Niacinamide concentration: Not listed | Key ingredients: Ginkgo biloba extract, Swiss apple stem cells | Price per ounce: $130

What’s notable: Weightless and soothing, this gel serum includes actives to nourish and plump dry, sensitive skin.

What could be better: It’s on the pricier side, and it doesn’t specify the niacinamide concentration.

This calming serum is made with sensitive skin in mind, but the addition of ginkgo biloba, a creamy emollient, nourishes dehydrated, stressed skin as well. Plant-based stem cells promote skin cell renewal, while niacinamide works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and promote a brighter complexion. Reviewers say the lightweight gel feels like silk and absorbs instantly.

Niacinamide concentration: Not listed | Key ingredients: Red algae extract, white lily bulb extract, multi-peptide blend | Price per ounce: $84

What’s notable: It’s specifically designed to hydrate and firm, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What could be better: The serum is slower to absorb, and the brand doesn’t specify niacinamide concentration.

This tightening serum includes a peptide blend, antioxidants and niacinamide to smooth the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin on the face, around the eyes, and on the neck. Red algae adds an antioxidant boost and hydrates, while white lily bulb extract helps limit muscle and tissue contractions to slow the development of new wrinkles. According to the brand, the serum is effective on all skin types and helps promote a youthful glow.