Top Niacinamide Serum Brands for Radiant Skin

Niacinamide serums have gained immense popularity in the skincare community due to their remarkable benefits for all skin types. From reducing inflammation and acne to minimizing pores and enhancing skin texture, this versatile ingredient is a staple in many skincare routines. As the market becomes saturated with various options, it can be challenging to determine which brands offer the most effective formulations. In this article, we have curated a comprehensive list of the best niacinamide serums that promise to elevate your skincare game. Discover the best brands and what makes their serums stand out below.

Illustration of niacinamide serum

Best brands of niacinamide serum in 2025

The Ordinary

The Ordinary is renowned for its highly effective Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum, which has garnered praise for its ability to reduce under-eye circles, minimize pores, and improve skin radiance. This water-based serum, suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, combines the skin-restoring benefits of niacinamide with the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of zinc. Studies have shown that niacinamide, even at lower concentrations, significantly improves skin appearance by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The Ordinary's transparent and cost-effective approach to skincare has made this product a staple for those with acne-prone, oily, or congested skin. With its affordable price point of around $6-$9.50, it offers exceptional value for its efficacy.

Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice is renowned for its high-quality niacinamide serums, offering concentrated formulas that deliver significant skin benefits. Their 10% Niacinamide Booster, for instance, improves skin texture, minimizes pore size, and enhances skin tone, making it a favorite among users who have seen noticeable improvements in their skin's appearance. The brand also offers a more potent 20% Niacinamide Treatment, which is highly effective in reducing enlarged pores, improving uneven skin tone, and promoting a smoother complexion. These products are backed by scientific research and have garnered positive reviews for their efficacy in addressing various skin concerns. With a commitment to transparency and evidence-based skincare, Paula's Choice stands out as a trusted provider of effective niacinamide serums.

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay is renowned for its effective and clinically tested skincare products, particularly its Niacinamide 10 Serum, which contains 10% pure niacinamide to address skin discoloration, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. This serum has been proven in an 11-week clinical study with 101 subjects to reduce skin discoloration by 35% in just eight weeks and show visible improvements in dark spots within one week of use. It is also enriched with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate and plump the skin, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Recommended by dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay's products are developed using a strict formulation charter and stringent clinical testing for efficacy and safety. The brand's commitment to innovation and high-quality ingredients makes it a trusted choice for skincare enthusiasts.

The Inkey List

The Inkey List is renowned for its effective and targeted skincare products, particularly its Niacinamide Serum, which contains 10% niacinamide to help reduce excess oil, blemishes, and redness. This serum is formulated with 1% Hyaluronic Acid for added hydration and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The brand is praised for its educational approach and formulations that include supporting ingredients for better tolerability. Ideal for addressing anti-aging needs, redness, acne, and discoloration, The Inkey List's products are highly recommended by skincare experts and users alike. With a focus on being carbon net-zero, cruelty-free, and recyclable, The Inkey List stands out as a responsible and effective skincare brand.

CeraVe

CeraVe is renowned for its high-quality skincare products, including its niacinamide serum, which is formulated with 5% niacinamide to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines. Introduced in the early 2000s, CeraVe's products are developed in collaboration with dermatologists and are known for their gentle, non-comedogenic formulas. The brand's niacinamide serum also contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to enhance skin hydration and barrier repair. With its fragrance-free and oil-free design, it is suitable for various skin types, including sensitive skin. CeraVe's commitment to using scientifically-backed ingredients has made it a trusted name in the skincare industry.

Skinceuticals

Skinceuticals is renowned for its high-quality skincare products, and their niacinamide serum is no exception. Known for its potent formulations, Skinceuticals' niacinamide serum often contains concentrations of up to 10%, which is clinically proven to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Introduced in the early 2000s, Skinceuticals has consistently innovated in the skincare industry, earning trust from dermatologists and consumers alike. The brand's commitment to scientific research and clinical testing ensures that their products deliver tangible results. With a focus on stability and bioavailability, Skinceuticals' niacinamide serum is a top choice for those seeking effective skincare solutions. For more information on their niacinamide serum, visit their website.

Vichy

Vichy is renowned as one of the best producers of niacinamide serums, particularly with their LiftActiv Specialist B3 Serum, which has been clinically proven to reduce dark spots by up to 71% in just 2 months, with an average reduction of 29% in dark spot intensity. This serum, suitable for all skin tones, combines niacinamide, glycolic acid, and tranexamic acid to effectively fade dark spots and improve skin texture. It is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and allergy tested, making it safe for daily use. The serum's efficacy is backed by clinical studies involving 44 women, highlighting its significant impact on skin discoloration. With its non-irritating and absorbent formula, it is highly recommended by dermatologists and users alike.

Neutrogena

Neutrogena is a renowned brand for producing effective niacinamide serums, particularly the Stubborn Texture(tm) Niacinamide Face & Neck Serum and the Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum. These products feature 10% niacinamide, which helps improve skin tone, reduce dark spots, and refine skin texture, making them suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin. The formulations are fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dermatologist-tested, ensuring safety and efficacy. Visible results include a clearer-looking complexion in two weeks and improved dark marks in eight weeks. These serums are part of Neutrogena's dermatologist-inspired solutions, designed to address various skin concerns.

Olay

Olay is renowned as a leading producer of niacinamide serums, particularly with the introduction of its Super Serum featuring low-pH activated niacinamide, which enhances skin tone efficacy and improves skin texture, with visible results in just two weeks. This breakthrough discovery, made in 2017, has been clinically tested using 3-D Visia imaging technology on 200 subjects over two months, showing a reduction in skin chaos and micro inflammation. The serum also includes vitamin C, collagen peptide, vitamin E, and AHA lactic acid, providing comprehensive skin benefits such as firming, smoothing visible lines, and long-lasting hydration. Olay's commitment to innovation is evident in its extensive research and publication in niacinamide, solidifying its position as an industry leader. The Super Serum's unique formulation transforms from purple to clear upon application, indicating full absorption into the skin.

Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant is a highly regarded brand in the skincare industry, particularly for its effective niacinamide serums. Their B-Goldi Bright Drops, for instance, contain 5% niacinamide, which has been clinically proven to improve skin-tone evenness, brightness, and clarity, with 100% of participants showing improvement in skin-tone evenness and brightness after 8 weeks. Founded by Tiffany Masterson, the brand is known for its non-toxic and clinically effective formulations, avoiding the "Suspicious 6" ingredients like essential oils, drying alcohols, and fragrances. Drunk Elephant's products are vegan, cruelty-free, and have seen significant growth since their launch. The brand's commitment to using clean ingredients and delivering noticeable results has made it a favorite among skincare enthusiasts.