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 skin care 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.
