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Beauty/Skin/Serums & Treatments

Top 10 Niacinamide Skincare Products

Here's What You Need To Know About Niacinamide And The Products You Should Buy

Here's What You Need To Know About Niacinamide And The Products You Should Buy

Is it just us, or does a new skincare ingredient manage to worm its way into the hearts of beauty fanatics every few months? If you've been on #skintok lately, or the internet at all for that matter, you've probably heard of something called niacinamide. This vitamin B3 ingredient has been quite buzzy lately, and believe us when we tell you, it's totally worth the hype.

It may come as a shock to some, but niacinamide isn't actually anything new. In fact, it's been used in dermatologists' offices for decades to help patients achieve the radiant, blemish-free complexions they desire. The gentle vitamin is typically tolerated by all skin types—even those that are sensitive or suffer from rosacea—and in combination with ingredients like arbutin, soy, and kojic acid, niacinamide can improve hyperpigmentation, too.

Ahead, we take a deep dive and break down everything you need to know about niacinamide, along with how you can make it an integral part of your skincare routine.

What Is Niacinamide?

To recap, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 found in a ton of foods including meat, fish, milk, and green veggies—just to name a few. Topically, the ingredient is used to treat acne, rosacea, pigmentation issues, wrinkles, and fine lines. In its highest concentrations, niacinamide can also reduce the look of blemishes and balance visible sebum activity (more on that later). In other words, niacinamide is basically one of the most crowd-pleasing cure-all ingredients you can get your hands on.

So how does it work? Niacinamide combines with substances within the skin to visibly minimize and tighten enlarged pores, regulate your body's natural oil production, improve uneven skin tone, and soften stubborn fine lines and wrinkles. The vitamin contains two molecules that are central to chemical reactions that take place within your skin cells and therefore can manipulate how your cells function and repair damage. The molecule found in niacinamide, NAD+, is what aids in making these essential reactions occur. What does this mean for you? Protection from free radicals, balanced oil production, a strengthened surface, and more collagen production.

Best Practices When Using Niacinamide

When it comes to adding this vitamin to your skincare regimen, the process is quite simple. Simply apply your niacinamide serum or booster after toning but before you moisturize, and always be sure to follow up with a good sunscreen to prevent damage from UV rays. If you're using niacinamide in a toning formula, moisturizer, cleanser, or eye cream, use these products just as you normally would.

The best thing about niacinamide is that it's a low-risk skincare ingredient. This means you don't have to be too concerned about adverse reactions. (But still, it's always best to patch test any new skincare product.) If you're considering adding niacinamide to your routine for the very first time, less is more. Start with a low concentration like 2%, and work your way up to a stronger concentration as high as 10% once your skin becomes more tolerant.

Our Method For Finding The Best Niacinamide Skincare Products

In search of the best niacinamide skincare products out there, we turned to the help of our data-driven algorithm. Our recommendations are always backed by user reviews, best-seller lists, and social media buzz, which means you can shop our Top 10 lists with confidence. Whether you're looking for a mattifying moisturizer, soothing cleanser, brightening eye cream, or acne-fighting serum, we've got you covered. Keep scrolling to shop the best niacinamide skincare products for every skincare need.

Next up, check out the 10 Best Vitamin C SerumsOpening image: glossier.com

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February 16, 2022

Written By:Rank & Style

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Josie Maran Argan Milk Clean Skin Niacinamide Cleanser
Rank & Style Approved

ulta.com

Josie Maran Argan Milk Clean Skin Niacinamide Cleanser

Overall Score

4.2

10

Josie Maran Argan Milk Clean Skin Niacinamide Cleanser

4.42

148 User Reviews

2.6

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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WHAT IT DOES: This milky cleanser rehydrates and soothes the skin while removing makeup and impurities, delivering a plump, moisturized complexion.

USER REVIEW: "This is absolutely the best cleanser on the market. It shrinks my pores, calms my rosacea, cleans off all makeup, and is great for a double cleanse. It's smooth and creamy, yet you know your skin is getting clean. My skin loves this."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Glossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc Serum

Overall Score

4.25

09

Glossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc Serum

4.23

901 User Reviews

3

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHAT IT DOES: This lightweight, non-sticky niacinamide serum is formulated with zinc, which means it helps reduce the look of congested pores without the drying effects that come along with all your usual acne treatments. Genius, huh?

FROM THE EXPERTS: This cult-favorite serum can balance the complexion in just four weeks.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

Overall Score

4.3

08

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

4.44

4837 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHAT IT DOES: While you can't actually change the size of your pores, you can make them appear smaller with a good, deep cleanse. This pore-minimizing toner moisturizes dry areas and smooths oily ones to balance the complexion and remove excess oil, makeup, and gunk. 

WHO IT'S FOR: If you struggle with overly red skin or chronic dryness, this toner can help. Thanks to niacinamide, the formula adds hydration, tones down redness, minimizes hyperpigmentation, and boasts anti-aging properties.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

Overall Score

4.3

07

SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

4.39

1116 User Reviews

3.1

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: No matter the severity of your dark spots, this effective hyperpigmentation treatment can handle them. Safe for all skin tones, it's formulated with ingredients like niacinamide and tranexamic acid that are clinically proven to treat dark spots and keep them from coming back, too.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Praised for its insane effectiveness, this formula can treat even the most stubborn dark spots and discoloration. And since it contains a blend of marine extract, it also promotes a healthy skin barrier. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


It Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum

Overall Score

4.35

06

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum

4.46

1261 User Reviews

3.1

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

1

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHAT IT DOES: Just as its name suggests, this heavy-hitting serum can tackle dark spots with a vengeance. The secret is the addition of vitamin C, which helps visibly reduce age spots, melasma, and other discolorations for bright, even-looking skin.

FROM THE EXPERTS: In a 12-week study, 87% of users said their skin tone looked more even, while 81% said dark spots were minimized.


StackedSkincare Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

Overall Score

4.35

05

StackedSkincare Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

4.63

188 User Reviews

2.6

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

1

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: This isn't your ordinary hydrating serum. Along with hyaluronic acid—and niacinamide, of course—it also contains lactic acid, an aha that exfoliates and brightens while it hydrates. The result? Skin that really glows.

USER REVIEW: "Amazing, amazing, amazing. I have extremely dry, sensitive, acne-prone skin, and this serum is just amazing. The first day using it, I got several compliments telling me how hydrated my face looked! It’s expensive but so worth it. My face eats up this serum, and it doesn’t go on oily, so you can wear it out or under your makeup."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Hydrating Mask

Overall Score

4.35

04

Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Hydrating Mask

4.34

2484 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHAT IT DOES: You've most likely heard of electrolytes in sports drinks, but how about skincare? Along with vitamin F, ceramides, niacinamide, and squalane, this formula uses them to maintain hydration levels in the skin, support barrier strength, and calm redness. And since you keep it on overnight, your skin gets extra time to soak in all that goodness.

WHO IT'S FOR: If your skin is sensitive, angry, or red, look to this nourishing formula for a much-needed fix.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Origins Ginzing Vitamin C & Niacinamide Eye Cream

Overall Score

4.4

03

Origins Ginzing Vitamin C & Niacinamide Eye Cream

4.38

10006 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

1

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: A combo of vitamin C and niacinamide make this one heavy-hitting eye cream. Just a few dabs with your ring finger is all it takes to brighten and reduce puffiness under the eyes.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Unlike most eye creams, this one comes in two different shades: original and warm.


The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Overall Score

4.45

02

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

4.41

22476 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

1

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHO IT'S FOR: If you struggle with acne-prone skin, look no further. Praised for its affordability and fast results, this blemish-busting serum contains niacinamide and zinc to ensure that redness, inflammation, and breakouts stay at bay.

USER REVIEW: "I absolutely LOVE this product! It is truly a GEM! For the price and the magic this does, it's amazing. My main goal is to reduce acne and the acne scars that I've had for a really long time, and this has been doing great. In two days—no lie—I see a huge difference in my scars. I am excited to see what more it does!"

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Tatcha The Texture Tonic

Overall Score

4.5

01

Tatcha The Texture Tonic

4.76

386 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

1

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: The secret to this game-changing serum is gentle chemical exfoliation, which lifts tired surface cells and debris to decongest the skin and smooth texture. From tiny pores to smoothed wrinkles to decreased redness, this stuff basically perfect skin in a bottle.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Good news: you can use this formula in the morning, at night, and even during the day as a quick skin pick-me-up.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

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