Including the best niacinamide serums in your skincare regime is essential and vital to your skincare routine. It helps to address multiple skin conditions at once, such as skin texture, radiance, and acne. They perform well on the skin due to their lightweight texture, and it’s also gentle to the skin, making it suitable for even sensitive skin Furthermore, niacinamide regulates sebum production and can aid in the prevention of acne and acne scarring, so you can have acne-free, clear skin!

Niacinamide serums are a must-have skincare item that we should definitely incorporate into our routine. Beauty Insider has compiled a list of the most excellent picks that won’t disappoint you!

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide (or nicotinamide) is a type of vitamin B3 which has been proven to promote and enhance skin’s health. It is a vital nutrient, and a deficiency of it can be detrimental to overall skin’s health such as acne, and hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, adopting niacinamide into our skincare rituals is the smartest method to provide such a nutrient and good food to our skin.

Benefits Of Niacinamide For Skin

Niacinamide is the ultimate problem-solver. The substance has been shown to minimise the appearance of pores, remove blemishes, and even balance oil production. Niacinamide is generally safe to use on all skin types and tones.

Niacinamide helps reduce inflammation, which could help alleviate the redness associated with eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin diseases, reduces the appearance of pores, as well as keeping skin clear and nourished.

How To Choose The Best Niacinamide Serum

The first thing you should do is double-check the components. Regardless of what the label states, it’s advisable to check the ingredients label for “niacinamide” rather than “nicotinic acid.” It’s because, despite popular opinion, nicotinic acid can cause flushing and skin redness.

Second, the correct approach to winning the game is to use it both day and night, and it is suitable for most complexions. The real kicker is that niacinamide is non-irritating and can be used in your morning and evening skincare regimen. As with any serum, apply it after cleansing and before moisturiser to allow it to absorb the skin more efficiently.

Finally, we recommend using niacinamide serums rather than creams. Because the vitamin is water-soluble, it will absorb best into the skin when applied as a serum. An effective serum should contain two to ten percent niacinamide.

Best Niacinamide Serums For Sensitive Skin 

1. Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

Paula’s Choice is the best niacinamide serum to promote a brighter and more youthful appearance. You do not have to significantly alter your skincare routine to enjoy the advantages of niacinamide. To reap the antioxidant’s glow-boosting perks, simply blend a few drops of this niacinamide booster serum with your beloved day cream, night cream, or sunscreen.

Why we love it:

  • For all skin types
  • Promotes a brighter, and more youthful appearance
  • Anti-ageing, and ultra-light formula

Cons:

  • Expensive

Price: RM195.80

Where to buy: Paula’s Choice Official Website

2. The Ordinary Niacinamide

The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum is a high-strength vitamin and mineral combination that contains 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc. It improves the skin’s barrier function, smoothness, and brightness over time. It is also said to help with inflammation and the appearance of blemishes.

Why we love it:

  • Enhance general skin health, and boosts the skin’s immunity 
  • Improves moisture retention by strengthening the epidermal barrier
  • Supports skin structure by healing damaged skin and encouraging the production of collagen and elastin

Cons:

  • It can be drying on the skin if used too much
  • Not suitable for sensitive skin

Price: RM79.00

Where to buy: Ordinary Skincare’s Official Website 

3. Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Face Serum

The best niacinamide serum that packs powerful ingredients is Minimalist’s niacinamide serum. has a powerful ingredient combination of vitamin B3, zinc, hyaluronic acid, and the antioxidant EUK-134. These elements combine to treat skin problems like acne, pimples, sebum production, and oiliness, as well as to help restore the health of your skin. The fragrance-free, non-comedogenic serum has a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, making it perfect for all skin types.

Why we love it:

  • Remove and prevent acne marks and inflammation
  • Balances oil and reduces open pores
  • Anti-acne and enhances skin barriers

Cons:

  • It’s recommended to seek expert consultation for skin prone to acne.

Price: RM75.86

Where to buy: Distacart

4. Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Get glowy skin with this best niacinamide serums which is partly highlighter and partly serum, giving your skin a luminous sheen. A few pumps applied to the high points of your face will quickly hydrate, plump, and reflect light, giving you the look of glassy skin. If used regularly, they will also aid in the reduction of hyperpigmentation.

Why we love it:

  • Free of sulphate and parabens
  • Can be used as a primer
  • Help to reduce hyperpigmentation
  • Hydrating and plumping effect

Cons:

  • Not recommended for acne-prone and oily skin

Price: RM160.00

Where to buy: Sephora

5. Glossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc Serum

The best niacinamide serum for its ultralight formulation, this Glossier serum’s niacinamide, contains zinc PCA to help reduce the appearance of clogged pores. An ideal combination for controlling oil production to keep pores clear while conserving crucial moisture. It contains no fragrance and ought not to cause skin irritation.

Why we love it:

  • Contains daily vitamins to nourish the skin
  • Visibly improves textures and improved clarity 
  • Doesn’t leave a sticky or greasy residue

Cons:

  • Slightly expensive considering the size

Price: RM140.00 

Where to buy: Wonders MY

6. Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum

This facial serum is ideal for individuals who are starting to see early indications of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide and retinol work together to stimulate elastin and collagen production, hydrating wrinkles and refining complexion.

Why we love it:

  • Reduces and improves fine lines and wrinkles
  • Brightens uneven skin tone
  • Enhances smooth textures and blemished skin

Cons:

  • The formula is effective, but it has a strong yellow tint and tends to transfer easily

Price: RM350.00

Where to buy: Beauty Vault

7. Olay Deep Hydration Serum B3+ Hyaluronic Acid

The rejuvenating benefits of this gentle niacinamide serum can enhance all skin types. In addition to niacinamide (vitamin B3), it contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin, two humectants that attract moisture to the skin, allowing it to moisturise and plump your face without leaving a greasy or sticky residue.

Why we love it:

  • Non-greasy and doesn’t leave a sticky residue
  • Contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin that attract moisture to the skin
  • Gentle on all skin types

Cons:

  • Not suitable for oily skin

Price: RM189.00

Where to buy: Ubuy

8. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum

Experience visibly reduced dark spots and improved skin clarity with IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum. This dark spot corrector serum is meticulously formulated with potent ingredients like 4% niacinamide and 1% ethyl vitamin C serums. 

Dermatologist-tested, it targets age spots, melasma, and other discolorations, unveiling a more even and radiant complexion. Developed in collaboration with plastic surgeons and dermatologists, this gentle hyperpigmentation serum caters to all skin types, including sensitive skin, ensuring effective yet safe results. 

Niacinamide works diligently to diminish the appearance of dark spots, while 1% Ethyl Vitamin C visibly improves skin clarity, leaving you with a rejuvenated and luminous complexion.

Why we love it:

  • Improves skin clarity
  • Gentle on the skin
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

  • Expensive

Price: RM 155

Where to buy: Sephora

9. Fenty Skin Watch Ya Tone Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum

Experience the transformative power of Fenty Skin Watch Ya Tone Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum, a serum designed to combat dark spots and uneven skin tone. This lightweight, non-sticky serum is formulated with a potent blend of dark spot-fighting ingredients, including 5% niacinamide, vitamin C, liquorice root extract, Camu Camu, and Barbados cherry. 

Together, these ingredients work synergistically to brighten the skin and fade the appearance of dark spots and discolouration over time. The serum’s impressive results, with 30% brighter skin and 31% more even skin tone reported after eight weeks of use, make it stand out among a sea of niacinamide serums.

It is fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin, and comes in refillable packaging, reflecting Fenty Skin’s commitment to sustainability. Users praise its lightweight feel and effectiveness in addressing hyperpigmentation, making it a highly recommended product for those seeking a brighter, more even complexion.

Why we love it:

  • Refines skin complexion
  • Lightweight
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

  • Slightly expensive for its size

Price: RM 225

Where to buy:  Sephora

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