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Niacinamide serum

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.

What niacinamide is

A review in Drug Delivery and Translational Research calls niacinamide an active form of vitamin B3 and says it is recognised for significant dermal benefits including skin brightening, anti-ageing properties and the protection of the skin barrier. The authors attribute its widespread use in cosmetic products, from cleansers to serums, to its safety profile and proven efficacy. They also consolidate clinical evidence for topical niacinamide as a treatment for some skin disorders, including dermatitis, acne vulgaris and actinic keratosis.

A separate review in Recent Advances in Anti-Infective Drug Discovery describes niacinamide as an amide analog of vitamin B3 that was conventionally used as a food supplement and is now explored for the management of skin disorders. It lists reported properties including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, and conditions studied such as hyperpigmentation, acne, pruritus and dermatitis. Reviews summarize research; they do not mean any one serum will treat a skin condition, so see a dermatologist for acne, dermatitis or other skin disease.

Comparing popular niacinamide serums

Details are from each maker's product page. Both makers say their serum suits all skin types, and Good Molecules says its formula is great for combination or oily skin. Good Molecules also sells a 5% niacinamide serum with ectoin for people who want a lower concentration.

What the makers say it does

The Ordinary says its serum is designed to enhance skin brightness, improve texture and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, and that the zinc PCA helps target dullness, uneven texture and excess oil. It reports that in a clinical study of 35 subjects applying the product twice daily for 8 weeks, users saw visible improvements in smoothness and hydration within 7 days, less excess oil in 3 days and reduced pore visibility in 4 weeks. That is the maker's own study, not independent testing, and we have not tested it.

Good Molecules says niacinamide helps improve the look of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone and texture, and dullness, and helps maintain a hydrated looking complexion. It lists breakouts, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores and texture as target concerns.

These are cosmetic claims about appearance. Expect gradual, modest changes rather than dramatic results, and judge a serum over several weeks of steady use.

How to use niacinamide serum

• Patch test first. The Ordinary advises applying a small amount to a clean area of skin on the upper forearm, keeping it dry, and rinsing off after 24 hours. If any redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation appears during the test, do not use the product.
• Morning and night. Both makers say to apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening.
• Let it absorb. Good Molecules says to let it fully absorb before applying other products, and to avoid the eye area.
• Order in your routine. Good Molecules places its serum after cleanser and toner and before moisturizer and SPF.
• Unbroken skin only. The Ordinary says to use it only as directed on unbroken skin.

For the steps around it, see our facial moisturizer guide and our mineral sunscreen guide for daytime protection.

Layering with other actives

The Ordinary's formulation compatibility tool lists direct vitamin C and indirect vitamin C under do not use with for its niacinamide serum. If you also use a vitamin C serum, follow the maker's guidance for your products, for example by using them at different times of day; see our vitamin C serum guide.

Niacinamide also appears inside other products. CeraVe, for instance, includes niacinamide in its retinol serum, so check labels before stacking several niacinamide products. For a nighttime retinoid, see our retinol serum guide, and for acids, our exfoliating toner pads guide.

If irritation happens

The Ordinary says that if irritation occurs, rinse off, stop use and consult a physician. Start with one new product at a time so you can tell which one is responsible. If you want a lower concentration, Good Molecules also sells a 5% serum.

Keep serums out of reach of children, as The Ordinary advises. See a dermatologist for acne that leaves scars, a rash that spreads, or skin that stays red, painful or swollen.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

What does niacinamide do for skin?

A review describes it as recognised for skin brightening, anti-ageing properties and protection of the skin barrier.

How often should I use niacinamide serum?

The Ordinary and Good Molecules both say to apply a few drops morning and evening.

Is 10% niacinamide too strong?

The Ordinary and Good Molecules both use 10%; patch test first, or consider a 5% serum like Good Molecules' lower-strength version.

Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?

The Ordinary's compatibility tool lists vitamin C under do not use with for its niacinamide serum.

What if niacinamide irritates my skin?

Rinse off, stop use and consult a physician, as The Ordinary advises.

Sources

• Niacinamide: a review on dermal delivery strategies and clinical evidence (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Drug Delivery and Translational Research (PubMed 38722460)
• Cosmeceutical Aptitudes of Niacinamide: A Review (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Recent Advances in Anti-Infective Drug Discovery (PubMed 34844552)
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (theordinary.com), The Ordinary
• Niacinamide Serum (goodmolecules.com), Good Molecules
• Resurfacing Retinol Serum (cerave.com), CeraVe

Sources checked 2026-10-15.