Niacinamide serum comparison · 2025

Find the right niacinamide serum for clearer, calmer, more even skin.

Niacinamide can help with redness, oiliness, breakouts and uneven tone – but not every product is the same. We compare formula quality, % strength, texture and price so you can skip the hype.

See which serums are best for acne-prone, oily or sensitive skin.
Understand the difference between 5%, 10% and “high strength” niacinamide.
Spot red flags like strong fragrance or irritating alcohol.

Our goal is simple: help you pick a niacinamide product that reduces redness and breakouts without wrecking your barrier.

Top niacinamide serums – side by side

Ratings are based on formula quality, niacinamide strength, supporting ingredients, price per ml and real-world feedback. We may earn a commission when you buy via our links – at no extra cost to you. Want to understand niacinamide first? Read our Beginner guide, niacinamide for acne and niacinamide for redness & barrier.

Shop	Product	Best for	% strength	Key ingredients	Our rating	Price*
View offer	The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Best budget for oil & congestion	Oily · combination · blemish-prone	10% niacinamide · 1% zinc	High-percentage niacinamide, zinc PCA. Great for visible pores and shiny T-zones.	★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5 formula score	~$7 ≈ $0.23 per ml
View offer	Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster Best for visible pores + tone	Most skin types · uneven tone	10% niacinamide · booster	Niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives, licorice root. Designed to mix into your existing moisturiser or serum.	★★★★½ 4.5 / 5 formula score	~$52 High price · concentrated
View offer	La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum Best for dark spots + redness	Normal · combination · uneven tone	~10% niacinamide (brand blend)	Niacinamide, tranexamic acid, gentle exfoliants. Targets dark marks and post-acne discoloration.	★★★★☆ 4.4 / 5 tone-evening score	~$45 ≈ $1.50 per ml
View offer	CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream Best vitamin C + niacinamide combo	Dull · uneven tone · dry	Lower niacinamide · daily use	Niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides. Great for brightening + barrier support in one step.	★★★★☆ 4.2 / 5 brightening score	~$25 ≈ $0.83 per ml
View offer	COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum Higher strength · targeted	Oily · stubborn congestion · experienced users	15% niacinamide	High-dose niacinamide with soothing allies. Designed for stubborn pores and recurring breakouts.	★★★★☆ 4.4 / 5 intensive care score	~$22 Potent · use with care
View offer	The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum Simple daily workhorse	Most skin types · mild oiliness	10% niacinamide	Straightforward niacinamide formula with humectants. Good for people who want “just niacinamide” without extras.	★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5 everyday score	~$9 Budget-friendly daily option
View offer	Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum K-beauty · dark spots + redness	Hyperpigmentation · post-acne marks	10% niacinamide · 4% tranexamic acid	Niacinamide + TXA combo for stubborn discoloration. Good fit if you want both redness and dark-spot support.	★★★★½ 4.5 / 5 brightening score	~$24 Mid-price K-beauty specialist
View offer	Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum (Propolis + Niacinamide) Best for glow + calm redness	Dehydrated · dull · mildly sensitive	Low–mid niacinamide · daily glow	Niacinamide, propolis extract, hydrating base. Great if you want glow and barrier support at the same time.	★★★★☆ 4.4 / 5 glow score	~$18 K-beauty fan favourite
View offer	TIRTIR Niacinamide 20% Serum High strength · niche	Experienced users · very oily skin	20% niacinamide	Very high percentage niacinamide in a focused serum. Only for those who already tolerate niacinamide extremely well.	★★★½☆ 3.8 / 5 due to irritation risk	~$22 High strength · use sparingly

How to choose the right niacinamide serum

Start with your skin type and main concern. Niacinamide is flexible, but not every formula is built for every face.

Very oily / acne-prone: look at The Ordinary, COSRX 15% or Anua 10% + TXA.
Uneven tone & dark spots: La Roche-Posay Mela B3, Anua, Beauty of Joseon.
Dry or barrier-damaged: CeraVe Night Cream or a lower-strength moisturiser.
Just want a simple start: The Inkey List or The Ordinary at 10% used slowly.

What % do you actually need?

2–5%: gentle, great for sensitive or redness-prone skin.
5–10%: the sweet spot for most people and most concerns.
15–20%: niche territory – treat as a targeted treatment, not a casual daily step.

If your face feels hot, itchy or tight, it’s not a sign that the serum is “working harder”. It usually means your barrier wants a break.

Simple routine examples with niacinamide

1. Oily / acne-prone, beginner

Gentle foaming cleanser.
Niacinamide 10% serum 2–3 nights per week (The Ordinary or Inkey List).
Light, non-comedogenic moisturiser.
SPF 30+ every morning.

2. Redness + dark spots

Gentle cream cleanser.
Niacinamide brightening serum (Mela B3, Anua or Beauty of Joseon).
Barrier-supporting moisturiser.
Sunscreen every single day – non-negotiable.

3. Already using retinoids or acids

Use niacinamide on alternate nights or in the morning. The goal is to support your barrier, not to stack as many actives as possible.

For more nuanced advice, read: Niacinamide vs vitamin C and niacinamide side effects & warning signs.

*Prices and availability are approximate and can change at any time. Always check the latest price on the retailer’s website.

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This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always speak to your own doctor or dermatologist about severe, painful or long-lasting skin concerns.