Looking to address…something skincare related? Chances are niacinamide can help. Though it seems too good to be true, niacinamide—also known as vitamin B3—is a skincare all-rounder, tackling a diverse array of skin concerns and conditions. An almost universally well-tolerated active ingredient, niacinamide is suitable for most skin types, including mature, sensitive, dry, oily, and acne-prone.
From fighting breakouts, regulating sebum production, and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores to improving fine lines and fading hyperpigmentation, niacinamide does it all. And, it does so without any exfoliating action, soothing redness and calming irritation as it works — making it suitable for those with sensitive skin and even rosacea.
Below, we break down everything you need to know about niacinamide — from what it is and what it does, to the best niacinamide serums and products to try.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a water soluble form of vitamin B3 (niacin). Also known as nicotinamide, it plays a key role in cellular health and repair. The body does not produce niacinamide on its own, meaning it’s essential to ingest or use it topically to reap its benefits.
Niacinamide can be consumed orally, with nicotinamide typically present in B complex supplements. However, to reap its skincare benefits, it’s best to use a topical niacinamide product. It’s often found in percentages of 10% to 20% in serums, with other leave-on products such as face creams, masks, and toners offering lower percentages like 3 to 5%. While niacinamide is usually well tolerated by most skin types, those new to the ingredient may wish to start by using a product with a lower percentage (5 to 10%) of niacinamide.
How does niacinamide work?
Niacinamide works on the skin in several different ways. As a precursor to two important coenzymes in the body—nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+)—niacinamide plays an essential role in cellular metabolism and energy production. NAD+ and NADP+ are crucial for various metabolic processes within the body, including energy production and DNA repair. By elevating NAD+ and NADP+ levels, niacinamide aids in enhancing the energy metabolism of skin cells, which improves skin functions such as repair, regeneration, and the maintenance of the skin’s protective barrier.
Its potent anti-inflammatory properties make niacinamide beneficial for inflammatory skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, and eczema. Niacinamide works to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which enables it to calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
Those with dry, dehydrated, and sensitised skin as a result of a compromised skin barrier can also benefit from niacinamide. Niacinamide works to strengthen the skin barrier by stimulating the synthesis of ceramides; lipids which maintain bonds between skin cells and strengthen the natural skin barrier. A functional skin barrier aids in retaining moisture which improves dry and dehydrated skin and protects against irritants and external aggressors, reducing the occurrence of skin sensitivity.
For those with oily and acne-prone skin, niacinamide works to regulate sebum production which balances oil levels in the skin. This reduces the occurrence of acne breakouts and congestion while also minimising the appearance of pores.
As a strong antioxidant, niacinamide protects against skin damage from environmental stressors by reducing oxidative stress and neutralising harmful free radicals caused by exposure to UV rays and pollution as well as lifestyle factors like diet and smoking. Free radicals are unstable molecules which damage healthy skin cells — by neutralising these, antioxidants like niacinamide help combat the aesthetic effects of environmental damage on the skin.
One of the most impressive benefits of niacinamide is its ability to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins for maintaining skin structure and elasticity. Collagen and elastin production naturally decline as we age, resulting in volume loss, sagging skin, and the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Niacinamide encourages fibroblasts (a type of cell) to synthesise collagen and elastin, which in turn improves the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and plumpness, while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Niacinamide can also be used to manage hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), thanks to its ability to break down excess melanin. Melanin is a pigment found in varying levels in (most) humans and animals, and lends the skin its colour. However, factors such as environmental damage and trauma to the skin (such as acne) can result in excess melanin, which causes the appearance of dark spots or patches on the skin. Niacinamide works by inhibiting the transfer of melanin from the melanocytes (pigment producing cells) to the surface skin cells (keratinocytes), thereby reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It’s important to note that niacinamide does not bleach the skin or reduce the skin’s natural (i.e. pre-existing) melanin content, it simply inhibits the formation of excess melanin, making it a useful ingredient to target hyperpigmentation and dark spots on all skin tones.
What are the benefits of niacinamide for skin?
As detailed above, niacinamide has a wide range of actions which benefit a range of skin types and concerns. Niacinamide is useful to improving skin barrier function and reducing moisture loss; stimulating collagen and elastin production to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines; reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation; regulating sebum production and reducing acne breakouts; calming irritated skin and reducing redness (including for those with eczema and rosacea); and providing antioxidant protection against environmental damage.
How to use niacinamide in your skincare routine
As it doesn’t increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, niacinamide can be used in the morning and at night. In serum form, niacinamide should be applied after cleansing and toning, alongside any other water-based serums and before oil-based serums, face oil, and moisturiser (and sunscreen during the day).
These days, niacinamide is found in a wide range of products — from serums and moisturisers to masks and sunscreens. For non-serum products containing niacinamide, simply use them how you normally would in your skincare routine.
Niacinamide is a team player, meaning it can be used at the same time as other active skincare ingredients. While it’s not recommended to use too many skincare actives at once, niacinamide can be used in conjunction with vitamin C; exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHA; and retinol.
Its anti-inflammatory and skin strengthening properties make it particularly beneficial as a daytime serum for those using the latter, as it can help mitigate the irritation and redness often associated with retinoid—such as retinol, retinal, and tretinoin—use.
The best niacinamide serums to try in 2025
1. Mecca Cosmetica Replenishing Niacinamide Serum
Niacinamide meets hyaluronic acid and squalane in this serum which hydrates and moisturises in equal measure. Over time, it creates a stronger skin barrier and contributes to a more even skin tone.
Price: $55AUD
Texture: moisturising water-based serum
2. Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
A supremely lightweight, elegant formula, the Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster enhances the power of niacinamide with antioxidant-rich licorice extract and vitamin C, working to promote smoother skin texture and tighter pores. Plus, it can be used alone as a serum or mixed into your moisturiser or other serums as a booster.
Price: $74AUD
Texture: watery serum
3. Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% + Zinc 2%
The Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% + Zinc 2% is a hydrating, oil-free serum that sees niacinamide and zinc team up to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles, while supporting the skin barrier and regulating sebum production. With its elegantly formulated texture that’s somewhere between a gel and a lotion, it plays nicely with other skincare products and sits well under makeup.
Price: $32AUD
Texture: hydrating gel
4. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
For a niacinamide serum that’ll give you change from a tenner, you can’t go wrong with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. While it has a slightly thicker texture than other (pricier) niacinamide serums, it’s a solid bet for a budget starter serum, with the hero ingredient working in conjunction with zinc to regulate sebum levels, reduce the appearance of pores, and fight breakouts and inflammation. It’s worth noting that this serum does have a propensity to pill, so it’s not the best option for use under makeup.
Price: $9.50AUD
Texture: thick water-based serum, jelly-like consistency
5. Medik8 Clarity Peptides
Specifically designed to target dull, blotchy, acne-prone skin, Medik8 Clarity Peptides teams niacinamide with peptides and zinc PCA, enhancing the skin’s radiance while modulating sebum production and fighting the bacteria that contributes to acne. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid to promote hydrated, supple skin.
Price: $101AUD
Texture: hydrating water-based serum
6. Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum
This formula combines retinal (a powerful retinoid) with niacinamide; the latter working to negate the irritation often associated with the former. The addition of fatty-acids from ceramides and adaptogenic mushrooms aids in replenishing moisture to the skin and supporting skin barrier health.
Price: $118AUD
Texture: lightweight lotion or emulsion
7. The Inkey List Niacinamide Face Serum
An ideal fit for those with acne-prone skin, The Inkey List Niacinamide Face Serum aids in regulating sebum production to reduce the frequency of breakouts. The presence of hyaluronic acid coupled with an elegant emulsion-like texture keeps skin hydrated and comfortable.
Price: $18AUD
Texture: lightweight lotion or emulsion
8. Paula’s Choice 20% Niacinamide Treatment
For those who are already card-carrying members of the niacinamide club, the Paula’s Choice 20% Niacinamide Treatment ups the ante with a high-dose formula. Combining 20% niacinamide with licorice extract and vitamin C, it works to effectively target enlarged pores and rough skin texture caused by ageing or sun damage.
Price: $79AUD
Texture: water-based serum
9. Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum
Niacinamide proves it knows how to be a team player in the Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum. Here, it’s employed as one part of the puzzle which comprises 20 active ingredients—including vitamin C, edelweiss stem cells, and ergothioneine—which work cohesively to fade hyperpigmentation, even out skin tone, and clarify the skin.
Price: $148AUD
Texture: lightweight lotion or emulsion
10. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
When it comes to reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone, the Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum is a heavy hitter. Here, the benefits of niacinamide are bolstered by antioxidant-rich trans-resveratrol and EGCG, as well as brightenyl, a patented skincare ingredient that evens out skin tone by blocking the melanogenesis process. Together, the complex works to neutralise the effects of oxidative dress on the skin while reducing the appearance of pores, redness, and dark spots.
Price: $112AUD
Texture: hydrating water-based serum
11. Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide
A lightweight hydrating serum, the vibrant indigo hue of this formula comes courtesy of blue gardenia extract, which is rich in antioxidants like ferulic acid which works to fight free radical damage. Its 5% niacinamide content works to even out skin tone and texture without causing irritation, while chia seed extract (a good source of fatty acids) helps support the skin barrier.
Price: $84.95AUD
Texture: water-based serum
12. The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face & Body Emulsion
While a slightly higher outlay—but still eminently affordable—than the other The Ordinary product on this list, the Niacinamide 5% Face & Body Emulsion represents an unbeatable value proposition. A newer addition to the affordable skincare brand’s lineup, it offers an easily tolerated dose of 5% niacinamide in a hydrating milky emulsion formula which sinks into the skin without leaving any residue behind. Best of all? It’s in a massive 100ml bottle which seemingly lasts forever.
Price: $22.20AUD
Texture: milky emulsion
Other products with niacinamide
Already got the serum side of your skincare routine sorted? No matter; you can still benefit from incorporating niacinamide into your skincare routine by way of a moisturiser, toner, or even a sunscreen.
13. Allies of Skin Molecular Barrier Recovery Cream Balm
Whether you’ve overdone it on the exfoliation or simply have sensitive or mature skin in need of a little extra care, the Allies of Skin Molecular Barrier Recovery Cream Balm delivers on every front. Niacinamide is joined by ceramides, peptides, oat protein, and squalane which come together in a rich balm formula to soothe inflamed skin and repair the skin barrier.
Price: $164AUD
Texture: rich balm
14. Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum
SPF should be a non-negotiable part of any daytime skincare routine. Formulated with 3% niacinamide, the Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum is a supercharged ‘skinscreen’ that works to smoothen fine lines and brighten the skin as it protects from the sun.
Price: $50AUD
Texture: lightweight lotion/milky serum
15. Biossance Squalane + 5% Niacinamide Brightening Eye Serum
Here, niacinamide is used to target dark circles, while vitamin C and caffeine brighten and depuff the delicate undereye area and Biossance’s signature squalane hydrates and moisturises the skin. The Biossance Squalane + 5% Niacinamide Brightening Eye Serum is fitted with a rollerball applicator, which soothes and cools the skin upon application.
Price: $75AUD
Texture: lightweight milky serum
16. Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial
Akin to a tall glass of water for the complexion, the Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial is laden with hydrating and replenishing ingredients. Niacinamide is joined by ceramides, antioxidants, vitamin F, and a cocktail of plant oils that work synergistically to restore suppleness and bounce to the skin. While it can be used at any time of day, it works best as an overnight mask.
Price: $97AUD
Texture: thick cream
17. Q+A Niacinamide Daily Toner
One of the simplest ways to add niacinamide to your daily skincare routine? A toner. A water-thin formula, the Q+A Niacinamide Daily Toner can be splashed onto freshly cleansed skin, before applying your other skincare products. Enriched with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, it provides a dose of hydration, reducing dehydration-induced fine lines and plumping skin while the niacinamide works its magic on inflammation, enlarged pores, and redness.
Price: $9.60AUD
Texture: watery toner
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Words by Theo Rosen
Feature image courtesy of Giorgio Armani
