9 niacinamide serums reviewers say have completely transformed their skin

Best for: Quality results on a budget

The no-frills cult classic that delivers real results. Loved by both skincare newbies and pros, this serum is a budget-friendly option for controlling oil, tackling breakouts and improving skin texture. Sometimes simple really is better.

“I started using The Ordinary products three years ago, and I just thought that it’s time for me to leave a review here,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “And I must say, this niacinamide is the holy grail! I looked back at my old photos vs. now and I’ve never been so happy with my skin. I use a few other products from The Ordinary too, and everything that I’ve used just suits my skin so much. Can’t imagine myself switching to other brands.”

Sizes: 30ml, 60ml and 120ml

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc PCA and tamarindus indica seed gum

Key features:

• High concentration of niacinamide to target blemishes and improve skin texture
• Zinc PCA helps balance oil production and combat breakouts
• Free from fragrance, oil, parabens and sulphates
• Affordable option for effective skincare

Also available at:

• From $9.49 at Lookfantastic
• From $9.50 at Priceline
• From $9.50 at Myer
• From $9.50 at Adore Beauty
• From $10 at Sephora

Best for: A plump, hydrated glow

This multitasking serum doesn’t just stop at niacinamide; it also includes vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to promote a more even complexion while boosting hydration. Perfect for those wanting a little extra luxury with their skincare.

“Onto my second bottle of this daily essential,” wrote a reviewer who left five stars. “It has made such a difference to my skin surface, reducing pore size and smoothing out fine lines, and reducing some of my pigmentation.”

Another added: “I love all these vitamin serums and I love Alpha H. This goes on smooth, feels great on my face and after some research I can say that it’s the best concentration for niacinamide out there. This one and the vitamin C are my favourite!”

Sizes: 10ml and 25ml

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid

Key features:

• Deeply hydrating for a plump, refreshed look
• Supports skin barrier function
• Helps even skin tone and reduce fine lines
• Suitable for all skin types
• Naturally scented from active ingredients

Also available at:

• From $39.95 at Adore Beauty
• From $56 at Sephora

Best for: Fighting dark spots

This French pharmacy gem focuses on niacinamide’s skin-brightening magic. Targeting dark spots and hyperpigmentation, it’s the perfect choice if you want to even out your skin tone and achieve that coveted glow.

Reviewers praise the serum for its effectiveness in reducing dark spots and improving skin texture. One customer said: “My skin was glowing after a few uses. It reduced the appearance of dark spots/areas on my face while leaving it glowy. This definitely improved my complexion without causing sensitivity.” Another noted: “I used this for around four weeks and felt a massive difference in my skin.”

Sizes: 30ml

Key ingredients: Melasyl, 10% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, LHA and retinyl palmitate

Key features:

• Targets dark spots and hyperpigmentation
• Lightweight gel-serum texture
• Suitable for all skin tones, including sensitive skin
• Developed with dermatologists
• Gently exfoliates for a radiant look

Also available at:

• $55.69 (usually $79.95) at Chemist Warehouse
• $67.95 (usually $79.95) at Pharmacy Online
• $79.95 at Adore Beauty
• $79.95 at Amazon

Best for: Banishing breakouts

With 15% niacinamide, this cult Korean skincare hero is all about balance. It’s strong enough to target blemishes and redness but gentle enough for regular use. A no-fuss option for those who need serious results without the side effects.

Customers love this niacinamide serum for its lightweight feel, fast absorption and how well it works on different skin types, even sensitive ones. Many have noticed improvements in acne, redness, pore size and overall brightness. While some find the bottle smaller than expected and a bit bulky for travel, most recommend it for its skin-boosting benefits.

Sizes: 20ml

Key ingredients: 15% niacinamide, acetyl glucosamine, allantoin, zinc, ceramide NP, lactic acid and sodium hyaluronate

Key features:

• Helps to heal acne scars
• Tightens pores
• Controls excess sebum
• Fades hyperpigmentation
• Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin

Also available at:

• $42.13 at iHerb
• $52 at Myer
• $52 at RY

Best for: Smoothing stubborn bumps and shrinking pores

This powerful serum certainly isn’t playing around. With a whopping 20% niacinamide, it’s the go-to for tackling stubborn pores, uneven texture and brightening skin without irritation. If you’re serious about your skincare, this is the one to keep front and centre.

“I got this product as part of an add on and I have not looked back,” said a five star reviewer. “It is excellent. I use it every night and it makes my skin look amazing. People compliment my skin all the time and I then tell them about this product. I didn’t think I had an issue with pores, but it really has reduced my pores and it has made my skin look really healthy and smooth. You won’t regret the purchase. Just be consistent with application.”

Sizes: 20ml

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, acetyl glucosamine, purslane, camellia japonica flower extract, epigallocatechin gallate and ascorbyl glucoside

Key features:

• Tightens and minimises enlarged pores
• Reduces clogged bumps and orange-peel texture
• Fades post-blemish marks
• Improves blotchy skin tone

Also available at:

• $76 at Amazon
• $76 at Sephora
• $105 at Space NK

Best for: Tackling wrinkles

Get ready for a triple threat of skincare magic. The Lancôme Renergie H.C.F. Triple Serum packs hyaluronic acid, C+ niacinamide and ferulic acid into one powerhouse formula that helps to smooth, plump and brighten your skin. It’s luxury in a bottle, with results that speak for themselves.

“This product is absolutely amazing,” wrote a happy customer. “It has helped so much with my lines, wrinkles and jaw sagging.”

Another added: “This by far has been the best product I have used for making my skin firmer, smoother and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. I was a little apprehensive at first due to the cost but it is worth it after seeing the results.”

Sizes: 50ml

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, C+ niacinamide (vitamin C derivative and vitamin B3) and ferulic acid

Key features:

• Helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles
• Visibly reduces dark spots
• Re-plumps and firms skin
• Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive

Also available at:

• $212 at Adore Beauty
• $212 at Sephora
• $212 at David Jones
• $212 at The Iconic

Best for: Boosting hydration and tackling uneven skin tone

Not just for brightening, this serum is like a multivitamin for your skin. Combining niacinamide with hyaluronic acid, this Aussie-made formula boosts hydration while refining your complexion. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to keep their skin in balance.

“Have been using this product for about six years now and there is a good reason why,” said a reviewer who left five stars. “Super hydrating and helps massively with redness and sensitised skin. I will not go without this in my routine!”

Sizes: 30ml

Key ingredients: Niacinamide (vitamin B3), B9, B5, AHAs and crosslinked hyaluronic acid

Key features:

• Reduces dehydration and boosts collagen
• Improves pigmentation and uneven skin tone
• Exfoliates for a fresh, renewed appearance
• Powerful moisture boost with long-lasting hydration
• Suitable for various skin types and concerns

Also available at:

• $84 (usually $120) at LOOKFANTASTIC
• $90 (usually $120) at RY
• $93.60 (usually $120) at Oz Hair & Beauty

Best for: Night-time skin repair

While more focused on anti-ageing and antioxidant power, this serum still includes niacinamide for extra barrier support. It’s perfect for those who want a multitasking serum that targets ageing while still delivering the niacinamide benefits we love.

“I was a little hesitant at first to try this product since I have extremely reactive skin with rosacea, so potent active ingredients need to be tried with caution,” wrote a reviewer. “However, I was pleasantly surprised the moment I pumped some product into my hands. I can tell immediately if it’s a rosacea friendly texture.”

“It glides on pleasingly, and I woke up the next morning with my skin feeling and looking smooth. After regular usage, my skin tone did seem more even. The main things that are important to me are a sensitive friendly texture, and the immediate results, both of which this product provided. Longer term results are a bonus, again, which this product came good on.”

Sizes: 30ml

Key ingredients: 1% resveratrol, 0.5% baicalin and 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol)

Key features:

• Neutralises free radicals caused by environmental damage
• Supports skin’s natural antioxidant defences
• Boosts radiance, firmness and elasticity
• Free from parabens, fragrance, alcohol and dyes

Also available at:

• $242 at Myer
• $242 at Adore Beauty