Niacinamide the all-rounder among actives.

Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, balances shine and helps your complexion look more even. Which concentration makes sense – and the creams and serums we recommend.

ARBUTI Hair Salon · Updated October 2026

Laughing woman smoothing cream across her forehead with both hands

Niacinamide skincare we recommend

1Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

High strength

Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

A liquid booster with 10% niacinamide that you can apply neat or mix into your moisturiser. That way you decide the dose yourself – handy if your skin needs to get used to it first.

What we like

  • Dose is up to you
  • Fragrance-free
  • Light texture

Keep in mind

  • 10% neat is a lot for sensitive skin
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2The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Good value

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The best-known niacinamide serum, with zinc for oily skin. Costs little, with the concentration clearly stated.

What we like

  • Affordable
  • Good for shiny skin

Keep in mind

  • Can pill and irritate
  • Doesn’t replace moisture – needs a cream afterwards
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3La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+

For blemishes

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+

A light moisturiser for blemish-prone skin that combines niacinamide with salicylic acid and other clarifying actives. Moisturiser and active in one step.

What we like

  • Care and active in one
  • Light, mattifying

Keep in mind

  • Not nourishing enough for dry skin
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4Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Rich cream

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

A rich anti-ageing cream with niacinamide and peptides, according to the manufacturer. The right choice if you’d rather have niacinamide in a cream than a serum.

What we like

  • A real cream rather than a serum
  • Good for normal to dry skin

Keep in mind

  • Contains fragrance
  • Concentration not stated
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5SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3

For mature skin

SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3

A light emulsion with niacinamide (vitamin B3) for skin showing the first signs of ageing – and, according to the manufacturer, for a more even complexion.

What we like

  • Light, for every day
  • Pharmacy brand

Keep in mind

  • High price
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6Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream

With enzymes

Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream

A light gel cream with papaya enzyme that gently smooths and makes your complexion look fresher. Niacinamide isn’t the star here but part of the formula.

What we like

  • Very light texture
  • Gentle exfoliating effect

Keep in mind

  • Expensive
  • Too light for dry skin
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What niacinamide does

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. In the skin, it supports the production of barrier lipids, can balance excess sebum and redness, and slows the transfer of pigment to the upper layers of the skin. That’s why it turns up in products for blemishes as well as in products for dark spots.

What we look for

Concentration
2–5% is well tolerated and well researched. 10% doesn’t automatically do more but is more likely to irritate.
Cream or serum
A serum for precise dosing, a cream for care in one step. For dry skin, go for the cream.
Combining
Niacinamide works well with retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. If your skin is sensitive, use vitamin C and niacinamide at different times.
Tolerance
Tingling or redness after applying? Lower the concentration or use it only every other day.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best niacinamide concentration?

For most skin types, 2 to 5 per cent. Ten per cent can make sense for oily skin but may irritate sensitive skin.

How long does niacinamide take to work?

Shine and how your skin feels often change within a few weeks. For a more even complexion, you usually need two to three months of regular use.

Can you combine niacinamide and retinol?

Yes, it’s a proven combination. Niacinamide may even help your skin tolerate retinol better.

Does niacinamide have side effects?

It’s considered very well tolerated. High concentrations can cause redness, tingling or breakouts – if so, lower the dose.

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