You might have heard of niacinamide (aka Vitamin B3) if you’re even a little into skincare. You’ll see why it’s trending — once you try it you’ll see the results. This teeny miracle does it all; from reducing redness and dark spots to addressing acne and wrinkles.
If you want to add a niacinamide serum to your skincare routine, you’re surely making a sound decision. But with all the options available in the market, how do you pick the right one for you? Let’s break it down in today’s post!
Understanding the Importance of Using Niacinamide Serum
Thinking of a skincare product that not only smooths your complexion but also calms redness, reduces pores, and provides your skin with an instant radiance. That’s where the niacinamide serum comes in. It’s like the multitasker of skincare products — balancing oily spots, calming inflammation, and even helping with pigmentation issues.
But let’s look further into why niacinamide serum is so special and how to use it to get the best out of this incredible ingredient.
Why Include Key Niacinamide Serum in Your Daily Skin Regime
- Reduces redness and inflammation.
- Strengthens your skin barrier.
- Brightens dull skin.
- Minimises pore appearance.
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
What’s the Best Way to Apply Niacinamide Serum?
- Use your niacinamide serum on slightly damp skin.
- Follow up your niacinamide serum with a moisturiser.
- Niacinamide also blends well with other actives such as Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid. Just use them in the correct order, i.e. serum before moisturising creams.
- Use niacinamide serum every day to notice a change in skin texture, redness and complexion.
10 Best Niacinamide Serum Brands
We have shortlisted the best 10 niacinamide serums that can help you achieve bright, clear, and healthy-looking skin. From moisturising formulas to pigmentation-specific products, these serums are perfect for any skincare routine. No need to search through endless products – we’ve made the effort for you!
1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This oil-free serum addresses blemishes and discolouration with high-strength niacinamide. Zinc regulates oil production, and hence it is ideal for oily and acne skin. It reduces pore appearance and gives skin radiance in the long run.
2. Plum 10% Niacinamide Brightening Face Serum
This serum uses the strength of niacinamide and rice water to brighten the complexion and erase dark spots. It moisturises and smoothes the skin instantly and encourages an even skin tone. The lightweight formula is easily absorbed without leaving a greasy feel.
3. Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 5% Niacinamide Serum
Renowned for its effective brightening serum, this product addresses dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and irregular skin tone. Niacinamide and Activated C support a balanced and even complexion while providing noticeable results through time. This colourant-free, fragrance-free serum also smooths out skin texture and enhances brightness.
4. Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
This fragrance-free serum contains 10% niacinamide that fades dark patches and acne spots. It controls excess sebum & reduces the appearance of large pores, helps restore the natural barrier and repairs the skin. It is ideal for sensitive skin and reduces redness and marks.
5. The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
The serum reduces dark spots, blemish marks, and uneven skin tone without disrupting the skin’s moisture level. The 10% Niacinamide solution minimises pores, controls excess sebum, and increases the clarity of the skin. It is perfect for all skin types, including oily and acne skin.
6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Capsule Face Serum
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, this serum provides intense hydration, making skin smooth and plump. With a lightweight formula that gets absorbed fast without any greasiness, it’s ideal for daily use. Over time, it restores moisture balance and improves skin texture.
7. Dr. Sheth’s Centella & 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
Adding the healing properties of Centella Asiatica and niacinamide, this serum soothes inflammation and heals damaged skin. It is best for daily use to achieve smooth and even skin.
8. Dot & Key Cica + 10% Niacinamide Serum
This serum pairs Cica and 10% Niacinamide to soothe irritation, calm redness, and brighten uneven skin tone. It helps minimise pores, heal blemishes, and control oil production for a clearer complexion.
9. Pilgrim 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
It fixes blemishes, dark spots, and uneven skin tone with 10% niacinamide. This serum minimises pores, brightens skin, and regulates oil secretion for brighter-looking skin. The non-greasy, lightweight texture is silky enough to apply daily on all skin types.
10. Shankara Anti-Age Serum
This rejuvenating serum integrates niacinamide, gotu kola, ashwagandha, bakuchi, and hyaluronate to repair and nourish the skin. It helps reduce fine lines and improves skin texture. It promotes a firmer, more radiant complexion while protecting against signs of ageing.
Table of Comparison
This table gives you a side-by-side view of some of the best niacinamide serums available in India, complete with key ingredients, benefits, and customer ratings.
| Brand | Best For | Active Ingredient | Formulation/Texture | Price | Rating/Review |
| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Acne-prone skin, enlarged pores | 10% Niacinamide, 1% Zinc | Lightweight, Liquid | ₹1100 | 4.7/5 |
| Plum 10% Niacinamide Brightening Face Serum | Dull skin, pigmentation | 10% Niacinamide, Rice Ferment Extracts, Licorice | Lightweight, Liquid serum | ₹849 | 4.5/5 |
| Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 5% Niacinamide Serum | Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, for oily skin type | Activated C, Niacinamide 5% | Lightweight liquid serum | ₹2800 | 4.6/5 |
| Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Face Serum | Acne-prone skin, large pores | 10% Niacinamide, Matmarine, Acetyl glucosamine | Light, Liquid serum | ₹599 | 4.7/5 |
| The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum | Acne marks, uneven skin tone | 10% Niacinamide, 2% Zinc PCA | Transparent, watery serum | ₹599 | 4.4/5 |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Capsule Face Serum | All skin types, breakouts, and Dryness | Niacinamide, Vitamin E, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid | Liquid, fast-absorbing | ₹1250 | 4.3 |
| Dr. Sheth’s Centella & 10% Niacinamide Face Serum | Sensitive skin, inflammation | 10% Niacinamide, 1% Zinc PCA, Probiotic, Soybean Extract, Centella Asiatica | Light, soothing serum | ₹599 | 4.2/5 |
| Pilgrim 10% Niacinamide Face Serum | Acne and Blemish-Prone Skin, Acne marks, Hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone | 10% Niacinamide, 1% Zinc PCA | Light, non-sticky gel serum | ₹595 | 4.6/5 |
| Dot & Key Cica +10% Niacinamide Serum | Oily, Acne-Prone & Sensitive Skin | 10% Niacinamide, Cica Extract | Lightweight, Quickly Absorbing, Non-Greasy, Non-Sticky | ₹599 | 4.5/5 |
| Shankara Anti-Age Serum | Fine lines, ageing skin | Niacinamide, Gotu Kola, Ashwagandha, Bakuchi, Hyaluronate | Rich, smooth serum | ₹3450 | 4.4 |
Time to Get Glowing!
Whether you’re aiming to reduce acne, fade dark spots, or just want to maintain youthful, glowing skin, a niacinamide face serum is your new best friend. We’ve collected some of the top-rated niacinamide serums on the market so that you can choose the perfect product for your skin type and needs. Whether your particular skincare aspiration is healthy, smoother skin or something more specific, adding niacinamide to your skincare regimen takes you one step closer to it.
