6 Benefits of Niacinamide Serum for All Skin Types

Niacinamide benefits have become a major focus in skincare lately—and for good reason. This vitamin B3 derivative is renowned for its ability to help address a range of skin concerns, from dullness to dark spots. And, while you can find niacinamide in a variety of skincare products, including moisturizers, eye creams, and even at-home peels, one of the best (and easiest) ways to incorporate it into your routine is with a concentrated niacinamide serum.

To understand more about this skincare essential, we spoke with Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and L’Oréal Paris consultant. Ahead, she’s sharing some of the most notable benefits of niacinamide serum for your skin and outlining why so many people—regardless of their skin type or concerns—can reap the rewards of this multitasking product. Along with highlighting some key niacinamide uses for skin, we’re also sharing a few niacinamide before and after photos of our favorite B3-infused formulas. Let’s get into it.

What Is Niacinamide?

According to Dr. Henry, niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide) is a form of vitamin B3 that’s known for its soothing properties. She shares that niacinamide is a derivative of niacin, a vitamin that your body requires in order to produce energy. In skincare, niacinamide is used topically to help support the skin’s natural barrier, brighten skin tone, and address oiliness, per the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

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What Does Niacinamide Serum Do For Your Skin?

Dr. Henry shares that most people can enjoy niacinamide’s benefits, regardless of skin type. “It’s soothing, [and] it reduces pigmentation,” she says. “And, if you have [acne-prone] skin, it may help with that.” Individuals with sensitive skin and mature skin can also typically enjoy niacinamide’s skin benefits, as long as they choose gentle serum formulas that are suitable for their skin’s needs.

Applying niacinamide serum consistently can help address several common skin concerns. These include reducing the appearance of dark spots (including post-acne marks) and minimizing excess oiliness for a more balanced-looking complexion. This ingredient can also help skin feel calmer and appear more radiant.

6 Niacinamide Benefits for Skin

So what, exactly, are the niacinamide effects you can expect when adding a serum with this ingredient to your daily routine? Ahead, we’re diving into the specific benefits of using niacinamide serum for your skin.

1. Helps reduce the look of dark spots

When it comes to niacinamide, one of the most commonly searched questions about this ingredient is: “Does niacinamide serum help with dark spots?” If used correctly and consistently, the answer is often yes. In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, skincare products with niacinamide were found to help reduce the appearance of skin discolorations, such as dark spots and post-acne marks. If you’re dealing with discoloration, it’s best to select a niacinamide serum designed specifically to help brighten and even the skin tone. (More on our favorites, shortly).

2. Soothes redness and irritation

If you have sensitive skin that is prone to redness, niacinamide can be a useful addition to your routine. When used topically in skincare products, this vitamin B3 derivative can help calm irritated skin and help visibly reduce facial redness.

Niacinamide may even help with the mild irritation sometimes associated with retinol. According to the Cleveland Clinic, layering niacinamide on top of a retinol product may help combat that irritation. To learn more about pairing this powerhouse duo, check out our article, Can You Use Niacinamide and Retinol Together?

3. Helps support a balanced-looking complexion

Individuals with oily skin know the frustration of dealing with a slick sheen on their face or congested pores that can lead to breakouts. Niacinamide may be beneficial in these cases by helping to control oiliness. “It may be a bit mattifying,” Dr. Henry says. In other words, niacinamide can be a potential game-changer for anyone with oily, acne-prone skin who needs help minimizing excessive oiliness and shine.

Editor’s note: Acne-prone skin doesn’t always mean that you have oily skin, but these two skin concerns often overlap since excessive oil on the skin can clog your pores and lead to acne.

4. Boosts hydration and helps minimize the look of fine lines

You now know that niacinamide benefits oily skin, but is niacinamide good for dry skin, too? In this case, it’s another yes. According to the Cleveland Clinic, products with niacinamide may help support the skin’s natural moisture barrier and boost skin hydration levels. With daily use, it can also help keep your skin looking plump. By helping to keep the skin hydrated, niacinamide may help to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

5. Reduces the appearance of large pores

If you have large pores, you may want to consider adding a niacinamide serum to your routine. Per a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, skincare products with niacinamide can help visibly minimize the appearance of pore size and improve the look of rough skin texture.

6. Brightens the skin’s appearance

Another niacinamide benefit is that it can lead to brighter, more radiant-looking skin with continued use. When your skin is healthy, it tends to take on that “lit from within” look that’s so covetable. Niacinamide’s ability to support the skin barrier, help reduce excess oiliness, and plump and hydrate skin can translate to a glowing complexion. Add in visibly smaller pores and reduced redness, and you may notice seriously bright, even-toned skin.

Is Niacinamide Suitable for All Skin Types?

Generally speaking, niacinamide is suitable for most skin types, making it a versatile addition to any routine. Those with oily skin may benefit from its ability to tamp down on unwanted shine, while anyone with sensitive skin may appreciate its soothing benefits. Dry skin types are also likely to find it helpful, as niacinamide has been proven to boost skin’s natural hydration levels and prevent future moisture loss. Despite all the promising benefits of niacinamide, it’s always best to consult a board-certified dermatologist before introducing a new product or ingredient into your regimen. A doctor can determine if niacinamide is right for your skin type and offer tips on how to use it to achieve your desired results.

When Should You Use a Niacinamide Serum in Your Skincare Routine?

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“We see [niacinamide] in all sorts of skincare because it’s soothing,” says Dr. Henry. When it comes to niacinamide serums, she says you can typically use them twice daily—day and night. However, keep in mind that niacinamide serums can vary in their formulations, so it’s important to read the product packaging and apply only as directed. The product packaging should also tell you which skin concern the formula is designed to target.

As a reminder, Dr. Henry recommends using a concentrated serum for concerns like dark spots. If you’re using it to calm your skin and smooth its appearance, Dr. Henry says you can also incorporate a niacinamide moisturizer into your routine.

How Long Does Niacinamide Serum Take to Work?

According to the NCBI, once you’ve started a niacinamide skincare regimen, you may be able to see smoother, brighter skin within 12 weeks of integrating a niacinamide product into your routine. However, the exact timeframe depends on a range of factors, including the product you’re using, your specific skin concerns, and how consistently you’re using your chosen product.

In general, you’ll know your niacinamide serum is working when your skin starts to show visible improvements. For example, you may notice a reduction in the appearance of dark spots, fewer dry patches, or a smoother-feeling, refined skin texture.

3 Niacinamide Products To Add to Your Skincare Routine

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum

You can use this niacinamide serum to help minimize the appearance of dark spots and other skin discolorations. The formula features niacinamide alongside amino sulfonic and ferulic acid and helps gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. Over time, you can expect to see a visible reduction of dark spots, sun spots, and post-acne marks.*

To enjoy these niacinamide serum benefits, simply apply 3-4 drops after cleansing and massage the serum all over your face. Always follow up with moisturizer (even if you have oily skin) and broad-spectrum SPF. We recommend layering this product with L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion for the ultimate radiance-boosting duo.

*In a clinical study over 12 weeks, expert grading of dark spots (age & sun spots and post-acne marks).

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel

A chemical peel is designed to resurface the skin so that it feels smoother and appears brighter—but in-office treatments can be pricey and may require downtime to recover. That’s why we’re fans of at-home peels. This professional-inspired peel contains a unique blend of niacinamide and a trio of exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, and PHA) and helps target a variety of skin concerns, from discoloration to fine lines. Best of all, you can use the gentle formula up to four times per week for noticeable skin improvement sans the hefty price tag of a pro-grade treatment.

Editor’s Tip: It’s worth noting that chemical peels can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading outside. The aforementioned L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion is a great choice for this—bonus that it also contains niacinamide.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Moisturizer with SPF 30

Those with dry mature skin may want to consider updating their morning routine with this peptide and niacinamide-infused moisturizer. It provides intense, non-greasy hydration and instantly leaves the skin feeling nourished. With consistent use, it also helps to firm the skin and even skin tone to promote a brighter, healthier-looking complexion. Plus, it’s formulated with SPF 30 sunscreen to help shield your skin from damaging UV rays.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Pressed Night Moisturizer with Retinol + Niacinamide

If you have sensitive skin or fancy yourself a minimalist who doesn’t want extra steps in their skincare routine, try using a balanced formulation like this nighttime moisturizer. The unique formula blends two powerful ingredients into one: retinol and niacinamide. When used consistently over time, the night cream helps visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles while resurfacing skin for improved texture and a more even-looking skin tone.

Next Up: What Active Ingredients Can You Use With Niacinamide?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris