What puts the Beauty of Joseon Serum at the top of our list? It contains a modest 2% concentration of niacinamide, which makes it great for beginners. In addition, it has propolis extract, which has antibacterial properties and reduces damage from UV rays. It’s also readily available at many stores.

However, the low concentration of niacinamide might not do much to brighten your skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines or minimize inflammation. This serum is also a little pricey, and a few people have experienced product quality issues.

While The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% and Zinc 1% Serum has a high concentration of niacinamide, which could cause irritation in very sensitive skin, this product is at the top of our recommendations for several reasons. It not only reduces inflammation and the appearance of large pores but also brightens acne scars. Zinc also reduces acne-inducing oil production and keeps breakouts at bay.

The downsides? This serum feels slightly sticky even after it has dried, and it can leave a shiny finish.

If you’re looking for a multipurpose niacinamide serum that treats fine lines, acne and dark spots, try PSA’s Visible Improvement Serum. Peptides help plump the skin while niacinamide treats problem areas. We also like that this serum doesn’t leave a shiny finish.

However, this product doesn’t always absorb easily into the skin. The packaging isn’t environmentally friendly, and it’s not easy to find in stores.

In need of a no-fuss serum that won’t aggravate acne-prone skin? We recommend the COSRX Niacinamide 15% Serum. It helps control your skin’s oil production and sebum, and it reduces inflammation that can contribute to breakouts. We like that this product also contains zinc, which keeps acne in check.

A word of caution: This product has a very high dosage of niacinamide, and it may irritate sensitive skin types (though many reviewers agree that it feels mild). This serum is also very runny, which makes it a little difficult to spread across the skin. While many customers like the glass packaging, it isn’t travel friendly.

Niacinamide serums can be drying if they don’t have enough moisturizing ingredients, but the PURITO Centella Serum offers plenty of hydration thanks to panthenol, peptides and glycerin. The hero ingredient, centella extract, nourishes skin and soothes inflammation.

While this product contains niacinamide, it doesn’t list the exact percentage. It’s also pricey and a few customers found the smell off-putting.

If you’re hoping to control your skin’s oil production throughout the day, consider the Naturium Niacinamide Face Serum. It has a nice pump applicator and the formula is smooth, making it easy to spread across the face. The high concentration of zinc (2%) also helps reduce breakouts.

However, this product contains dimethicone. Some buyers may like this ingredient for its moisturizing properties, while others may find that it doesn’t let the skin breathe. The packaging is also not environmentally friendly, and the high concentration of niacinamide may cause irritation.

Struggle with both oily and dry skin? Try the Ruruberry Niacinamide and Zinc serum. The high dose of niacinamide effectively reduces oil production while zinc acts as an antimicrobial. To prevent dryness, it also contains multiple moisturizers like xylitol and butylene glycol.

The downsides: This product is hard to come by because it isn’t available at most retailers, and the formula has a mildly shiny finish. The full ingredient list also isn’t available on the main Ruruberry website.

For a product that fades dark spots and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, opt for the La Roche Posay Niacinamide Serum. It visibly reduces discoloration and lightens acne marks, and hydrators like glycerin keep the skin moisturized.

However, this product contains fragrance and denatured alcohol, both of which may cause irritation. It also contains dimethicone, which moisturizes the skin but may make it hard for the skin to breathe.

If you struggle with irritation, a serum that contains less than 10% niacinamide is a good idea. We like the COSRX Niacinamide and Snail Mucin Serum because it has a 5% concentration. Snail mucin also helps alleviate inflammation and keep the skin well moisturized.

However, the pump applicator could be improved, and a few customers experienced product quality issues. The sticky, mucus-like consistency of the snail mucin is also off-putting for some buyers.

Why does this Cos De Baha Serum work so well for hyperpigmentation? It contains not just niacinamide, which brightens skin, but also tranexamic acid, which lightens skin discoloration. In addition, it has soothing aloe vera and allantoin, which prevents flaking.

The downsides: This serum tends to pill, and a few customers found that the niacinamide wasn’t strong enough to treat their issues. It also has a slightly tacky finish.

Acne hyperpigmentation can take months to go away, but the TIAM Vita B3 Source serum can speed that up to a few weeks. It contains not just niacinamide, but also an ingredient called arbutin to help lighten dark spots. We like that it has a smooth application.

However, a few buyers found this serum to be too strong and irritating, and others experienced quality issues when purchasing on Amazon (such as receiving open bottles).

The numbuzin No.3 Serum visibly softens rough skin with not just niacinamide, but also bifida (a probiotic) and galactomyces (a toner). The result is elastic, plump and resilient skin. We also like that this serum glides across the face and works in the AM and PM.

On the other hand, it isn’t clear from the ingredients how much niacinamide is in this serum, though it is likely between 4 and 6%. This product is also pricey, and a few buyers didn’t find it very effective.

If you’re looking for a serum that combines niacinamide and retinol (so you don’t have to apply two separate products at night), the QRX serum is the one we recommend. Ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid help alleviate the irritation retinol may cause, while green tea and kale extracts may reduce UV ray damage.

However, a few buyers experienced allergic reactions after applying this product, and others didn’t notice a difference. The formula also isn’t oil free, so it won’t appeal to buyers who have acne.

In the morning, it’s best to apply a moisture-rich serum that will keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. The Bliss Glow and Hydrate Serum is an excellent pick because it contains the super hydrator hyaluronic acid, along with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and the antioxidant vitamin E.

The downsides: This product contains fragrance. It’s also pricey and a few customers experienced allergic reactions after using it.

If you’re looking to improve your skin texture and even out the tone with a product you can use everyday, try the Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum. It’s gentle enough for frequent use but still effective at brightening and smoothing the skin. We love that the formula is simple and the price is great.

Still, we wish this formula didn’t have a tacky feel and shiny finish when dry. A few buyers have also noticed that the product wasn’t strong enough to make a big difference.