How and When to Use Niacinamide Serum: The Complete Routine Guide

This is a practical application guide for niacinamide serum. If you have arrived here wanting to know how to apply it correctly, when to fit it into your routine, which ingredients to layer it with, and how long it will take to work - you are in the right place.

This guide covers everything you need to use niacinamide serum effectively: step-by-step application, morning versus evening timing, the correct layering order, skin-type specific routines, a realistic results timeline, and the most common mistakes that get in the way of progress. What it does not cover is the full ingredient science behind niacinamide - for that, visit the complete niacinamide ingredient guide, which covers the mechanism, clinical evidence, and full benefits breakdown in detail.

Throughout this guide, INKEY’s 10% Niacinamide Serum (£10 / 30ml) is used as the reference product - it is the most straightforward way to add niacinamide to your routine at a concentration that is both effective and well-tolerated. The Omega Water Cream (£11 / 50ml) appears throughout as its natural partner - more on why shortly.

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Here is what you will learn in this guide:

How to physically apply niacinamide serum, step by step
Whether to use it in the morning, the evening, or both
Exactly where niacinamide sits within a complete skincare routine
Skin-type specific routines with named product sequences
A realistic, week-by-week results timeline
The most common niacinamide mistakes and how to fix them
Answers to the most frequently searched questions about niacinamide serum

One important thing to know before diving in: niacinamide is suitable for all skin types, can be used morning and/or evening, requires no gradual introduction period, and does not cause purging. It is one of the most straightforward actives you can add to a routine. With that said - let us get into exactly how to use it.

How to Apply Niacinamide Serum - Step by Step

The physical mechanics of applying niacinamide serum matter more than most people realise. Getting the order wrong, applying it over the wrong products, or using it incorrectly can reduce how much of the active actually reaches the skin. This section covers exactly what to do, from the moment your skin is clean to the moment you move on to moisturiser.

The most important thing to understand upfront is that niacinamide serum needs to reach the skin directly. It is not a product to be mixed with other serums in the palm of your hand, and it is not a product to apply over the top of your moisturiser. It works as a standalone active step, applied to cleansed skin before any occlusive or heavier layers are added.

Here is the full step-by-step process:

Cleanse your skin thoroughly. Remove all traces of makeup, SPF, and the day’s build-up. The skin should be clean and ready to absorb the next steps.
Apply a hydrating serum if it is in your routine. If you use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum, apply it now, to slightly damp skin, for best absorption. Allow it a few seconds to begin absorbing before moving on.
Dispense a pea-sized amount of 10% Niacinamide Serum onto your fingertips. That is all you need for the full face and neck. Applying more does not improve results - the 10% concentration is doing the work, not the volume.
Press the serum gently into the skin using light fingertip pressure. Do not rub aggressively or drag the product across the face. Use pressing motions and work outward from the centre of the face, covering the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, jawline, and down the neck. The neck is frequently missed - it benefits from niacinamide just as much as the face.
Allow 30 to 60 seconds for the serum to absorb. The 10% Niacinamide Serum has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture - you do not need a long wait. Once it has sunk in and the skin no longer feels tacky, move on.
Apply your moisturiser. Niacinamide goes before moisturiser, always. This ensures the active is in direct contact with the skin, not sitting on top of a barrier layer.

A note on palm-mixing: Never combine niacinamide with other serums in your palm before applying. Each serum should be applied as an individual step. Mixing actives before application can alter pH stability and reduce the efficacy of both products. Apply niacinamide on its own, let it absorb, then continue with the next step.

A note on skin state at the point of application: niacinamide can be applied to slightly damp or fully dry skin. Unlike hyaluronic acid, which benefits significantly from damp-skin application (it uses the moisture present to draw water into the skin), niacinamide does not have the same dependency. If your skin is slightly damp from the hydrating serum step before it, that is perfectly fine. If it is dry, that is fine too.

For a full overview of how the five-step routine structure works - and how to build a routine from scratch - the Complete Skincare Guide is the best place to start.

The application step is straightforward once you have done it a few times. The next question most people have is not how to apply niacinamide, but when - and whether it belongs in the morning, the evening, or both.

When to Use Niacinamide Serum - Morning, Evening, or Both?

Unlike some actives that come with restrictions - retinol is an evening-only ingredient; vitamin C is most effective in the morning - niacinamide has no such limitations. It does not cause photosensitivity. It does not break down in daylight. It can be used in the morning, in the evening, or twice daily, and it will work effectively in all three scenarios. That flexibility is one of the things that makes it such an accessible active.

Here is a breakdown of each approach, so you can choose what fits your routine and your skin concern.

Morning use is particularly beneficial for oily and combination skin types. Applying niacinamide at the start of the day helps regulate oil production before it can build up, creating a more balanced base under moisturiser and SPF. For those who find their skin getting shiny by midday, morning use is the more impactful timing choice. Niacinamide also sits cleanly under sun protection without any interference - after applying niacinamide and Omega Water Cream, simply follow with your SPF as the final morning step.

Evening use allows niacinamide to work in parallel with the skin’s natural overnight repair cycle. The skin does a significant amount of cellular renewal during sleep, and using niacinamide in the PM supports that process rather than working against it. Evening is also when most people who use retinol apply it - and if retinol is part of your routine, the evening is where both products belong. Niacinamide goes before retinol, and the combination is one of the most effective PM pairings available. Rather than unpacking the full details here, the guide to using niacinamide with retinol covers that combination in depth - including exactly how to layer both and what results to expect.

Twice-daily use delivers the fastest visible results, particularly for oil regulation, blemish reduction, and visible pore refinement. For oily, blemish-prone, or combination skin types, using niacinamide both morning and evening at 10% - consistently - outperforms using a higher concentration sporadically. Consistency is the most important variable in any niacinamide routine, and twice-daily use makes consistency easier because the product becomes part of a natural morning and evening rhythm.

If you can only use it once a day: morning use is the slightly stronger choice for those focused on oil control, as it regulates sebum production before the day begins. Evening use is the better single-application choice for those focused on post-blemish marks or uneven skin tone, where overnight processing and the absence of UV exposure support the skin’s repair work.

No gradual introduction is needed. Unlike retinol, which often requires a slow-build approach to allow the skin to adjust, niacinamide can be used daily from day one. Patch testing is good general practice when introducing any new product, but there is no requirement to start on alternate days or build up slowly.

The short answer: Use niacinamide in the morning, the evening, or both. There is no wrong timing. Choose the approach that fits your routine, and stick with it consistently.

For a full breakdown of how niacinamide regulates oil production at a cellular level, the niacinamide ingredient guide explains the mechanism in detail.

With timing covered, the next step is to understand exactly where niacinamide fits within a complete routine - from the first cleansing step through to SPF.

Niacinamide Serum in Your Routine - The Correct Layering Order

Understanding where niacinamide sits within a full routine is just as important as knowing how to apply it. The general rule for layering skincare is simple: thinnest texture to thickest, water-based products before oil-based ones. Niacinamide serum sits after cleansing, after any hydrating serums, and before moisturiser. That positioning holds true across both morning and evening routines.

Below are complete, named routine sequences using INKEY products - built for the most common use cases.

Full AM Routine - Oily, Combination, or Blemish-Prone Skin

Salicylic Acid Cleanser (£12 / 150ml) - Unclogs pores and removes excess oil without stripping the skin’s barrier.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£9 / 30ml) - Applied to slightly damp skin for lightweight hydration before the active step.
10% Niacinamide Serum (£10 / 30ml) - Oil regulation, blemish reduction, and pore refinement. Allow to absorb fully.
Omega Water Cream (£11 / 50ml) - Oil-free moisture that seals in the routine without adding heaviness or shine.
SPF 30 or higher - Non-negotiable as the final morning step.

Full PM Routine - With Retinol

Cleanser - Remove everything from the day before beginning any active steps.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£9 / 30ml) - Applied to slightly damp skin for the hydration base.
10% Niacinamide Serum (£10 / 30ml) - Applied first, before retinol. Allow it to absorb fully before the next step.
Retinol Serum - Applied after niacinamide. Niacinamide creates a calming, barrier-supporting base that reduces potential retinol-related sensitivity - making the combination more comfortable than retinol used alone.
Moisturiser - Seal and support overnight repair.

For the full guide to pairing these two actives - including what concentrations work best together and what results to expect - read the niacinamide and retinol combination guide.

Why the Layering Order Works

The reason hyaluronic acid comes before niacinamide is straightforward: hyaluronic acid is a hydrator that draws water into the skin surface. Applying it first on damp skin sets the skin up in its best possible state before the active treatment step. Niacinamide then works on well-hydrated skin, which supports better delivery and absorption of the active.

Niacinamide before moisturiser ensures the active reaches the skin directly rather than having to penetrate through an occlusive layer. The moisturiser then acts as the final seal, locking in everything beneath it.

Niacinamide and Vitamin C in the Same Routine

If your routine includes both vitamin C and niacinamide, use vitamin C in the AM as the first serum step after cleansing - followed by niacinamide. Do not apply both to the palm simultaneously. Apply vitamin C, allow it to absorb briefly, then apply niacinamide as a separate step. Niacinamide can be used in the AM or PM regardless of whether vitamin C is also in the routine.

The Niacinamide System: Serum Plus Omega Water Cream

One of the most underused advantages of INKEY’s formulation range is that the Omega Water Cream contains 5% niacinamide within its formula. Using the 10% Niacinamide Serum followed by the Omega Water Cream as your moisturiser creates a layered niacinamide system across both the treatment and moisture steps - maximising oil-control, pore-refining, and blemish-reducing benefits across the full routine rather than at a single point.

This is the recommended combination for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin types specifically. For dry or sensitive skin, a different moisturiser pairing is more appropriate - which brings us to the next section.

Want to build this routine and save? The Routine Builder lets you put together your full niacinamide routine and save up to 20%.

With the full routine sequences in place, the next step is adapting them for your specific skin type - because the best niacinamide routine for oily skin looks different from the best one for dry or sensitive skin.

Niacinamide Serum Routines by Skin Type

Niacinamide is genuinely suitable for every skin type - not just oily or blemish-prone skin. The ingredient’s anti-inflammatory properties, ceramide-boosting action, and skin-barrier strengthening effects make it relevant across the full spectrum of skin types and concerns. What changes is not whether to use niacinamide, but how to build the routine around it for your specific skin.

Oily and Combination Skin

For oily and combination skin, niacinamide is the most impactful active you can introduce. Its ability to regulate sebum production, visibly refine the appearance of pores, and reduce the inflammation that drives blemishes makes it a genuine cornerstone of any oil-control routine.

Use niacinamide twice daily for the fastest oil-control results. The signature morning pairing for this skin type is Hyaluronic Acid Serum followed by 10% Niacinamide Serum - hydration without heaviness, oil control without stripping. Seal with Omega Water Cream, which provides moisture and an additional 5% niacinamide without adding shine or weight. Finish the morning with SPF.

Quick AM Routine (Oily / Combination):

For a deeper look at which ingredients work best - and worst - for oily skin, the guide to the best and worst ingredients for oily skin is the most comprehensive resource on this skin type.

Blemish-Prone Skin

The most important thing to know if you have blemish-prone skin is this: do not stop using niacinamide when you are breaking out. A blemish flare-up is precisely the moment to keep going. Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory action reduces the redness and irritation associated with active blemishes, and it works to reduce the conditions that allow new ones to form. It does not cause purging - there is no mechanism by which it would trigger a breakout - so if blemishes appear in the early days of using niacinamide, consider whether any other new products introduced at the same time may be the cause.

For blemish-prone skin, the Salicylic Acid Cleanser (£12 / 150ml) is the strongest possible first step in the routine. Salicylic acid works inside the pore to dissolve congestion and prevent blockages, while niacinamide addresses the inflammation and post-blemish marks that follow. The two ingredients tackle blemishes from complementary angles without overlap or conflict.

For a personalised blemish-prone routine recommendation, the Breakout Analyser Pro takes your specific skin situation and returns a targeted routine - it is the most useful next step for anyone dealing with persistent blemishes.

Dry Skin

Niacinamide is not exclusively an oily-skin ingredient, and it is worth saying that clearly. For dry skin, niacinamide’s ability to support ceramide production - the lipids that form the skin’s protective barrier - and its anti-inflammatory action make it a valuable active regardless of skin texture or oil levels.

The adjustment for dry skin is not in the niacinamide step itself, but in what comes before and after it. Apply niacinamide after a richer hydrating serum - Hyaluronic Acid Serum on damp skin is ideal - to ensure the skin is plumped and comfortable before the active step. Follow niacinamide with a barrier-supportive moisturiser suited to dry skin. For dry skin types, BioActive Ceramide Moisturiser is the better moisturiser pairing than Omega Water Cream, which is formulated specifically for oily and combination skin.

For a full guide to niacinamide and dry skin, including how the ingredient supports the barrier at a deeper level, read is niacinamide good for dry skin?

Quick PM Routine (Dry Skin):

Sensitive Skin

Niacinamide is one of the best actives available for sensitive skin precisely because of what it does not do. It does not strip the skin barrier. It does not cause a purging phase. It does not require a UV-avoidance protocol. It is anti-inflammatory, which means it actively works in favour of reactive or easily irritated skin rather than against it.

If your skin is particularly reactive, starting with once-daily use is a sensible approach - not because niacinamide is likely to cause issues, but as good general new-product practice. Introduce it as a single new addition to your routine rather than alongside multiple other changes, so that any response can be clearly attributed to a specific product.

For sensitive skin, pay attention to the cleanser you use before niacinamide. A gentle, non-stripping cleanser - such as a milk or balm formulation - ensures that the skin is in a calm, settled state before the active step begins. Applying niacinamide to skin that has already been irritated by a harsh cleanser reduces its effectiveness and increases the chance of sensitivity.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Topical niacinamide is widely considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a form of Vitamin B3 - an essential nutrient during pregnancy - it does not carry the restrictions associated with ingredients like retinol or high-strength chemical exfoliants. It can be used in a pregnancy-safe routine without concern in the vast majority of cases.

As with any skincare ingredient during pregnancy, the recommendation is always to consult your midwife or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your individual circumstances. For a full overview of pregnancy-safe skincare, including which INKEY products are appropriate during this period, the pregnancy-safe skincare guide is the most complete resource available.

Not sure which routine fits your skin? The INKEY Skincare Quiz generates a personalised routine recommendation in under two minutes based on your skin type and concerns.

With skin-type specific routines covered, the question most people are asking at this point is a natural one: how long is all of this going to take to actually work?

How Long Does Niacinamide Serum Take to Work? Results Timeline

Niacinamide is not an overnight-transformation ingredient. Results build over time with consistent use, and understanding the realistic timeline is one of the most useful things this guide can give you - because the most common reason niacinamide routines fail is not the product itself, but people stopping before they have given it enough time to work.

There is no purging phase, no adjustment period, and no initial flare-up to push through. The skin does not get worse before it gets better. But for the most meaningful changes - pore refinement, post-blemish marks fading, more even skin tone - the timeline is measured in weeks, not days.

Here is what to realistically expect at each stage:

Days 1 to 7: In the very first week, some people with very oily skin notice that their skin feels slightly more balanced or that midday shine is marginally reduced. These are early signals that the ingredient is working. For most people, however, the first week will not look dramatically different - and that is entirely normal. The work is happening beneath the surface.

Weeks 2 to 4: This is the stage where niacinamide becomes noticeably visible in its effects for oily and combination skin. Oil production is more regulated, shine is reduced, and active blemishes may appear less red and recover more quickly than before. Most people using niacinamide consistently through this period will feel confident that the product is doing something meaningful. Post-blemish marks have not faded significantly yet - that comes later - but the conditions for new blemishes forming are beginning to improve.

Weeks 4 to 6: Clearer-looking skin for blemish-prone skin types. Pore appearance begins to refine visibly, particularly across the nose and chin for combination skin. Overall skin texture starts to smooth. For oily skin, the routine feels genuinely different at this point - less need to blot, a more consistent skin feel throughout the day.

Weeks 6 to 8: Pore refinement is more visible. Skin tone becomes more even. Post-blemish marks - the flat, discoloured spots left behind after a blemish heals - begin to fade with consistent daily use. This is the stage where the longer-term investment in niacinamide starts to pay off visually.

Weeks 8 to 12: The most meaningful changes to hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, and post-blemish marks occur in this window with consistent daily use. Anti-ageing benefits - including improvements to fine lines and skin texture - are also consolidated at this stage. Barrier-strengthening benefits are fully established.

The single most important variable is consistency. Using the 10% Niacinamide Serum every day will deliver meaningfully better results than using a higher concentration irregularly. Frequency and follow-through matter more than concentration.

A note on combined routines: if niacinamide is being used alongside retinol in a PM routine, progress on fine lines and skin texture may be visible sooner and more significantly than with either ingredient alone. The guide to using niacinamide with retinol covers what to expect from that combination specifically.

What does “not working” actually look like? Normal progress is slow and steady - gradual improvements that become obvious in retrospect rather than sudden visible changes. The signs that something is genuinely wrong are different: persistent skin irritation that does not resolve after the first week, a consistent worsening that is clearly linked to niacinamide introduction, or reactions that are disproportionate to a gentle active. These are rare with niacinamide, but they are worth knowing. If you experience these, pause use and consult a dermatologist or skincare professional. If you are simply not seeing dramatic results after two weeks - keep going. You are almost certainly still in the building phase.

For the full science behind how niacinamide produces these results at a cellular level, the complete niacinamide ingredient guide covers the mechanism in detail.

Knowing what results to expect is one side of the equation. The other is understanding what gets in the way of those results - which leads us directly into the most common niacinamide mistakes.

Common Niacinamide Serum Mistakes - And How to Avoid Them

Even with the most effective active in your routine, the wrong application habits can significantly reduce what you get from it. These are not obscure errors - they are the patterns that come up most frequently when niacinamide users feel like their routine is not working. Here is what to watch for.

Stopping when a breakout occurs. This is the most common and most counterproductive mistake. A blemish flare-up is the precise moment that niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties are most useful - reducing redness, calming the skin around active blemishes, and supporting faster recovery. Niacinamide does not cause purging. It does not accelerate cell turnover, so it has no mechanism by which it would draw existing congestion to the surface. If breakouts appear after introducing niacinamide, consider whether another new product introduced at the same time is the more likely cause.

Applying niacinamide over moisturiser. Niacinamide needs direct contact with the skin to absorb effectively. Applying it after a moisturiser significantly reduces how much of the active actually reaches the skin. The correct order is always: cleanser, hydrating serum if using, niacinamide, then moisturiser.

Mixing niacinamide with other serums in the palm before applying. This is worth repeating because it is a surprisingly common habit, especially for people with complex multi-step routines. Mixing actives together before application can alter pH stability and reduce the efficacy of both products. Apply each serum as a separate step, allow brief absorption time between them, and do not combine products before they reach the skin.

Expecting visible results in under two weeks. As the results timeline above makes clear, meaningful changes for most concerns take 4 to 8 weeks of consistent daily use. Stopping at week two because the skin looks the same as week one is the most common reason niacinamide routines are abandoned before they have had the chance to work.

Using a concentration above 10% in the belief that more is more. The evidence for niacinamide efficacy is well established at 10% - it is the clinically validated, daily-use concentration that sits at the intersection of effective and well-tolerated. Going above 10% does not proportionally increase results for most people, and higher concentrations used irregularly will always underperform lower concentrations used consistently.

Skipping SPF. This is not a niacinamide-specific mistake, but it directly undermines what niacinamide is trying to achieve. Niacinamide reduces post-blemish marks and hyperpigmentation over time - but UV exposure actively worsens pigmentation. Without daily sun protection as the final morning step, any ground niacinamide gains on uneven skin tone is being partially undone throughout the day. Daily SPF is non-negotiable when working on pigmentation or post-blemish marks.

Using a harsh or stripping cleanser before niacinamide. The state of the skin at the point of applying any active matters. A cleanser that strips the skin’s natural oils and disrupts its barrier leaves the skin in a reactive, compromised state before niacinamide is even applied. For oily and blemish-prone skin types, the Salicylic Acid Cleanser is designed to clear pores and remove excess oil without stripping - which is exactly the skin state you want going into the niacinamide step.

For a full breakdown of why concentration matters and how niacinamide works at a cellular level, visit the niacinamide ingredient page.

With the mechanics, timing, routines, timelines, and mistakes all covered, the final section addresses the specific questions that come up most often in search - the questions that do not fit neatly into the sections above but deserve clear, direct answers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Niacinamide Serum

How often should I use niacinamide serum?

Daily use - morning, evening, or both. There is no restriction on frequency for niacinamide. Using the 10% Niacinamide Serum once or twice every day, consistently, is the optimal approach for visible results. The more consistent the use, the faster and more pronounced the progress.

Can I use niacinamide serum with retinol?

Yes. Apply niacinamide first, allow brief absorption, then apply retinol as the next step. Niacinamide creates a calming, barrier-supporting base that buffers potential retinol-related dryness and sensitivity - making the combination not just compatible, but genuinely complementary. For the full layering guide and what results to expect from using both together, read the complete guide to using niacinamide with retinol.

Can I use niacinamide serum with hyaluronic acid?

Yes - this is one of the most effective pairings available for all skin types. Apply Hyaluronic Acid Serum first, on slightly damp skin, to draw hydration into the skin. Follow with niacinamide as the active treatment step. The two ingredients work in complementary directions: one hydrates, one treats.

Can I use niacinamide with salicylic acid?

Yes. Use Salicylic Acid Cleanser as the first step of the routine, then apply niacinamide as the treatment serum. Salicylic acid works inside the pore to dissolve congestion; niacinamide reduces the inflammation and post-blemish marks that follow. They address blemishes from two different angles without any conflict or negative interaction. For a full breakdown of how salicylic acid works, read the complete guide to salicylic acid.

Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?

Yes. Use vitamin C in the AM as the first serum step after cleansing, and use niacinamide AM or PM. If both are in the same morning routine, apply vitamin C first, allow brief absorption, then apply niacinamide as a separate step. Do not mix both into the palm at the same time. Apply them sequentially.

Does niacinamide serum cause purging?

No. Niacinamide does not accelerate cell turnover, which means it has no mechanism by which it causes a purging response. It can be used daily from day one, including during active blemish flare-ups. If breakouts appear after introducing niacinamide, consider whether another new product introduced at the same time is the more likely cause.

Is niacinamide safe during pregnancy?

Topical niacinamide is widely considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a form of Vitamin B3 - an essential nutrient during pregnancy - it does not carry the safety concerns of ingredients like retinol or high-concentration acids. Always consult your midwife or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your individual circumstances. For a full guide to pregnancy-safe skincare, visit the pregnancy-safe skincare guide.

How much niacinamide serum should I use per application?

A pea-sized amount is sufficient for the full face and neck. Applying more does not improve results - the 10% concentration is the active component, not the volume of product. One bottle of the 10% Niacinamide Serum at 30ml, used once or twice daily, provides several weeks of consistent use.

Do I need a concentration higher than 10%?

For the vast majority of skin types and concerns, 10% is the optimal daily-use concentration. It is clinically validated, effective, and well-tolerated. Higher concentrations are not proportionally more effective and are more likely to cause sensitivity in people with reactive skin. More is not more. Consistent use at 10% will outperform irregular use at any higher concentration.

Can niacinamide and retinol be used in the same routine?

Yes - in the PM routine, with niacinamide applied first and retinol applied second. The full details on timing, order, and what to expect from both ingredients used together are in the niacinamide and retinol guide.

Your Niacinamide Routine, Simplified

Niacinamide serum is one of the most practical, flexible, and accessible actives in skincare. It works for every skin type. It fits into morning routines, evening routines, or both. It requires no complicated introduction protocol, no UV-avoidance period, and no purging phase. It simply needs to be applied consistently - after cleansing and any hydrating serums, before moisturiser - and given enough time to show what it can do.

The single most important takeaway from this guide: apply niacinamide after cleansing and any hydrating serums, before moisturiser, in the morning, the evening, or both - and give it at least four to eight weeks to show meaningful results. Consistency is the active ingredient here just as much as niacinamide itself.

For the full science behind why niacinamide works - including its mechanism of action, clinical evidence, and complete benefits profile - the niacinamide ingredient guide is the companion resource to this one.

For a personalised routine that matches your specific skin type and concerns, the INKEY Skincare Quiz returns a tailored recommendation in under two minutes.

The most effective skincare routines are not the most complicated ones. They are the ones you follow every day. Niacinamide, at 10%, applied correctly and consistently, is as good a place to start as any.

Shop the 10% Niacinamide Serum - the most practical starting point for oil control, blemish reduction, and a more even skin tone, from £10.

Want to explore the full niacinamide range? Shop all niacinamide products or build your complete routine and save up to 20% with the INKEY Routine Builder.