Niacinamide, Explained Simply
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It is one of the most researched ingredients in skincare, and one of the most useful, because it works on several things at once rather than doing a single job.
It helps control excess oil, reduces the look of visible pores, calms visible redness and improves uneven texture. It is also well tolerated by most skin types, which is why it turns up in so many routines.
The problem is that "niacinamide serum" now covers hundreds of products at wildly different strengths and prices, and the label rarely tells you what matters. This guide covers what actually makes a difference when you're choosing one.
What to look for
1. The percentage, and why more is not better
This is the part most people get wrong.
Around 5% niacinamide is the level at which you can reasonably expect visible results on oil, tone and texture. Going higher does not scale the benefit in a straight line, and very high percentages are more likely to cause irritation, particularly if your skin is sensitive or new to the ingredient.
10% sits in the useful middle. It is a meaningful, active dose that most people tolerate well as a daily step. If you are starting out, this is the range to look for rather than the highest number on the shelf.
2. What else is in the bottle
Niacinamide balances oil. That is genuinely helpful, but a formula that only balances oil can leave skin feeling tight. Look for a hydrator alongside it. Hyaluronic acid is the usual choice because it draws water into the skin without adding heaviness or oil.
3. The texture
If you have oily or combination skin, texture matters as much as the active. A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum sits properly under moisturiser and makeup. A heavy one works against the reason you bought it.
4. What you can actually verify
Look for a clear percentage on the packaging or the product page. If a brand won't tell you how much of the active is in the formula, you have no way of knowing whether it is doing anything.
Our Niacinamide Serum
We make one niacinamide serum, because we think one well-formulated option at the right strength is more useful than three at different percentages.
10% Niacinamide Serum
Control oil, keep the glow.
A daily serum for anyone dealing with oily or combination skin, visible pores, redness, uneven texture or blemishes.
What's in it:
- 10% Niacinamide helps reduce excess oil, blemishes and redness
- 1% Hyaluronic Acid hydrates and plumps the skin
Best for: oily and combination skin, visible pores, blemish-prone skin, uneven texture and visible redness.
Price: £12
How To Use It
- Cleanse and pat skin until it is still slightly damp.
- Apply 2 to 3 drops to the face, morning and evening.
- Follow with moisturiser.
- In the morning, finish with SPF.
It fits into most routines without much rearranging. If you are layering several actives, apply thinner textures before thicker ones.
What to pair it with
With a lightweight moisturiser. Omega Water Cream is oil-free and water-based, so it hydrates without adding weight. It's a natural follow-on if you're using niacinamide for oil control.
With hyaluronic acid. If your skin is dehydrated as well as oily, layer Hyaluronic Acid Serum underneath for extra hydration.
With retinol. These two work well together, and niacinamide can help offset the dryness retinol sometimes causes. We've covered the detail separately in can you use niacinamide with retinol.
Common Questions
What percentage of niacinamide should I use?
Around 5% is the point where you can expect visible results. 10% is a strong, well-tolerated daily dose. Higher percentages don't deliver proportionally better results and are more likely to irritate.
How long until I see a difference?
Oil control and shine often improve within a couple of weeks. Texture, tone and the look of pores take longer, usually six to eight weeks of consistent daily use.
Can I use it with vitamin C?
Yes. The idea that they cancel each other out is outdated. If you'd rather keep them separate, use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide in the evening.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Generally yes, niacinamide is one of the better-tolerated actives. If your skin is reactive, start every other day and build up.
Can I use it morning and night?
Yes. Twice daily is fine for most people.
