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Want a serum that's multitasker? Try a niacinamide serum! Packed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties, this can help repair and fortify your skin barrier. It's helpful for skin brightening, pore minimizing, oil control, and even reducing fine lines. They're also safe for all skin types!
With the numerous niacinamide serums in Lazada and Shopee right now, choosing which is the best one could be a daunting task. To help you with that, not only do we have a top 10 list, but we also curated a buying guide with the help of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Meg Sison that outlines the top considerations to get the best niacinamide serum for you.
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
If you are starting on niacinamide serums, you may be wondering: what's the best percentage to start with? What ingredients should it contain? Well, never fear, this buying guide will help you choose which niacinamide serum works for you!
Some serums may differ in terms of how much niacinamide is infused in the product. Depending on what your skin demands, you can always choose what percentage of niacinamide concentration level your serum must have. Below are some examples of these and in what circumstances they work best.
For beginners, it is best to start with the lowest concentration of 2%. Even at 2%, niacinamide can work wonders for your skin. Note that the ease of using a higher percentage depends on your skin type or the specific skin concerns you are targeting.
Anyone can use niacinamide serums as long as they do not experience redness, itching, tingling, or breakout after using the product. Thus, it’s best to look for niacinamide serums within this range to avoid irritation.
Consistency over intensity is key when it comes to skincare. Apply the serum once or twice a day after cleansing and toning. It can take around 6 months to see significant improvements in your skin when using niacinamide, so be patient!
If you’ve been using niacinamide serums for some time, you may slowly transition to a higher percentage if you want enhanced benefits. It’s also worth noting that brands produce niacinamide serums beginning at 10%.
At this percentage, niacinamide provides greater oil and acne control, improves skin elasticity, and further brightens and evens out tone. Still, it’s best to test for irritation before applying a serum on your entire face.
Higher concentration does not necessarily yield better and faster results. It has the potential for increased irritation so it is best to start with the lowest concentration first and see how your skin reacts to the product.
Although there are niacinamide serums at this percentage, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist, especially if you have more advanced skin concerns. Furthermore, using skincare alone may not be enough.
At 20%, niacinamide may cause skin burning, especially if applied improperly. So, it’s best to ask for advice from a dermatologist to determine the underlying causes of your skin concerns.
When choosing niacinamide serums, it is important to consider the efficacy as well as the overall product formulation. When in doubt, consult a board-certified dermatologist for guidance.
Niacinamide is compatible with most skincare ingredients. This allows you to create a customized regimen targeting your needs. You can strategically combine niacinamide with other actives to enhance its effectiveness.
For smoother, glowing skin texture, use niacinamide with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid. The niacinamide helps control any dryness from the exfoliants.
Almost all skincare ingredients can be paired with niacinamide like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, peptides, etc. Look for niacinamide, retinoids, AHAs and BHAs if you are concerned with dark marks and oily skin.
Pairing niacinamide with retinoids helps tackle signs of aging and acne simultaneously. Niacinamide calms irritation that can come from retinoids. Together, they regulate oil production, minimize pores, stimulate collagen, and reduce fine lines and discoloration.
Do remember to check the concentration of the retinoid since it's a potent ingredient! Again, it's best to start low and slow, especially if you're a beginner or have sensitive skin.
Niacinamide, AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids can help even the skin tone and lessen the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. To ensure that the right products work for you it is still best to consult a board-certified dermatologist for an individualized approach to your skin concern.
If dryness or dehydration is a concern, combine niacinamide with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and panthenol. This provides moisture while repairing and strengthening the skin barrier. This helps retain hydration, which is beneficial even for oily skin.
Even if your niacinamide serum has moisturizing ingredients, remember that moisturizer is still essential to your skincare routine. A moisturizer will help lock in the niacinamide serum that you will use.
Vitamin C and niacinamide work together to brighten skin and fade discoloration; they also provide protection from external irritants. Some brands even produce serums that combine both vitamin C and niacinamide!
If you have a sensitive skin and you plan to use both actives, it is best to use vitamin C in your morning routine and niacinamide at night. As niacinamide together with vitamin C forms niacin which causes temporary redness of the skin.
When choosing a niacinamide serum, opt for a formula that suits your skin type. For oily or combination skin, look for a lightweight gel or fluid serum. For normal to dry skin, a serum that has a richer, almost lotion-like texture may be more hydrating.
The serum’s texture should complement your skin’s needs as the right texture allows maximum absorption of the product to the skin to reap its benefits. It should be able to provide hydration without feeling heavy on the skin.
Niacinamide serums typically have a watery consistency, so they can easily set on your skin upon application.
There are also thicker serums which can provide a bit of moisture. However, it still depends on the formulation. If the serum has glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin, etc., then it can contribute to moisturizing the skin. However, it is still best to use a separate moisturizer after applying the serum to lock in the moisture.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Concentration | Best For | Other Key Ingredients | Free From | Benefits | Net Weight | ||||||
1 | Dermorepubliq 5% Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid for Sensitive Skin Serum | ₱269 Low Mid | An Affordable Niacinamide Serum That Can Effectively Brighten Skin | 5% | Sensitive Skin | Hyaluronic Acid, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Cucumber Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Allantoin | Sulfates, Silicones, Parabens, Polymers, Formaldehyde, Artificial Colorants, Artificial Scents | Regulates Oil Production, Calms Breakouts, Minimizes the Appearance of Pores, Reduces Blemishes, Refines Pores, Provides Hydration to the Skin | 30mL | ||
2 | Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum | ₱395 Mid | Get That Glow With A Weightless Serum that Melts Into Your Skin | 10% | All Skin Types | Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin | Fragrance | Refines Skin Tone and Texture, Acne Care, Pore Control, Brightening | 30mL | ||
3 | La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum | Reduce Risk of Irritation With This Hypoallergenic Serum | 10% | All Skin Types | Hyaluronic Acid, Phe-Resorcinol, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water | Oil, Paraben | Brightens Complexion, Reduces Dark Spots, Intenstly Moisturizes, Smoothes and Soothes the Skin, Hypoallergenic Formula | 30mL | |||
4 | Dr. Sensitive Niacinamide 5% + Salicylic Acid Serum | ₱249 Low Mid | Exfoliate Your Skin With This Salicylic Acid-Infused Serum | 5% | All Skin Types | Salicylic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Hyaluronic Acid | Fragrance | Brighten and Refine Skin Texture, Unclog Pores, Gently Exfoliate, Lighten Pigmentation and Blemishes | 30mL | ||
5 | Y.O.U. The Radiance White Nourishing+ Serum | ₱399 Mid | A Dermatologically-Tested Serum With 9 Brightening Actives | 5% | All Skin Types, Dry Skin | Vitamin C, Cotton Rose, Oat Protein, Probiotics, Moringa Seed Extract, Snow Mushroom, Tremella Extract | Alcohols, Common Allergens, Fragrances, Parabens, Silicones, Sulfates | Overall Skin Brightening, Visibly Faded Discoloration, Reduced New-born Sun-spots | 20mL | ||
6 | Luxe Organix Miracle Repair Niacinamide 4% Serum | ₱450 Mid | A Beginner Friendly Niacinamide Serum to Refine Your Skin Tone | 4% | All Skin Types | Vitamin E, Licorice Extract | Alcohol, Paraben | Fades Dark Spots, Brightens Skin, Controls Sebum, Dermatologically Tested | 30mL | ||
7 | Klued 5% Niacinamide Serum | ₱249 Low Mid | Reveal Your Skin’s Radiance With This Straightforward Serum | 5% | All Skin Types | Vitamin E, Ceramides | Fragrance, Paraben, Sulfate | Brightening, Hydrating, Clarifying, Repairing | 30mL | ||
8 | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum | ₱499 High Mid | A Potent Serum to Lighten Dark Spots and Control Excess Oil | 10% | All Skin Types | Zinc PCA | Water, Alcohol, Oil, Silicone, Gluten | Targets: Textural Irregularities, Dryness, Dullness, Visible Shine, Signs of Congestion | 30mL | ||
9 | COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum | ₱645 High Mid | Control Shine and Greasiness With A Serum That Helps Regulate Sebum | 15% | Oily Skin, Acne Prone Skin | N-Acetylglucosamine, Zinc PCA, Allantoin | Fragrance, Parabens | Minimizes Redness, Fades Dark Spots, Acne Scars, Reduces Excess Sebum, Minimizes Appearance of Pores and Blemishes, Visibly Reduces Acne Scars, Non-comedogenic | 20mL | ||
10 | The Inkey List Niacinamide Face Serum | ₱740 High | Has a Lightweight Formula Suitable for All Skin Types | 10% | Combination Skin, Oily Skin | AHA, Glycolic Acid, Anti-oxidants, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Vitamins | Fragrance, Gluten, Paraben, Sulphate | Targets: Breakouts, Blemishes, Dryness, Oiliness, Uneven Skin Tone | 30mL |
Get clear and brighter skin with this serum from local brand Dermorepubliq! This formula packs a punch with its 5% niacinamide, which evens out the skin tone while refining pores and controlling excess sebum production. Additionally, its hyaluronic acid delivers moisture to the skin, helping you achieve plump skin.
This niacinamide serum is gentle enough for daily use, thanks to its formula that's free of harsh sulfates, silicones, and fragrances that can potentially irritate the skin. To soothe and nourish the skin even further, it also contains aloe vera leaf extract.
Concentration | 5% |
---|---|
Best For | Sensitive Skin |
Other Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Cucumber Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Allantoin |
Free From | Sulfates, Silicones, Parabens, Polymers, Formaldehyde, Artificial Colorants, Artificial Scents |
Benefits | Regulates Oil Production, Calms Breakouts, Minimizes the Appearance of Pores, Reduces Blemishes, Refines Pores, Provides Hydration to the Skin |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Concentration | 10% |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Other Key Ingredients | Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin |
Free From | Fragrance |
Benefits | Refines Skin Tone and Texture, Acne Care, Pore Control, Brightening |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Concentration | 10% |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Other Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Phe-Resorcinol, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water |
Free From | Oil, Paraben |
Benefits | Brightens Complexion, Reduces Dark Spots, Intenstly Moisturizes, Smoothes and Soothes the Skin, Hypoallergenic Formula |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Get clearer and brighter skin with this serum from Dr. Sensitive! Its 5% niacinamide content gently brightens dull complexion and improves the appearance of blemishes. It also contains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin by breaking down dead skin cells, improving the appearance of your pores.
However, this product contains methylparaben, a kind of paraben that may potentially irritate your skin. The salicylic acid may also increase sensitivity to sun exposure, therefore, it is recommended to wear sunscreen after using this serum.
Concentration | 5% |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Other Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Hyaluronic Acid |
Free From | Fragrance |
Benefits | Brighten and Refine Skin Texture, Unclog Pores, Gently Exfoliate, Lighten Pigmentation and Blemishes |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Y.O.U.'s serum can help you get a fresh, radiant glow! It contains 9 brightening actives, and all of which offer a variety of benefits, from the reduction of dark spots to skin firming. Plus, it doesn’t contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones, or sulfates!
Vitamin C inhibits melanin production, which will leave your complexion brighter and more even. It also improves your skin's barrier for extra protection. For hydration, tremella extract binds moisture to the skin's surface while facilitating collagen production. This helps you achieve a more radiant and younger-looking skin!
Concentration | 5% |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types, Dry Skin |
Other Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, Cotton Rose, Oat Protein, Probiotics, Moringa Seed Extract, Snow Mushroom, Tremella Extract |
Free From | Alcohols, Common Allergens, Fragrances, Parabens, Silicones, Sulfates |
Benefits | Overall Skin Brightening, Visibly Faded Discoloration, Reduced New-born Sun-spots |
Net Weight | 20mL |
For beginners looking for their first serum, the Luxe Organix's Miracle Repair Niacinamide Serum is an ideal choice for starters. With 4% niacinamide concentration, it falls within the optimum range of 2-5% concentration to gently deliver benefits while minimizing the risk of irritation.
It also contains vitamin E which shields your skin from free radicals, leaving your skin healthier with each use. Free of alcohol and parabens, its lightweight, residue-free texture is safe for all skin types. If you’re looking for a serum to build the rest of your skincare routine around, consider this!
Concentration | 4% |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Other Key Ingredients | Vitamin E, Licorice Extract |
Free From | Alcohol, Paraben |
Benefits | Fades Dark Spots, Brightens Skin, Controls Sebum, Dermatologically Tested |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Concentration | 5% |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Other Key Ingredients | Vitamin E, Ceramides |
Free From | Fragrance, Paraben, Sulfate |
Benefits | Brightening, Hydrating, Clarifying, Repairing |
Net Weight | 30mL |
If you’re looking to free your skin from blemishes and excess sebum, look no further than The Ordinary’s serum! Containing 10% niacinamide, it reduces the appearance of dark spots and acne marks while brightening your complexion. It also has 1% zinc PCA, which helps control oil production, making your skin less prone to acne breakout.
This serum has a vegan formula and does not contain alcohol, sulfates, and parabens that can dry out your skin. It is also free of fragrances, which can potentially irritate the skin. You’ll love its lightweight feel that doesn’t stick to your skin, making it perfect for out hot weather!
Concentration | 10% |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Other Key Ingredients | Zinc PCA |
Free From | Water, Alcohol, Oil, Silicone, Gluten |
Benefits | Targets: Textural Irregularities, Dryness, Dullness, Visible Shine, Signs of Congestion |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Say goodbye to shiny and oily skin with this serum. COSRX now has a niacinamide serumーa highly concentrated and potent serum containing 15% niacinamide. With its sebum-regulating properties, it helps minimize the appearance of pores and reduce oiliness.
Concentration | 15% |
---|---|
Best For | Oily Skin, Acne Prone Skin |
Other Key Ingredients | N-Acetylglucosamine, Zinc PCA, Allantoin |
Free From | Fragrance, Parabens |
Benefits | Minimizes Redness, Fades Dark Spots, Acne Scars, Reduces Excess Sebum, Minimizes Appearance of Pores and Blemishes, Visibly Reduces Acne Scars, Non-comedogenic |
Net Weight | 20mL |
You can never go wrong with the combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. The Inkey List's serum proves this, as it will help control your skin's excess oil while giving it the hydration it needs. It also has a lightweight consistency, so you can easily layer it with your other skincare products.
What's more interesting is that because it is so lightweight, it can be used by all skin types, even those with oily skin. And, it is suitable for everyday use, day in and day out! Furthermore, it is sulfate, paraben, alcohol, and fragrance-free, so that your skin is also free from irritation and redness.
Concentration | 10% |
---|---|
Best For | Combination Skin, Oily Skin |
Other Key Ingredients | AHA, Glycolic Acid, Anti-oxidants, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Vitamins |
Free From | Fragrance, Gluten, Paraben, Sulphate |
Benefits | Targets: Breakouts, Blemishes, Dryness, Oiliness, Uneven Skin Tone |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Meg Sison.
You can! The great thing about niacinamide is that you can use it in any part of your skincare routine. However, it’s best to use a maximum of 2 to 3 products only to avoid irritation, as our skin and humid weather aren’t that suited for a 10-step skincare routine.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to using niacinamide serums. But, generally, if you’re new to using the serum, it’s best to apply it twice a week. You can either apply in the morning, evening, or both.
Use it for two weeks, and if your skin doesn’t react negatively, you can increase it to three times a week, and so on.
Niacinamide does not cause purging because it does not increase the cell turnover of skin cells.
Adding serums to your skincare routine helps target various skin concerns such as dark spots, uneven complexion, acne, excess oil, and more. To look for the right serum for you, check out these links below!
Editor: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Dermorepubliq|5% Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid for Sensitive Skin Serum
No. 2: Good Molecules|Niacinamide Serum
No. 3: La Roche-Posay|10% Pure Niacinamide Serum
No. 4: Dr. Sensitive|Niacinamide 5% + Salicylic Acid Serum
No. 5: Y.O.U.|The Radiance White Nourishing+ Serum
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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