For brighting and acne treating

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Best niacinamide serum on a budget

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

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The OG of niacinamide serums, you could argue that The Ordinary made this relatively unheard of ingredient, an in-demand elixir for anyone looking to overhaul their complexion. With 10% niacinamide and 1% Zinc PCA, it will certainly keep sebum under control and minimise breakouts.

Best niacinamide serum for minimising pores

Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment

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The heftiest dose of niacinamide we've ever come across, this treatment claims to dramatically refine the look of uneven texture and visible pores (where do we sign up?).

The hero ingredient is paired with an antioxidant blend of liquorice extract and vitamin C, to brighten and refine the skin tone and texture.

Best Niacinamide Serum for Acne-Prone Skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin

Now 22% Off

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There'a reason La Roche Posay are always our go-to for great skincare, not only does this serum contain niacinamide, but it's also packed with Salicylic Acid, LHA and Glycolic Acid, making it the perfect formula for decongesting pores and preventing future breakouts.

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Best niacinamide serum for calming skin

e.l.f. SuperRefine 10% Niacinamide Serum

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Who can argue with 10% for £10, and it's got some serious shelf appeal too in this sunny yellow. The concentrated serum combines niacinamide with vitamin b5 and willow bark, for a final product that balances, calms and smooths for daily radiance and minimised pores.

Best niacinamide serum with added hydration

THE INKEY LIST Niacinamide

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This is one of the best niacinamide serums on a budget. The £9.99 serum contains 10% Niacinamide to reduce excess oil, blemishes and redness, along with 1% hyaluronic acid, to deliver hydration to the skin and keep it from getting dry or tight.

Best niacinamide serum for refining texture

Superdrops™ Brightening Niacinamide (10%)

Now 75% Off

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With a hefty 10% niacinamide, this serum is one of most effective we've come across - it helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and promotes elasticity. The formula also helps reduce the appearance of pores while refining and smoothing skin. It's £60 for non-members but just £15 for members. You can get 30 days free membership below.

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Best niacinamide serum for brighter skin

BYOMA Brightening Serum 30ml

Now 58% Off

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Yes this beauty contains our favourite ingredient, niacinamide, but that's just the tip of the iceberg... It's also packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and blend of skin-barrier boosting tri-ceramide complexes.

It's a brilliant all-rounder for brighter, hydrated skin. Oh, and did I mention it's also oil-free, non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty free.

Best niacinamide serum for balancing excess oil

Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

It's hard not to be a Naturium fan-girl tbh, with affordable price points, quality ingredients and beaut packaging, the brand has fast become a go-to on the Cosmopolitan beauty desk. Of course, this serum is no exception, with a whopping 12% niacinamide, plus 2% zinc, this minimises pores and helps to refine and smooth the skin, whilst balancing oil production - win, win.

Best niacinamide serum for Insta-worthy packaging

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

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Not just a pretty face, this Insta-worthy serum has an impressive ingredients line up. Inspired by South Korean skin care, the formula is designed to give you an intense glow instantly, whilst niacinamide works to brighten the complexion over time.

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Best gentle niacinamide serum

Glossier Super Pure

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Formulated with 5% niacinamide, Glossier's offering is a little more gentle than most, making it a better option for people with sensitised skin or dry complexions. Along with niacinamide, it also contains Zinc PCA, to help decongest pores without being overly drying.

Best vegan niacinamide serum

Honest Beauty Calm & Porefect Serum

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Jessica Alba's Honest Beauty brand is known for being formulated without 'questionable chemicals', but that doesn't mean this serum is lacking in clout.

The fragrance-free, vegan formula contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, along with a lipid complex that helps to strengthen your skin's natural barrier. This helps prevent any dryness or irritations and ensures skin stays happy and calm.

Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the , , and content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of and , before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.

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