There is no denying that Koreans are revolutionary when it comes to skincare. When Western countries are taking the extreme route, Koreans were using scientifically tested ingredients in the most gentle way possible. There is never a product that I have seen in Korean beauty that can potentially burn my skin off. Today we are going to talk about Niacinamide which is by far one of the most used skincare ingredients in the whole world. It’s cheap, effective, and easily available in various forms.
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Before moving on to the title of the post ” Best Korean Niacinamide Serums”, let’s have a brief about Niacinamide and the things you need to know about it before using a Niacinamide Serum.
Table of Contents
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is essentially a form of vitamin b3 that helps with a plethora of diseases. It is available in many vegetables and raw eggs and even in milk. The main purpose of niacinamide in our skin is that it helps healthy cells to function. Some people get niacinamide as a dietary supplement to help with diabetes pellagra, skin discoloration, and acne control.
What does Niacinamide help with? (Its benefits)
Oily skin Saviour:
Niacinamide helps with acne and oil control. It is an anti-inflammatory product so when used topically on the skin it soothes and reduces the oil which in some cases prevents acne as well.
Skin Brightening:
Niacinamide is one of the most gentle ingredients for skin brightening. It can be used at night or day. It does not make your skin sensitive to the sun but gives a much-needed boost to your dull skin. It somehow prevents the skin from having future hyperpigmentation as well.
Signs of Aging:
A bunch of research studies have shown that people who have used niacinamide regularly have much less sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Reduction of Pores:
Niacinamide also helps with the texture and size of the pore. A lot of people with texture issues have seen a huge increase in shrunken pores. People with eczema-prone skin also have felt lesser itchiness when continuously using niacinamide.
What is the best percentage to use Niacinamide?
The bigger is not better here. It’s proven to give the best results from 4-20%. But some people can get irritated from higher percentages and can feel dry and itchiness. So dermatologists usually recommend 5% which gives the same results as 10%.
Moving on to the list of the Best Korean Niacinamide Serums that have gained the trust of consumers. We also did a list of the Best Niacinamide Serums in India, which features some really great, affordable serums made in India.
Best Korean Niacinamide Serum
1. Cosrx The Niacinamide 15%
This highly potent yet gentle and effective serum from Cosrx will give you maximum sebum and oil control with acne reduction. It also helps future acne from coming in. The pores and texture look to be far less when using this product. This would be extremely beneficial for someone with oily acne-prone skin. In addition to 15% Niacinamide, it has Zinc PCA and Acetyl Glucosamine which is very good for reducing blemishes and hyperpigmentation left by pimples.
Pros:
- A minimalist brand with fuss-free ingredients.
- Great oil and acne-controlling serum.
- Pores look small when using this and texture seems to go away.
- Prevents acne from reoccurring.
- Fades blemishes and pigmentation
- Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and other harmful ingredients.
- They are not tested on animals.
Cons:
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
- Not hydrating or moisturizing.
Where to buy? Amazon.com
2. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
The Beauty of Joseon is one of the “Hanbang” Skincare brands that use traditional Korean holistic herbs in their products. This Glow Serum contains 60% Propolis extract to soothe skin inflammation and impart a dewy glow, and 2%Niacinamide that brightens and lightens pesky sun spots. In addition, it has 0.5% BHA to gently exfoliate and controls excess sebum. This is an underrated product that can give your skin a much-needed facial-like boost. I have personally used this and I can vouch for the facial effect in the morning.
Pros:
- Excellent combo of Propolis, Niacinamide and BHA.
- Minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores.
- Soothes skin inflammations.
- Fades away hyperpigmentation and deep dark spots with continuous use.
- Skin looks healthier than before.
- Dullness can be reduced.
Cons:
- Propolis may not suit everyone.
- Not recommended for sensitive skin
Where to buy? Amazon.com
3. Cos De Baha Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% Serum
This great acne-fighting serum from Cos De Baha isn’t even that expensive like others on the list. It’s a powerful serum that does a great job in oil and acne control and has soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, and Allantoin. It helps with reducing the size of the pores, fades blemishes, and improves skin tone and texture. The formula is also free of all sorts of unwanted things like alcohol, fragrance, etc. If you want to up your already existing lower-strength Niacinamide Serum for a potent formula for better results, this is for you.
Pros:
- Made with 78% Organic Ingredients.
- Great acne-fighting formula.
- Works on oil control as well.
- Helps with uneven skin tone and texture.
- Have soothing ingredients.
- Inexpensive
- Free of fragrance, alcohol, animal ingredients, parabens, sulfates, etc
Cons:
- Not recommended for beginners and sensitive skin types.
Where to buy? Amazon.com
4. Neogen Dermatology Real Niacinamide
The luxury beauty serum is an anti-oxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory, brightening serum with 15% Niacinamide, Ferulic Acid, Alpha Bisabolol, and Zinc. Its silky milky texture is a dream to use. It sinks into the skin quite nicely and leaves the skin nice and smooth. It is very nourishing and is great for all skin types. It targets multiple skin issues and is highly efficient in controlling sebum, lightening pigmentation, tightening pores, and evening out the skin.
Pros :
- Antioxidant formula helps with delaying signs of aging.
- Fades away dark spots and hyperpigmentation quite nicely.
- Hydrating and moisturizing.
- Gives a boost to elasticity and collagen production.
- Fragrance-Free.
- It’s Vegan and Cruelty-Free.
Cons:
- It’s a luxury brand so it’s a bit on the expensive side.
Where to buy? Amazon.com
5. Rovectin Skin Essential Aqua Activating Serum
This hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested serum is every sensitive girl’s dream. It helps with hydration, fades dark spots with continuous use, and reduces texture too. Its lightweight fast absorbing texture is a big hit among consumers. This is more of a Hyaluronic Acid Serum with added benefits of Niacinamide, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin E to provide long-lasting hydration and anti-aging benefits.
Pros:
- Lightweight, yet hydrating and moisturizing.
- Cruelty-free.
- Very gentle on the skin and helps with dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Water-based rich gel so skin looks plump and healthy.
- Fragrance-Free, Alcohol-Free.
- Ideal pH of 5
- Looks good under makeup and skincare.
Cons:
- Not a budget-friendly option.
Where to buy? Amazon.com
6. Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
If you are a beginner with Niacinamide, this Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum is your best bet. With 5% Niacinamide, Squalane, Sea Buckthorn, Papaya, Rice Bran, Allantoin, and Calendula, this serum is great for fading your dark spots and enhancing your skin complexion with its brightening properties. This serum doesn’t do much for oil control, so this would make a good Niacinamide Serum For Dry Skin Types. Needless to say, its beautiful runny gel texture is a pleasure to use.
Pros:
- Great for someone who is looking to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- Moisturizing to an extent.
- Sinks into the skin quite nicely.
- Helps with pores and texture.
- Free of Alcohol and Synthetic Fragrance.
Cons:
- Contains rosemary Essential Oil, which may/may not suit sensitive skin types.
Where to buy? Amazon.com
7. PURITO Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence
Galacto Niacin Essence from PURITO is one of the best Korean niacinamide serums that help with pore health. It has a bunch of fermented ingredients including 92% Galactomyces ferment filtrate along with 5% niacinamide. It not only gives your skin a facial-like brightness but also boosts collagen giving a youthful appearance. This lightweight viscous serum strengthens skin barrier function along with improving skin elasticity and texture.
But on the downside – some people can be allergic to fermented ingredients.
Pros:
- Contains niacinamide, arginine, and allantoin to soothe the skin.
- Sake fermentation helps with Brightening and uneven skin tone.
- It sinks into the skin quite nicely and helps with hyperpigmentation.
- Makes dull rough skin smooth and clear.
- Free of alcohol, perfume, and preservatives.
- Cruelty-Free and Vegan.
Cons:
- Fermented ingredients may not suit everyone.
Where to buy? Amazon.com
8. COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum
The world fell in love with Cosrx Snail Mucin. It’s supposed to be a best seller in 21 countries. But this new line from Cosrx is creating a buzz for its soothing benefits. Formulated with 85% Propolis Extract, and 4% Niacinamide, the blemish-fighting serum is lightweight, sinks into the skin, and gives it a soothing effect. It also helps with hydration and collagen production. It also has COSRX CentellAC-Rx Complex which is a combination of Madecassic acid, Asiaticoside, and Asiatic acid – these help with broken skin barrier and strength the skin barrier function. Glycerine and ceramide present in it is a big bonus to further hydrate and soothe the skin.
Pros:
- Comes with a lot of soothing ingredients.
- Have hydrating ingredients like glycerine as well.
- Boosts collagen production.
- Very lightweight and sinks into the skin quite nicely.
- Skin looks healthier.
- Not tested on animals.
Cons:
- The results can be slow.
Where to buy? Amazon.com
9. One Thing Niacinamide 10%
One Thing is a brand of one-ingredient products. And it makes us wonder if we even need so many activities in our routine. This particular product contains just pure Niacinamide along with solvents and preservatives (you know, this is made with just 5 ingredients). It has an essence-type watery texture that gets absorbed into the skin beautifully. The remarkable 10% Niacinamide makes your skin very bright and takes care of the rough skin texture making it smooth and soft. It’s an affordable option when you compare the price for the quantity offered.
Pros:
- Simple ingredient list.
- Makes your pores smaller.
- It sinks in within a second.
- It makes your skin bright and glowy.
- It soothes breakouts and reduces oil control.
- Doesn’t contain added fragrance
Cons:
- None.
Where to buy? Amazon.com
10. Tiam Vita B3 Source
Formulated with Niacinamide and 2% Arbutin, this serum from Tiam is one of the multitasking products in the market. It reduces hyperpigmentation and dullness but there is little to no hydration. It is tacky when first used but the tackiness goes away within 30 seconds. It helps with oil control and further acne breakouts like many but the product stands out on its own for arbutin percentage.
Pros:
- Makes your skin glow and reduces tan.
- Very thin layer so good for oily skin type.
- Dark spots go away faster than usual.
- Fragrance-free product.
Cons:
- Makes your skin sun sensitive because of arbutin.
- It is not hydrating.
Where to buy? Amazon.com
These are some of the Best Korean Niacinamide Serums out there. We hope you found the one that meets your requirements.
Parama Sarkar is an enthusiastic skincare aficionado with a pen mightier than a wrinkle cream! She has been writing beauty content for TheBeautyInsideout for more than 5 years. She has a keen interest in Korean Beauty and loves experimenting and sharing her beauty experiences with us.
