With the Indian market saturated with so many Niacinamide Serums, it has become a task to choose one among them. This post will help you pick one that particularly suits your skin type. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a versatile ingredient that has proven to have immense benefits for the skin.
Table of Contents
Editor’s Pick:
Best For Oily Skin: Minimalist Niacinamide SerumHighly rated and Best Value For Money. Visible results on enlarged pores, oil control, and acne. Contains 10% Niacinamide and Zinc PCA.Price*: ₹569 for 30 ml. BUY HERE. Best For Dry Skin: Plum Niacinamide SerumNourishing and Soothing Formula with Rice Water and 10% Niacinamide. Instantly brightens and Evens the skin tone with regular use.Price*: ₹499 for 30 ml. BUY HERE. Best For Beginners: Deconstruct Clearing SerumGentle and Effective. Fades acne marks and gives a clear skin. Contains 5% Niacinamide & 2% Alpha Arbutin.Price*: ₹475 for 30 ml. BUY HERE. |
Niacinamide Benefits:
Anti-oxidant:
It’s an excellent antioxidant[1] that repairs UV damage and prevents impact of environmental stresses on the skin. It’s also one of the antioxidants that is stable in light and heat. So you don’t have to worry about sensitivity, in case you miss your sunscreen.
Oil Control:
Niacinamide is great for oily skin types as it can regulate sebum production. Within 4 weeks of use, you can expect controlled oil production.
Anti Acne:
It takes about 8 to 12 weeks for it to work on acne and pigmentation[2]. Niacinamide helps with dark spots and uneven skin tone eventually giving you brighter skin.
Barrier Function:
Niacinamide boosts hydration and strengthens skin barrier function in about 4 weeks of usage[3]. Niacinamide improves overall skin health. In all, it’s an excellent active that is fruitful for acne-prone skin types.
Moving on to the list of Best Niacinamide Serums in India. Serums are usually more potent than gels and creams. If you are a novice to skincare, you could try Niacinamide-Based Moisturizers before trying these.
9 Best Niacinamide Serums in India
1. The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum
I’m sure I’m not the only one who came across the term Niacinamide through this serum. The Ordinary has marveled at us with its brilliant formulation that works within to give us clear and brighter skin. Along with 10% Niacinamide, it contains Zinc PCA which has anti-bacterial activity and also controls excess sebum. This is excellent for bringing luminosity to your skin. It is one of the most popular Niacinamide Serums out there for combating congestion, excess sebum, blemishes, and future breakouts.
Read Full Review: The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Low pH, stable formulation. | 1. It can be a bit costly if you choose to buy in India. But still worth it. |
| 2. Water-based lightweight serum. | |
| 3. Visibly brightens up the skin. | |
| 4. Reduces pigmentation and blemishes. | |
| 5. Increases skin elasticity and gives a natural glow. | |
| 6. Free of fragrance, silicones, alcohol, oil, nut, and gluten. |
Where to buy it?
2. Minimalist Niacinamide Serum
This is considered to be a dupe of the above The Ordinary Niacinamide. Packed with pure Vitamin B3 and antibacterial Zinc, the Minimalist Niacinamide Serum is a nourishing serum that not only helps with pigmentation but also boosts dermal immunity and keeps your skin resilient and healthy. This is one of the Best Niacinamide Serums in India that is known to deliver excellent results at an affordable price.
Read Full Review: Minimalist Niacinamide Serum
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Oil-free Aloe Based Serum. | 1. None |
| 2. Low pH of 5.5-6.5 suits all skin types. | |
| 3. Unclogs pores and refines skin texture. | |
| 4. Brightens and makes skin look so soft and smooth. | |
| 5. Fades acne scars. | |
| 6. Fragrance-Free, Cruelty-Free & Vegan. |
Where to buy it?
3. Plum 10% Niacinamide Serum
Niacinamide serums are usually formulated for oily skin, but if you want to reap the benefits of Niacinamide such as brightening, anti-aging, and skin barrier repair for your dry skin, this is the best choice. It’s a lightweight serum yet it is extremely nourishing that it doesn’t leave the skin dry.
In addition to 10% Niacinamide, it has Rice Ferment Extracts that smoothen skin texture and Licorice Extract soothes inflammations and also brightens the skin.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Silky, lightweight, fragrance-free serum | 1. Can be heavy for oily skin types. |
| 2. Contains Rice Water and Licorice in addition to Niacinamide. | |
| 3. Brightens and Improves skin complexion. | |
| 4. Fades blemishes and dark spots. | |
| 5. Makes skin bright and healthy. | |
| 6. Suitable for all skin types. |
Where to buy it?
4. Deconstruct Clearing Serum
This Deconstruct Clearing Serum is one of my favorites to eliminate post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. With 5% Niacinamide and 2% Alpha Arbutin, this is suitable for beginners and sensitive skin types. Alpha Arbutin which is a tyrosinase inhibitor reduces melanin and lightens dark marks effectively. Just like its name, this gives you clear blemish-free skin.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Effective on PIH. | 1. None |
| 2. Fragrance-free, light serum. | |
| 3. Does not irritate the skin. | |
| 4. Fades away dark marks. | |
| 5. Skin looks bright and glowy. | |
| 6. Suitable for all skin types. |
Where to buy it?
5. Niamax D Gel
This is the only pharmacy skincare product with niacinamide that we love. It has the optimal percentage(4%) of Niacinamide that is beginner-friendly yet effective on the skin. It tones down inflammations and redness surprisingly well. It strengthens and repairs damaged skin and is great to have handy if you tend to use chemical exfoliators.
Though it says gel, it is to be used in the serum step and followed by a moisturizer. You cannot use this like other Niacinamide Based Moisturizers
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Recommended by Dermatologists | 1. Pharmacy type scent. |
| 2. Lightweight, gel-based. | |
| 3. Simple and Short Ingredients used. | |
| 4. Strengths skin barrier. | |
| 5. Works on repairing damaged skin. | |
| 6. Affordable. |
6. Cosrx The Niacinamide 15%
If you are struggling with acne, stubborn acne marks, and hyperpigmentation, this high-strength Korean Niacinamide Serum might be useful. Recommended for intermediate users, it has the highest percentage of Niacinamide in an over-the-counter product. Get it only if your skin is used to at least 10%.
It’s highly effective for acne since it’s combined with Zinc PCA soothes inflammations and N-acetylglucosamine which fades away dark marks efficiently.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Powerful and Effective. | 1. Strictly not for new users of Niacinamide. |
| 2. Total Acne care product for all things acne. | |
| 3. Minimizes Pores, Reduces Sebum and Provides Good Oil Control. | |
| 4. Fades Blemishes and Gives Clear Skin. | |
| 5. Free from Alcohol, Fragrance, Parabens and Colours. |
Where to buy it?
- Limese.com (Use Code: TBIO for an extra10% off)
7. The Derma Co Niacinamide Serum
If your major concern is acne and acne marks, then this is the one for you. The Derma Co Niacinamide Serum has an effective formulation to fight acne and fade acne marks. It’s a pretty good serum with 10% Niacinamide & Zinc and does what it’s supposed to do by improving overall skin health. This serum has received many positive reviews from its consumers.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Good texture & consistency, absorbs quite quickly with no tackiness. | 1. Contains added synthetic fragrance, which may not suit everyone. |
| 2. Fades fresh acne marks significantly. | |
| 3. Reduces the appearance of pores. | |
| 4. Improves overall skin health. | |
| 5. Dermatologists Tested. | |
| 6. Free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, and dyes. |
Where to buy it?
8. Suganda Niacinamide Serum
Suganda Niacinamide Serum is a beginner-friendly serum that has 5% Niacinamide. Additionally, it has 0.2% Madecosasside (Cica) to soothe the skin and Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid to boost hydration without excess oiliness. If you are looking for something for oil control and regulate excessive sebum secretion, this is a good choice.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Water-based, lightweight, and non-sticky. | 1. May not work for some, due to its mild concentration. |
| 2. Excellent for oily skin. | |
| 3. Rich in soothing ingredients. | |
| 4. Controls sebum production. | |
| 5. Improves the appearance of pores, acne marks, and textured skin. | |
| 5. Good for beginners. |
Where to buy it?
9. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum
If you are looking for a solid Niacinamide Serum with anti-aging benefits, you can blindly trust Olay. After all, Olay is the leader of Anti-Aging Skincare. This Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum is infused with 99% Pure Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, and Vitamin E. It contains 4% Niacinamide which is strong enough to show results while being gentle on the skin. You don’t always need a 10% Niacinamide Serum. The serum is highly effective in reducing aging signs in about 4 weeks.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Trustworthy brand. | 1. Expensive. |
| 2. Boosts cell turnover and collagen production. | 2. Contains synthetic fragrance. |
| 3. Increases elasticity and firms up the skin. | |
| 4. Hydrates and plumps up the skin. | |
| 5. Diminishes wrinkles and fine lines. | |
| 6. Works well under makeup. |
Where to buy it?
10. Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
If you are into luxury beauty and up for a splurge, then this Paula’s Choice Booster is what I’d recommend. It is a magic potion in a bottle that is said to dramatically improve uneven skin tone. It’s power-packed with 10% Niacinamide, Allantoin, Licorice Extract & Vitamin C to give you results within a few days of usage.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Clear, watery, lightweight, non-sticky serum. | 1. Well, it’s a high-end brand, so it’s super expensive. |
| 2. Promotes brighter, younger-looking skin. | |
| 3. Minimises the appearance of pores. | |
| 4. Refines skin texture. | |
| 5. Strengthens skin’s protective barrier. | |
| 6. Fragrance-Free |
Where to buy it?
These are some of the Best Niacinamide Serums in India.
Have you tried any of these? Let us know your favorites in the comments section below.
Article References
Levin J, Momin SB. How much do we really know about our favorite cosmeceutical ingredients? J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb;3(2):22-41. PMID: 20725560; PMCID: PMC2921764.
Walocko FM, Eber AE, Keri JE, Al-Harbi MA, Nouri K. The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment. Dermatol Ther. 2017 Sep;30(5). doi: 10.1111/dth.12481. Epub 2017 Feb 21. PMID: 28220628.
Boo, Y.C. Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 1315. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10081315
Safiya is the editor and founder of TheBeautyInsideOut. With 7 years of experience in the beauty industry, she has been contributing content since its inception in 2016. She’s keen on trying out skincare from various verticals – be it Western skincare, Korean beauty, or Indian Ayurveda and sharing their unbiased opinions on them.
