8 Derm-Recommended Niacinamide Creams for Glowing Skin

Cristina Cianci / MyDomaine

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What Is Niacinamide? Skincare Benefits of Niacinamide Which Niacinamide Product Is Right for Me?

Best Niacinamide Products Frequently Asked Questions

Between deciphering tongue-twisting scientific ingredients and interpreting concentration percentages, reading a skincare product label is intimidating enough to make you panic-buy whichever product is currently at the top of Sephora's best-seller list. But, if you're on the hunt for a buzzy ingredient in your next face cream, consider niacinamide.

To get the lowdown on one of skincare's more common (and impressive) ingredients, we asked dermatologists, Jennifer Herrmann, M.D., F.A.A.D., and Alexis Stephens, plus Mario Badescu's Megan Picurro for all our burning questions on what niacinamide does for the skin. Here, the experts break down everything you need to know about moisturizers with niacinamide and provide eight product recommendations across all budgets, including a $16 drugstore cream that's perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

Meet the Expert

Jennifer Herrmann, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a Los Angeles-based dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. Herrmann graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University and earned her medical degree from Harvard University.
Megan Picurro is the director of marketing at Mario Badescu Skin Care.
Alexis Stephens, D.O., F.A.O.C.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Parkland Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. She is a skin-of-color expert and has amassed over 923K+ followers across her TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube pages.

What Is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a multi-tasking vitamin, and when used topically, it may help alleviate skin sensitivities, build healthy skin cells, and help skin retain moisture, according to Dr. Herrmann. "Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that's used in dermatology for everything from helping to prevent skin cancer to decreasing redness associated with inflammatory conditions like rosacea and acne," she explains.

Niacinamide Skincare Benefits

The benefits depend on the form of niacinamide you decide to add to your skincare regimen, explains Dr. Herrmann: "Orally, this very safe and well-tolerated vitamin has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of both basal and squamous cell skin cancers by boosting DNA repair, finally giving us an option for skin cancer prevention beyond sunscreen and sun-protective clothing."

"Topically, niacinamide helps clear acne, fade discoloration, and prevent aging and skin water loss," she explains. If your skincare concern is acne, niacinamide's anti-inflammatory and anti-sebum production properties are key. If you're looking to remedy discoloration, Dr. Herrmann says it helps prevent the transfer of pigment within the skin, which helps fade brown spots. For anti-aging, some studies have shown it to be helpful in reducing fine lines and blotchy skin irregularities.

Picurro says that niacinamide reduces the appearance of pores and regulates oil production. "Additionally, it strengthens the skin barrier and smooths fine lines, making it a powerful ally for achieving a radiant complexion," she explains.

Which Niacinamide Product Is Right for Me?

Both the oral and topical forms of niacinamide are quite safe, but between the two, Picurro says that topical niacinamide is best for targeting spots. "Topical serums and moisturizers directly affect the skin with higher concentrations, providing faster and more targeted results for specific skin concerns [while] oral supplements offer general health benefits but may take longer to show results on the skin since they are less targeted."

When shopping for niacinamide products, Dr. Herrmann advises examining product labels closely to ensure your skin won't react to any additional ingredients. "If you have sensitive or oily skin, it's important to look at what other ingredients are added to niacinamide products," she explains. "For instance, excess oil can aggravate acne, while alcohol can irritate sensitive skin."

Dermatologist-Approved Niacinamide Products

Below, Dr. Herrmann, Picurro, and Dr. Stephens share their go-to niacinamide products, which range from an affordable drugstore option to a splurge-worthy serum that promises to deliver serious results.

DNA Renewal Skincare Remedy Blend

"This morning supplement helps kick-start your DNA-repair process to significantly combat sun and environmental damage and promote anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses," explains Dr. Herrmann. "It's formulated with turmeric, folic acid, astragalus, mustard seed extract, milk thistle extract, and polypodium leucotomos (a natural oral sunscreen)."

SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

"This is my go-to recommendation if you want to fade unwanted pigmentation," says Dr. Herrmann. "Although it's pricey, it's made with tranexamic acid, resorcinol, and marine extracts that work synergistically to help lighten skin."

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM

"This moisturizing lotion is super economical and perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin," says Dr. Herrmann. "Its hyaluronic acid and ceramides help repair the skin barrier while providing hydration."

OLAY Micro-Sculpting Cream

"I typically recommend the OLAY Micro-Sculpting Cream to my patients because the formula is packed with not only niacinamide, but peptides and hyaluronic acid that help to regenerate the skin surface cells to lift, smooth and repair signs of aging," says Dr. Stephens.

Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Dew Drops

"Our Hyaluronic Dew Drops feature a unique gel-serum hybrid formula that includes niacinamide to balance and rejuvenate the skin to achieve a balanced, glass-like glow," says Picurro. "The dual-weight sodium hyaluronate complex attracts hydration, while thyme extract boosts clarity. This powerful serum can be layered before a moisturizer to leave your complexion deeply hydrated, dewy, and glowing, perfect for achieving petal-soft skin."

100% Pure Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum

"The 100% Pure Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum is excellent for anti-aging and skin brightening as it combines niacinamide with vitamins C, E, retinol, and CoQ10 (an antioxidant that helps generate energy in your cells)," recommends Dr. Herrmann.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

"An on-the-go option I recommend is our facial spray," suggests Picurro. It combines the brightening powers of niacinamide with the hydration of hyaluronic acid and coconut water and the soothing benefits of aloe vera for a radiant glow. Adaptogens help nourish the skin, combat aging, and improve overall appearance, making this spray a perfect addition to your skincare routine for a dewy, refreshed complexion. Best of all, you can use it wherever and whenever."

OLAY Super Serum

"I also love the OLAY Super Serum because the formula combines niacinamide with Vitamin C, Collagen Peptide, Vitamin E, and AHA," says Dr. Stephens. "This blend gives my patients five skincare benefits in just one bottle, streamlining the steps of their skincare routine."

FAQ

Is niacinamide best in as a moisturizer, serum, or taken orally? What's the difference, if any?

"The best way to use niacinamide depends on an individual's specific needs, skincare goals, and preferences," says Picurro. She explains that serums with high concentrations of niacinamide can be very potent and effective for targeted treatment. "But doesn't mean that a moisturizer with niacinamide isn't as effective, especially if you're looking for a more integrated approach to skincare."
Dr. Stephens adds that oral niacinamide is often recommended for patients at high risk for non-melanoma skin cancers, as studies have shown it can reduce the incidence of new skin cancers and actinic keratoses. "Oral niacinamide supports overall cellular energy production and DNA repair," she says. "However, it is essential to consult with your dermatologist to determine if oral niacinamide is the right step for you based on your individual skin concerns and health profile."
Are niacinamide-blended products safe for use? What are red flags to look out for?

Niacinamide is generally considered safe for most skin types and is often blended with other beneficial ingredients since it is non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
But, Picurro says some red flags to watch out for include products with very high concentrations of niacinamide (above 10% can cause irritation in some people), products with high concentrations of acidic ingredients (such as vitamin C in some forms), and products with unnecessary additives, fragrances, or potential allergens (which may cause irritation).
"I wouldn't recommend mixing niacinamide with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) as they have been shown to cause redness and irritation on the skin," adds Dr. Stephens.
How does one incorporate niacinamide creams in their skincare routine?

Niacinamide is simple to incorporate into your routine. Picurro suggests an easy-to-follow regimen: "After cleansing and toning, apply a serum with niacinamide, then follow with a moisturizer that also contains niacinamide for maximum results."
"It's perfectly fine if only one of these products has niacinamide and don't forget to finish with sunscreen for protection during the day," she says. "For an extra boost, you can add an eye cream with niacinamide to help brighten dark circles."
How long does it take before someone sees results in skin from using niacinamide?

"People will generally start noticing improvements in skin texture and hydration within 2-4 weeks of consistent use," says Picurro. "By weeks 8-12 of consistent use, a user will start to notice more significant changes in the fading of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and overall skin tone."

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