Niacinamide for Acne: What to Know, According to Dermatologists

This little drugstore bottle made its way to the top of Dr. Portela’s picks in large part because of its affordable price and combination therapy. “It contains gentle retinol as well as niacinamide,” he points out. As a result, it’s going to offer a resurfacing and exfoliation benefit that can help prevent acne—and provide anti-aging benefits. “At around $40, it’s a great value from a reputable company.” (Application note: Because retinol is a star in this formula, use it exclusively at night and make sure to wear SPF in the morning.)

Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Affordable; Contains retinol 

Cons: Fragrant

“CeraVe’s serum contains encapsulated retinol to help reduce irritation, while delivering results for the beginner retinol user,” explains Dr. Portela. “Paired with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide, you will get a boost of ingredients that help repair the skin moisture barrier.” Essentially, the fragrance-free serum has a nice balance of powerful and calming ingredients, which makes it ideal for those who have sensitive or drier skin types. 

Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Affordable; Contains retinol and hyaluronic acid

Cons: Some report a bad smell 

“This is a dedicated 10% niacinamide serum with a lightweight feel,” says Dr. Portela. “It’s easy to combine with other skin care products in your routine.” That said, because it’s so multitasking you’ll probably find that you can cut out a lot of excess. In addition to addressing pores and texture, vitamin C and licorice extract tackle inflammation, redness, and hyperpigmentation. Just one callout: This is a water-like booster, so your best bet is to combine the liquid with your moisturizer of choice.

Pros: Lightweight; Multi-tasking 

Cons: Might be too strong for some

If large pores are the biggest pain point with your complexion, allow me to direct your attention to this Dr. Barbara Sturm masterpiece. It’s not technically designed to reduce acne, but a carefully selected trio of ingredients reduces the congestion and makes a huge difference in your skin’s clarity. Niacinamide obviously steals the show by reducing oil production and preventing less oil from getting clogged up in your pores. Marine plankton extract supports the skin barrier and panthenol, or vitamin B5, provides a little soothing action and reduces inflammation. 

Pros: Helps with large pores; Hydrating 

Cons: Expensive 

Do a simple scan of this cleanser’s name and it’s easy to see why it’s an acne-fighting hero. A combination of salicylic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and glycolic acid team up to address every aspect of breakouts—from preventing ‘em to healing ‘em. Your oil will decrease, your pores will shrink, and your pimples will be dried up. That in mind, this cleanser is pretty intense, so steer clear if you run on the dry side. 

Pros: Contains salicylic, azelaic acid, and glycolic acid 

Cons: Might be too intense for some 

Salicylic acid is the leader of the pack when it comes to addressing active acne—it clears out pores, busts up oil, and gets rid of dead skin cells. The geniuses over at Bliss decided to target both congestion and inflammation, by combining this beta-hydroxy acid with our beloved niacinamide, as well as calming cica and redness-reducing zinc. The end result? A hard-freaking-working spot treatment that quite literally shrinks pimples overnight. 

Pros: Great combination of ingredients; Addresses congestion and inflammation

Cons: Pump can be difficult 

Want bright, glowing skin? You *must* get your hands on this Glow Recipe MVP. Niacinamide is the star ingredient and makes a huge difference in regards to hyperpigmentation. But it’s the inclusion of watermelon and hyaluronic acid that gives the serum a borderline glistening effect. Sometimes I’ll even tap a little extra on top of my foundation for a colorless glow. 

Pros: Glowy; Great for hyperpigmentation; Can be used as highlighter 

Cons: Fragrant 

Sunday Riley’s newest launch is a need—not a want—if you have sensitive, redness-prone skin that craves a little TLC. The niacinamide obviously helps with tone from an inflammation perspective, but an ingredient called trans-resveratrol is really what amplifies the product’s redness reducing powers. Your blotchy tone will all but disappear, hyperpigmentation will begin to fade, and your skin will look more even, calm, and happy after just a few uses. 

Pros: Ideal for redness; Very brightening 

Cons: Dropper is a little messy 

As a rule of thumb, a wash-off product is going to be less intense than a leave-on. But, if you’re looking for just a smidge of niacinamide action, this Naturium cleanser is your best bet. The brand specializes in potent, no-fuss formulas and elegant textures, and this jelly-meets-foaming cleanser is no exception. In addition to giving skin a taste of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, it’s going to effectively remove makeup, oil buildup, and impurities. When all is said and done, your skin will feel clean as can be and look brighter. 

Pros: Affordable; Balancing cleanser 

Cons: Not as powerful as a leave-on 

We’ve talked extensively about how niacinamide is beneficial for oily skin types, but lest we not forget those with the dry skin. The ingredient is still worthwhile thanks to its brightening and smoothing properties. That all said, it’s important to balance out with sufficient hydration, which is where Merit’s plumping serum comes into play. Thanks to four different types of hyaluronic acid and cacao seed (this has a plumping effect, FYI), the skin is left with a moisturized, reflective sheen. 

Pros: Good for dry skin; Plumping 

Cons: A little oily