Niacinamide

Niacinamide is one of the few actives on this list backed by solid human clinical trials: soothing, sebum-regulating and tone-evening by limiting melanosome transfer. Effective from 4-5%, formulas at 15-20% are mostly marketing. Pairs with almost any active, except AHA/BHA in the same layer.

How to choose

For established dark spots or an uneven tone, a niacinamide serum morning and evening remains the best-documented step, provided you add daily sun protection. For combination to oily skin with visible pores, choose a watery texture or a toner pad, which regulates sebum without weighing the skin down. For sensitive skin, niacinamide is well tolerated up to about 5%; beyond that, a passing flush may appear with no added benefit. The famous "flush" with vitamin C is a myth: the two actives layer without any problem.

Pair it with

Browse our targeted dark spots and dull skin products, our acne and pores selection and our vitamin C serums to complete the work on radiance.