The Best Niacinamide Products in 2021 for Clear, Bright, Calm, Shine-Free Skin

You know an ingredient has “made it” once it starts getting top billing directly in product names. It’s an honor than has often been reserved for the best-known active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C — veteran all-stars that dermatologists have been touting for decades. But lately, one buzzy ingredient in particular has been making its way into bold title font on an increasing number of bottles and jars: niacinamide. 

Regardless of whether or not niacinamide is mentioned in a product’s name, it’s being included and shouted out at an unignorable rate in numerous skin-care products with numerous purposes. That’s because niacinamide has a number of expert-appreciated benefits. “Niacinamide works with your skin’s natural chemistry to improve overall skin texture by rebuilding a lipid layer, minimizing the appearance of pores, and preventing UV damage and inflammation as an antioxidant,” board-certified dermatologist Brandith Irwin previously told Allure. 

A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is also believed to reduce redness, discoloration, and even acne, according to board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick. “In topical forms, it has been shown to reduce sebum production,” she previously told Allure, noting that it’s quite gentle on skin.

With so many reasons to use niacinamide come even more types of products that contain it: serums, creams, body lotions, spot treatments, and so much more. We’ve narrowed it down to some of the best options out there so you can find your ideal way of implementing this universally beneficial ingredient into your skin-care routine.