8 Best 5% Niacinamide Products To Try Out If 10% Doesn’t Agree With Your Skin

Do you experience irritation when using a 10% niacinamide contained-product? Then chances are that you’re experiencing the side effects of high concentration of niacinamide.

Have you thought of using a lower concentration of niacinamide to see how your skin handles it?. Well, if you’re on this page, then you’re probably one of those seeking for a lower concentration of niacinamide product to reap niacinamide’s wonderful skin benefits without incurring irritation. 

This article holds the best 5% niacinamide products, which is known to be the most researched and proven niacinamide’s concentration to minimize excess oil production, reduce the looks of enlarged pores, redness and improve overall skin texture and complexion without causing irritation. 

Talking about research studies, between the concentration of 2% – 5% niacinamide products has been used on studies that have proven to be effective on the skin, while being tolerated by the skin as well. 

A study reported by Tanno et al performed with 120 Japanese women, where comparisons were made among a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 cream with and without 2% niacinamide and the relevant vehicle. As a result of niacinamide treatment, there was a lightening of the skin after four and six weeks, accompanied with improved skin barrier as a result of stimulation of synthesis ceramides, which was noted to be markedly better than the formula without niacinamide.

Another study demonstrates that the long-term application of 2.5% niacinamide can correct the skin surface damage that results from aging. These results were statistically significant compared with the influence of the vehicle alone. 

Another clinical trial using 3.5% niacinamide cream was compared with placebo for four weeks and demonstrated a 14.8-percent reduction in skin roughness.

Moving over to a 5% niacinamide research study, a study was conducted on 50 white female subjects with hyperpigmentation skin issues, poor skin texture, alongside fine lines and wrinkles. They applied 5% niacinamide product to half of their faces for twelve (12) weeks. After twelve (12) weeks of treatment, the report has it that there was an improvement in hyperpigmentation spots, reduction of wrinkles and fine lines, red blotches, and skin sallowness (yellowing), in addition to improvement of skin elasticity. 

Having been informed of the research studies backing-up the concentrations of niacinamide between 2% – 5% being the best niacinamide’s concentration to reap its skin benefits, while not being concern about irritation, let’s dive straight to the best 5% niacinamide products as well as the 2% also. 

But before we dive right into that, if you’re new to niacinamide, know that this star ingredient is a type of vitamin B3 and a water-soluble vitamin that helps control excessive oil production, minimize large pores, Improve skin barrier function and improve overall skin tone which is very beneficial for all skin types but mostly for individuals with oily skin

Best 5% Niacinamide Products To Try Out. 

1. Garden Of Wisdom 5% Niacinamide Serum – Best Overall.

Best 5% niacinamide products

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If you’re seeking a decent 5% niacinamide product, then this serum should come first on the list.

A powerful 5% niacinamide serum to help regulate excess oil production, refine and reduce the looks of enlarged pores, improve skin elasticity, thus reduces the looks of wrinkles, fine lines and improve overall skin texture and complexion. 

Combined with pantothenic acid (B5), to help hydrate the skin and repair the skin barrier, which also expedites the healing process of skin wounds. While avocado biofermentation and sunflower extract support niacinamide to nourish and hydrate the skin. Making this one of the best 5% niacinamide products on the market. 

My experience with this serum is awesome, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Read my full review here

Pros

  • Pocket-friendly.
  • Contains 5% niacinamide alongside skin hydrating ingredients for support. 
  • Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). 
  • Contains no skin irritating ingredients. 

Cons

  • None. 

2. Catrice Hydro Supercharged Serum – Best With Hyaluronic Acid

Best 5% niacinamide products

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A supercharging niacinamide serum, contains 5% niacinamide alongside with 1% hyaluronic acid in three molecular sizes to boost skin surface hydration, while niacinamide does its magic. 

This serum is cosmetically elegant, thus being a perfect choice for individuals who love minimal skincare products. 

Pros

  • Wallet-friendly.
  • Doesn’t contain pore-clogging ingredients. 
  • Contains 1% hyaluronic acid in three molecular sizes to support niacinamide. 
  • Does not contain any skin irritants. 

Cons

  • None. 

3. Inkey List Omega Water Cream – Best Water Cream Formula

Best 5% niacinamide products

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A lightweight water-based moisturizer, infused with 5% niacinamide alongside other interesting skin hydrating and moisture-restoring ingredients such as: omega fatty acid complex, glycerin and betaine that keeps skin replenished of lost moisture and improves moisture retention. If you love your 5% niacinamide product to be in a lightweight moisturizer, then this should be your best bet. 

Pros

  • Pocket-friendly. 
  • Pairs 5% niacinamide with multiple skin moisture-restoring ingredients.  
  • Doesn’t contain skin clogging ingredients. 
  • Doesn’t contain ingredients that irritate the skin. 

Cons

  • None. 

4. Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum – Best For Hyperpigmentation

Best tranexamic acid serums

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Although this product doesn’t only contain 4% niacinamide, but also buttressed with a 3% (previously 2%) tranexamic acid derivative known as cetyl tranexamate mesylate to help tackle hyperpigmentation (dark spots, acne scars and melasma) and improve skin complexion, while niacinamide address the improvement of the skin barrier and its elasticity. 

Although the niacinamide concentration contained in this product isn’t up to 5%, but 4%, which also falls within the range of niacinamide’s sweet spot. 

My experience with the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum was a magnificent one as it cleared the dark spots on my cheek area. Read my full review here.

Pros

  • Product is pocket-friendly.
  • Contains 4% niacinamide, to support tranexamic acid for more effective results. 
  • Won’t clog pores 
  • Doesn’t contain any skin irritant ingredients. 

Cons

  • Has a slim dropper, which makes it difficult to pick enough liquid from the bottle. 

5. Cos De Baha Tranexamic Acid 5% Serum with Niacinamide 5% – Runner-UpBest For Hyperpigmentation

Best 5% niacinamide products

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Similar to that of the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum, here’s another tranexamic acid serum which pairs 5% tranexamic acid alongside 5% sweet-spot niacinamide. For the fact this serum contains 5% niacinamide, makes it a recommended one when it comes to seeking for best 5% niacinamide products. 

This is a powerful anti-hyperpigmentation serum, that targets and zap off skin discoloration like: dark spots, melasma and acne scars. All thanks to its combination of tranexamic acid and niacinamide, both capped at 5% each to render efficacious results. 

If you’re seeking to enjoy niacinamide’s benefits without sustaining inflammatory irritation, then this serum is a good choice. In addition to its content in tranexamic acid, say goodbye to hyperpigmentation if you have one. 

Pros

  • Wallet-friendly.
  • Doesn’t contain pore clogging ingredients. 
  • Amalgamates 5% niacinamide with 5% tranexamic acid. 
  • Does not contain any skin irritants. 

Cons

  • None.  

Best 2% Niacinamide Products. 

6. Beauty Of Joseon Glow Serum – Propolis + Niacinamide – Best With Propolis

Best propolis serums

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From the raving Korean beauty brand – Beauty of Joseon, comes the Glow propolis serum, which contains 60% propolis extract, in conjunction with 2% niacinamide to increase superficial hydration to keep the skin hydrated, control sebum secretion and keeps the skin moist. Also contains 0.5% Betaine Salicylate, a BHA and a fat-soluble exfoliant, which mildly decongest the pores of pore-clogging impurities.

If a 5% niacinamide product doesn’t still go well with your skin, you can try a 2% niacinamide formula, and you can never go wrong with the Beauty Of Joseon Glow Serum.

Pros

  • Wallet-friendly.
  • Unites 60% propolis with 2% niacinamide. 
  • Doesn’t contain comedogenic ingredients. 
  • Doesn’t contain skin irritating ingredients. 

Cons

  • None. 

7. Cos De Baha Hyaluronic Acid B5 (D – D-Panthenol) Serum – Best With Vitamin B5 (D-Panthenol).

Best 5% niacinamide products

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Although this skin hydrating serum is marketed as a hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 (D-panthenol)-based serum which offers deep hydration to the skin. But guess what? It also contains niacinamide at a much lower concentration — 2%. Therefore making this serum a great choice for individuals whose skin couldn’t agree or is sensitive to a 5% niacinamide product. 

Pros

  • Pocket-friendly.
  • Contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 (D-panthenol) and 2% niacinamide. 
  • Deeply hydrates the skin.
  • Doesn’t contain comedogenic ingredients. 
  • Doesn’t contain skin irritating ingredients. 

Cons

  • None. 

8. Cos De Baha Snail Mucin Hyaluronic Acid Serum – Best With Snail Mucin Extract

Best 5% niacinamide products

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Again, from the Cos De Baha brand. This serum contains 82% Snail Mucin or Secretion Filtrate alongside 2% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 (panthenol) to deliver intense hydration and soothing effect to the skin, thus repairing damaged skin and revitalizing dull skin. This is yet another low niacinamide-concentrated serum to consider if you feel a 5% won’t be tolerated by your skin. 

I took the liberty of using this product and I can attest to the fact that all it claims are true. Read my full review here. 

Pros

  • It’s pocket friendly for the size.
  • Pairs 82% Snail Mucin, with 2% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 (panthenol).
  • Intensely soothes and hydrates the skin. 
  • Doesn’t contain comedogenic ingredients. 
  • Doesn’t contain skin irritating ingredients. 

Cons

  • None. 

In Conclusion.

If 10% niacinamide skincare products don’t agree with your skin, maybe it’s best to cut down to a lower concentration 5% or even lower – 2%. As aforementioned, niacinamide concentration between 2% – 5% has proven to be the sweet spot. Anything more may induce irritation, resulting in inflammation. 

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Note: That doesn’t mean 10% niacinamide formulations aren’t effective as well, of course they are. If you’ve been having great results with a 10% niacinamide product, then it means your skin loves it, you can continue using it. (If you don’t experience any inflammatory irritation). But should you experience irritation overtime, you can cut down to a much lower concentration (between 2% – 5%). 
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I’ve been a 10% niacinamide-user for a while now, and I’ve had good experience with the likes of The Ordinary 10% niacinamide serumThe Inkey List 10% niacinamide serum and the Good Molecules 10% niacinamide serum as well. However, I had to cut down to a much lower concentration a 5% using the Garden Of Wisdom 5% Niacinamide Serum and I still reaped the same niacinamide benefits just like I did with the 10%, without the tingling sensation I normally experience while applying the 10% niacinamide serum.

Don’t forget to perform a patch test first prior to commencing full product application and always wear your sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV-rays exposure. Read how to properly apply sunscreen.

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BeautySparkReview utilizes every opportunity to use only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed and experimental research studies, to support the facts within our articles.

1. Hakozaki, & T. [Br J Dermatol]. (2002). The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/

2. Tanno, O. [Br J Dermatol]. (2000). Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10971324/

3. Gehring,  W. [Dermatol, J. C] (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/

4. Bissett, D. L. (2005). Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/
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