Korean skincare products are being increasingly popular all over the world and it’s not difficult to understand why. Koreans have such a great, healthy skin with that special glowing complexion. But they work pretty hard for it – having their famous Korean skincare.
Serum represents a highly important step in the Korean skincare routine and it is a real cure for dull skin.
You may choose among different types of serums – vitamin C serum, niacinamide serum, hyaluronic acid serum, or even mix of these (and other) ingredients (I know, “how do you choose just one?!”).
In this article I’m going to focus on niacinamide serums. They have so many benefits, especially for those of you that fight hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
But that’s not all. Niacinamide can improve your skin tone and skin texture, plus it has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties (if you’re wondering how long does it take for niacinamide to start giving effects read this article).
I know it’s quite hard to choose the right facial serum – you surely don’t want to end up with skin irritation. No one wants that risk, right?
You need to choose a product that is not harsh for your skin but contains ingredients your skin needs. Plus, you need to be careful about your skin type.
Not all niacinamide serums are good for all skin types, due to their additional ingredients. I know it sounds overwhelming…
For this reason, I prepared a list of the safest – and best Korean niacinamide serums.
I hope that my list will help you decide and save your time (that you would probably spend for searching the right niacinamide serum), and save your money from buying the wrong products, too!
So, let’s see what’s the best Korean niacinamide serum for you.
6 Best Korean Niacinamide Serums – Ranking
To make the decision easier for you, I narrowed down the choice to the six best niacinamide serums in Korean skincare. Let’s begin.
1. NEOGEN DERMALOGY Real Niacinamide 15% Serum
Our verdict: Best niacinamide serum for dark spots and blemishes
This is definitely one of the best Korean niacinamide serums, which actually has three functions.
The first one is – it brightens your skin, the second – it helps you fade hyperpigmentation, and the third – it controls sebum production, helping you accomplish blemish and pimple-free skin.
And it does so in a completely safe manner, as it is free from harsh chemicals.
All thanks to its active ingredients, which, besides niacinamide, include arbutin and ferulic acid.
Arbutin works by inhibiting the expression of the precursor of melanin pigment, inhibiting melanin production.
On the other hand, ferulic acid protects your skin from active oxygen, which stimulates melanocytes (skin cells that are responsible for melanin production). That’s great for your skin barrier.
Therefore, the end result is – a reduced hyperpigmentation and dark spots (as lower risk of new ones!).
Why You Will Love It?
- Immediate (great) results
Women who have been using niacinamide serum by Neogen claim they noticed immediate results, giving them glowing complexion.
Furthermore, they noticed that this niacinamide serum reduced the size of their pores and acne appearance almost immediately.
- Texture so light and smooth
This is a very lightweight serum but still does its job perfectly. It goes on smooth – and makes your skin even smoother without that feeling of heaviness.
- Skin loves it
If you have a combination skin type, you know how difficult it may get to find the right product for your skincare routine.
According to product reviews, this is one of the best Korean niacinamide serums for combination skin types. Most women who said it worked perfectly for them – have this skin type.
But, it is not merely combination skin. This niacinamide serum works great for any skin type, including sensitive skin types (it passed dermatological, and skin irritation tests), dry skin, and oily skin.
Keep In Mind
Although the product is really great, it is rather on the higher end. But, because it is really effective, it’s still worth trying.
2. COSRX Niacinamide 15% Face Serum
Our verdict: Safest Korean niacinamide serum for acne-prone skin
First of all, what’s really great about this Korean serum is that there was a small clinical trial on its effectiveness – and safety.
The results of this trial showed that it really helped with sebum production, oils, acne (both black- and whiteheads), and with pigmentation and complexion.
We like nerdy when it comes to our skin, right?
Besides niacinamide, this glow serum contains N-Acetylglucosamine (NAG) which aids niacinamide to fade hyperpigmentation.
Another ingredient is zinc which has anti-inflammatory benefits and helps in repairing skin damage.
Besides, it contains allantoin which promotes collagen production – which in turn helps your skin to regenerate.
Why You Will Love It?
- No more dull skin
If you read the reviews of women who use this niacinamide serum you will see they report the dullness and uneven skin tone disappeared when they started using niacinamide serum from COSRX.
They say there is a visible difference and brighter skin right away.
- Acne safe
Not only it is (clinically proven) non-comedogenic and doesn’t clog your pores.
It helps you get rid of the existing acne and helps you reduce the appearance of acne scars. Thanks to its active ingredients, it suits best acne-prone skin.
Plus, it is non-greasy, so if you have oily skin, it will not feel heavy on you.
Keep In Mind
If you are not a fan of scents, then you might not like the scent of this serum. Some women were bothered by its smell, but you probably have to – just get used to it.
3. TIAM Vita B3 Source (10% Niacinamide Serum)
Our verdict: Affordable brightening niacinamide serum
This niacinamide serum with brightening properties represents a great option for all of you with uneven skin tone and dark spots.
It suits all skin types, so you may rest assured it will do no harm to your skin – even sensitive skin.
What differentiates this glow serum from other ones – it contains 2% arbutin which has skin-brightening abilities and may give you a more even, radiant complexion.
Together with niacinamide (or vitamin B3 – as is in its name), it does miracles to your skin – with zero harsh chemicals.
Allantoin has a protective role, to keep you from irritated skin.
Why You Will Love It?
- Scentless
For those of you who are not fans of scents – go for it. This serum is unscented, feeling so natural on your face.
This is especially important to those of you with sensitive skin (+ it passed irritation tests – causing no skin irritation!).
- Affordable
For such a great serum and that much of the serum (the packaging contains 40ml of it), it is a great deal. Definitely worth trying.
Keep In Mind
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it would be best to avoid any products with arbutin, including this serum. There will be enough time for it.
4. Cos De Baha Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% Serum
Our verdict: Best Korean niacinamide serum for dry skin
If you have enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, or acne prone skin, this might be a great fit for your face.
This Korean niacinamide serum with zinc helps brighten skin and reduce wrinkles and fine lines, too. Sounds wonderful, am I right?
Also, if you have a compromised skin barrier – and your skin looks feels itchy, flakey, or is overly thin, this serum will have healing properties and help you deal with such issues.
At the same time it will provide hydration and treating hyperpigmentation. Plus, it will strengthen your skin barrier.
It is natural, free from all harsh chemicals, including paraben, gluten, formaldehyde, artificial colors, fragrances, sulfate, and alcohol.
Why You Will Love It?
WaterAloe vera based
Instead of being based on water like most other products, it is rather based on aloe vera extract.
This is the first ingredient of the serum – and the reason it feels thicker than other serums. Aloe vera has so many benefits for your skin.
It keeps your skin hydrated, helps soothe skin injuries and sunburns and fade dark spots, helps with acne (great for acne-prone skin), and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What else would you need?
- Drop, two, happy you
A little of it goes a long way. According to women who use this serum, you will only need one or two drops to cover your entire face!
And you will soon see your enlarged pores getting smaller, improving your overall appearance.
Keep In Mind
Apparently, this serum, due to its consistency and texture appears a bit sticky, but the stickiness doesn’t linger on your skin, so it’s fine!
PRO TIP: Because of these two main ingredients: niacinamide and zinc, I’ve picked this serum as one of the best Korean serums for acne prone skin. It helps to lighten acne scars, get rid of zits and prevent new breakouts.
If you’re dealing with pimples, make sure to check out my full ranking of the best Korean acne serums!
5. Beauty Of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
Our verdict: Amazing Korean niacinamide serum for sensitive and irritated skin
As it name implies – this glow serum contains propolis extract, too, in addition to lower dose of niacinamide.
So, those of you with sensitive skin, who doesn’t take highly concentrated serum with too much niacinamide so well – give it a try with this serum.
Thanks to the propolis extract, this serum provides a great hydration to your skin, reducing signs of skin inflammation and irritating.
Additionally, it contains BHA, a fat-soluble exfoliant, that removes excessive sebum and dead skin cells from your skin.
Why You Will Love It?
- Glow serum – is really glow serum
According to women who use this serum, your skin will – actually be glowing amazingly after using it.
This glow serum leaves the skin very smooth, bright, while giving you a subtle glass skin effect you will love.
- Consistency matters
Besides being beneficial for your skin, it has a great consistency which makes applying this vitamin B3 serum much easier.
A little goes – smoothly – a long way, and it doesn’t leave any sticky or greasy residue. Women love its consistency and texture.
Keep In Mind
Some women reported issues with the packaging, and that some of the product leaked out while being transported to them. But – it happens.
6. MANYO Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule
Our verdict: Best K-beauty niacinamide serum that strengthens skin barrier
This is technically not a serum – it is an ampoule that fortifies the skin barrier and is just as effective as serums are. But what is so special about this ampoule?
It contains probiotics, which strengthen the skin barrier and helps the skin restore its complexion.
Besides, it contains hyaluronic acid which keeps your skin moisturized, while helping you to rejuvenate.
If you want to fight aging and reduce your wrinkles and fine lines, or simply want to improve your skin’s elasticity, you will definitely benefit from this ampoule, resting assured it is free from the harsh ingredients.
Why You Will Love It?
- No redness, no irritation
Apparently, women who experienced skin sensitivity, with redness and irritation – experienced the opposite with this ampoule.
It rather helped them clear the redness and irritation that was already there – and actually “fixed” their skincare concerns and calmed their skin.
BTW: No burning! Yaaay!
- Dewy skin
This is one of those skincare products that is just – a must-have, as it leaves your skin healthy and dewy. And yes, it works perfectly even on sensitive skin. Plus, it’s really funny to apply it.
Keep In Mind
While it works really well, this Korean niacinamide ampoule is a little bit expensive.
Final Decision: What Niacinamide Serum Is Best In Korea?
Now you’ve read about best Korean niacinamide serums, you are probably wondering – which one is the best?
Before I answer, please note, that it greatly depends on your skin and other factors. Some of them are more affordable than others, for example. But, they all have their own skincare benefits.
For best niacinamide serum from the list, I would choose this NEOGEN DERMALOGY Real Niacinamide 15% Serum. It has a great ingredients list which is suitable for all skin types, and especially combination skin. It has a higher concentration of niacinamide – so it should do its job nicely.
Another favorite – although technically not a serum, is this MANYO Ampoule. It is highly effective, with so many benefits for your skin.
K-Beauty Niacinamide Serum – FAQ
Finding the right niacinamide product (including serums) can be quite challenging.
There are probably so many questions about which Korean serum is best for you. And I will answer some of the most frequently asked ones.
What Is Niacinamide Serum & What Are Its Benefits?
Niacinamide (or vitamin B3) has so many skincare benefits. Besides helping you to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, it brightens and evens out your skin tone, improving overall complexion.
If you have dull skin with dark circles or have that boring dark spots, it is definitely a must. For others, try it yourself and when you note the difference – you will decide yourself.
Niacinamide itself can be used to prevent skin aging from the age of 30.
However, anyone older than 18 can use it, regardless of their skin type. I would say that the best age to start using niacinamide is around 25, when collagen production starts to slow down.
What % Of Niacinamide Is Most Effective?
A high concentration of niacinamide is definitely more effective. However, it is recommended to start with lower concentrations and gradually increase it as your skin adjusts.
Another important thing to do before you start trying niacinamide serums – do the patch test before using it, as with any other (Korean) skincare products for the first time.
Do Koreans Use Niacinamide?
Yes, Koreans use niacinamide serums in their skincare routine. Niacinamide works great and they definitely know how to use its benefits.
Which Korean Brand Is Best For Niacinamide Serum?
The single choice depends on you. Please, just make sure the brand is reliable, and uses natural ingredients, skipping all those nasty chemicals.
From my personal experience, NEOGEN DERMALOGY and COSRX are two best Korean brands for niacinamide serum.
What To Look Out For In The Best Korean Niacinamide Serum?
When choosing the best niacinamide serum for yourself, see the concentration of niacinamide itself, but make sure the product contains other beneficial ingredients, depending on your skin type.
Your Korean niacinamide serum of choice should contain niacinamide ALONG WITH other ingredients to help with oiliness and/or dryness.
Go through the abovementioned serums and check the ingredients for your skin concerns.
For example, if you have dry skin, you would want to find a serum containing hyaluronic acid. If you have acne-prone skin, you would look for zinc-containing serums, and so on.
How Often Should I Use Niacinamide Serum?
Generally, you can use Korean niacinamide serums every day, twice a day – in your morning and evening skincare routines.
They are (in most cases) gentle enough, and well-tolerated in general.
However, if you’re just starting, start with a less frequent schedule, like every two days, and gradually increase the frequency of use to avoid irritation.
How To Use Niacinamide Serum In The Right Way?
Korean niacinamide serums are gentle and non-harsh, so they may be used twice daily as I said.
You should apply it as a part of the Korean skincare routine, after cleansing and toning your skin, but before moisturizing it. Koreans have their skincare steps for a reason.
Read our article about the 5-step Korean beauty routine – it’s way shorter than the full 10-step routine and includes all the most important steps (like cleanser, serum and moisturizer).
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority. This article contains affiliate links.
Sources of pictures:
- Pictures of NEOGEN DERMALOGY Niacinamide Serum belong to NEOGEN DERMALOGY Brand. Source: https://neogenlab.us/
- Pictures of COSRX Niacinamide Serum belong to COSRX Brand. Source: https://www.cosrx.com/
- Pictures of TIAM Vita B3 Serum belong to TIAM Brand. Source: https://tiamglobal.com/
- Pictures of Cos De Baha Niacinamide + Zinc Serum belong to Cos De Baha Brand. Source: https://www.cosdebaha.com/
- Pictures of Beauty Of Joseom Glow Serum belong to Beauty Of Joseon Brand. Source: https://beautyofjoseon.com/
- MANYO Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule belong to MANYO Brand. Source: https://manyo.us/