Niacinamide Serums Guide: 5%, 10% or 20%?
Niacinamide is the most versatile ingredient in K-beauty. Here is how to choose the right strength for your skin.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is in almost every Korean brand's line-up because it does a bit of everything: balances oil, supports the skin barrier, softens the look of pores and helps even out dark marks. It suits nearly every skin type, which makes it a great first active.
Which strength should you choose?
- 2 to 5%: the sweet spot for most people and for sensitive skin. Many toners and creams sit here.
- 10%: stronger for oiliness and marks; still well tolerated by most.
- 15 to 20%: for experienced users with stubborn pigmentation or very oily skin. More is not always better; if you feel stinging or see redness, step down.
Best niacinamide serums
Beginner-friendly
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide 30 ml and Anua Peach 70% Niacinamide Serum 30 ml pair niacinamide with soothing, hydrating ingredients.
10% strength
Jumiso Niacinamide 10 Serum 40 ml, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Niacinamide 10 Boosting Shot Ampoule 30 ml and Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum 30 ml, which adds tranexamic acid (TXA) for dark spots.
High strength
Dr. Althea 15% Niacinamide Purity Serum 30 ml, Medicube TXA Niacinamide 15 Serum 30 ml and Jumiso Niacinamide 20 Serum 40 ml.
What to pair it with
- Great with: hyaluronic acid, centella, PDRN, peptides, retinol, sunscreen.
- Vitamin C: fine together for most people; old concerns about them cancelling out are outdated. If you are sensitive, use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night.
Niacinamide beyond serums
Toners and pads make it easy to add: Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pad 60 Pads, Medicube PDRN Pink Niacinamide Milky Toner 150 ml or Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad 70 Pads. For the body, try APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Body Wash 300 ml.
Shop more in K-beauty for Dullness & Dark Spots and K-beauty for Pores & Oil Control.
Frequently asked questions
Is 20% niacinamide too strong?
For many people, yes. Most benefits appear at 5 to 10%. Use 20% only if lower strengths are well tolerated and you want a stronger effect on oil or pigmentation.
Can I use niacinamide every day?
Yes, niacinamide is suitable for morning and evening use.
