№ 1
Glow 9.4
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Best for sebum + pores
The category benchmark at the price of a magazine. Strong on sebum normalisation and pore appearance. Do not exceed once daily.
Editorial Ranking · Skincare · 2026
Best Niacinamide Serums in Australia (2026)
Niacinamide products tested for pore appearance, sebum control, redness reduction, and post-acne pigmentation fade. Across $13 to $190.
6 products tested
April 2026 editorial visit
5-axis Glow Score
0 paid placements
Full ranking · 1 to 6
Glow's full ranking.
Niacinamide is the most quietly effective ingredient in beauty. Boring marketing, real results. The picks below earn shelf space.
№ 2
Glow 9.1
B-Quenched Niacinamide Serum
Best for sensitive skin
10% niacinamide in a barrier-supportive vehicle with hyaluronic acid. The pick for reactive skin that can't tolerate The Ordinary's straight formulation.
№ 3
Glow 9.0
Pure Niacinamide Booster
Best for clinical-grade
Premium positioning, premium absorption. The result is identical to The Ordinary's 10%, just in a more elegant texture. Pay for the texture if you want to.
№ 4
Glow 8.7
Niacinamide 5% Serum
Best for mid-market reliable
Stable concentration, fragrance-free. The pick if you're already in the Dermalogica routine and don't want to introduce a new brand.
№ 5
Glow 8.5
PHA + Niacinamide Peptide Cream
Best for combined treatment
Niacinamide stacked with PHA for gentle resurfacing. Beginner-friendly, fragranced — patch test if reactive.
№ 6
Glow 8.4
Calming Niacinamide Toner
Best for korean-formula benchmark
Watery toner format, layered easily into K-beauty routines. Strong on post-acne marks; less effective on active congestion.
Frequently asked
Common questions.
Can I use niacinamide and vitamin C together?
Yes. The 'they cancel each other out' claim is from a 1960s study with raw nicotinic acid. Modern stable formulations layer fine. Use vitamin C in the morning, niacinamide can join either AM or PM.
How long until I see results?
Sebum and pore appearance: 2-4 weeks. Post-acne pigmentation: 8-12 weeks. Niacinamide is the slowest-acting effective ingredient in the routine.
Why does my skin look flushed after using it?
5%+ niacinamide can trigger histamine flushing in sensitive skin. Drop to 2-4%, or switch to a buffered formula like Paula's Choice.
Should I use it every day?
Once daily is the sweet spot. Twice daily becomes irritating for many users without proportional benefit. Pair with retinol on alternating nights.
More from Glow.
For more skincare editorial, see our Skincare hub, or browse all brands and brand reviews. For our annual edit, see The Glow 100.