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A jack-of-all-trades skincare ingredient.
Byrdie / Alli Waataja
Byrdie / Alli Waataja
In This Article
Dealing with, well, any kind of complexion concern?
Its gentle enough for sensitive skin, too, so it belongs in almost any beauty cabinet.
After consulting with a board-certified dermatologist we landed on these brightening all-stars.
PHOTO: Drunk Elephant
What We Don’t Like:Can be runny and watery.
key in:Illuminating serum|Size:1 oz.
It ended up exceeding my expectations by addressing more problems than I thought was possible.
Byrdie / Alexa Jade Frankelis
It had no scent and didnt irritate her skin in the slightest.
Plus, all she needed to use was a pea-sized amount to cover her whole face.
Immediately after using it, her skin looked luminous (thank you, golden illuminating pigments).
PHOTO: Sephora
What We Don’t Like:Can be slimy at first.
Review:This product is definitely worth the hype.
My complexion is more radiant overall.
Byrdie / Hannah Berg
What We Don’t Like:Can tingle during first few uses.
Review: My skin became significantly more radianttheres now a luminous quality to it.
My favorite part about the serum is how the results build over time.
PHOTO: Sephora
This product has two major pros: its lightweight and effective.
The consistency of the serum is thin and milky, but never runny.
While the serum is gentleit containsprovitamin B5, an ingredient that protects theskins barrierand shields it from irritation.
Byrdie / Ali Webb
The sensation disappeared altogether when her skin became acclimated to the serum.
After a few weeks, her complexion was rejuvenated and some of her hyperpigmentation marks had faded.
What We Don’t Like:Can feel tacky before it dries down.
PHOTO: Cosrx
Review:This serum took care of acne scarring that would have otherwise taken a long time to heal.
My skin evened out and there are fewer spots, scarring, and active acne breakouts.
I recommend this to anyone who hasacne scarring, post-acne hyperpigmentation, or large pores.
Byrdie / Drea Bocook
The initial consistency of this product is thin and somewhat tacky right out of the bottle.
However, once it comes in contact with the skin, it spreads easily and sinks in quickly.
A dime-sized amount is more than enough, and it layers beautifully with other skincare products.
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Don’t Like:Small bottle.
jot down:Serum |Size:0.67 oz.
It softened and smoothed my texture and controlled inflammation better than anything similar that Ive tried.
Byrdie / Mollie Pendexter
My skin looks glowy, clearer, and more plump after using this product.
When I wore the serum overnight, I woke up with bouncier-looking skin, she said.
When I wore it during the day, it added life to my skin.
PHOTO: Sephora
What We Don’t Like:Can take a few minutes to fully sink in.
Review:My skin looked more radiant and even-toned.
I struggled with some texture before testing, but this made my whole face feel smoother and softer.
Byrdie / Arnesia Young
Plus, the discoloration on my cheeks is less noticeable.
The consistency is that of a light to medium-thick gel.
Its not runny but once you spread it, it thins out and goes on very smoothly.
PHOTO: Typology
It wasnt a drawback necessarily because I liked the cooling sensation and the subtle glow it left behind.
What We Don’t Like:Feels sticky on the skin for a few minutes.
jot down:Serum|Size:1 oz.
Byrdie / Taylor McIntyre
My skin looks so much more even and glowy.
What We Don’t Like:Little dropper can clog up with product.
pop in:Serum |Size:1 oz.
PHOTO: Amazon
Review:This serum was consistently hydrating and illuminatingwhenever I applied it, my skin looked healthier instantly.
It made my skin look smoother and more lively after each use.
Im pleased with the long-term results as well; my skin is clearer and more glowy.
Byrdie / Gibreel Martinez
A soft, creamy liquid, this serum is a dream to apply.
It glides over the skin effortlessly and it pairs nicely with a rich moisturizer.
What We Don’t Like:Can tingle during first few applications.
PHOTO: Ulta
Review: Im happy with the results.
My skin definitely improved over the testing period; it looks much clearer, softer, and brighter.
I think the product prevented me from breaking out, too.
Byrdie / Natalie Guisinger
What We Don’t Like:Can sit on top of the skin if not patted in.
key in:Serum|Size:1 oz.
Review: My skin has gotten a lot more firm, especially my undereye area.
PHOTO: Sephora
[Its] softer and more plump, which came as a surprise to me.
Plus, the serum did an excellent job of improving the texture of my skin.
The serum has a creamy and silky texture that felt soft and gentle to the touch.
Byrdie / Chantia Murphy
Its lightweight consistency helps it layer well with other skincare and makeup.
What We Don’t Like:Nothing.
Tester:Jackie, age 35-44, has dry skin with fine lines and dark spots.
PHOTO: Sephora
Review:This product is so lightweight that at first, I didnt even think it was doing anything.
The serum feels like youre just splashing water on your skin.
It felt easy and refreshing, Jackie said.
Byrdie / Jackie Cucco
She only used two to three drops each time but felt like she ran out rather quickly.
What We Don’t Like:Results not as dramatic as other products on this list.
My spots have faded slightly in color and my skin is smoother and softer to the touch.
PHOTO: Amazon
pop in:Serum |Size:1.0 oz.
Review:My skin is softer, more hydrated, and less dull after testing this product.
Drugstore niacinamide products can absolutely perform comparably with more expensive options, and this one from Olay is proof.
Byrdie / Kimberly Souza
What We Don’t Like:Requires some rubbing in.
Review:I noticed some fading of the darker melasma spots on my skin.
It did require a tiny bit of massaging to absorb, but she enjoyed the process.
PHOTO: Olay
Once it was rubbed in completely, it was undetectable if not for a mattifying effect that Hilary liked.
After weeks of testing, it helped with hyperpigmentation, especially around my eyes.
The perfect base for skincare and makeup, this serum is easy to work into an existing routine.
Byrdie / Sheila Tong
Joie genuinely looked forward to using the roller every day since it felt like a self-care moment.
Byrdie / Joie Probst
Yes.
you’ve got the option to apply products with niacinamide both in the morning and in the evening.
PHOTO: SkinCeuticals
Using this knowledge, she narrowed it down to the top 15 products that showed real results.
Caitlyn Martynis an associate editor on staff at Byrdie.
2017 Sep;30(5).
Byrdie / Hilary Braaksma
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The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer.
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PHOTO: Westman Atelier
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Byrdie / Joie Probst
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