A water-soluble vitamin B3 derivative that helps improve skin tone, soothe skin, strengthen the skin barrier, and control sebum. However, user experiences with Niacinamide Serum can vary widely depending on formulation, concentration, and skin type.
This page highlights the top 5 Niacinamide Serum with the highest user satisfaction on Hwahae, based on aggregated ratings and real user reviews.
Rather than focusing on percentage claims, we analyze what users consistently mention — including visible results, comfort, and irritation concerns.
*Ratings and review data are aggregated as of 2026-02-20.
Table of Contents
How These Niacinamide Serum Were Selected
Products included in this list meet the following criteria:
- Contain Niacinamide as a key active ingredient
- Classified as Serum on Hwahae
- Have an average rating of 4.5★ or higher
- Meet a minimum verified review count threshold
All rankings are calculated using aggregated user review data and updated regularly.
Top 5 Niacinamide Serums with the Highest User Satisfaction
#1. [SKIN1004] Madagascar Centella Probio-cica Intensive Ampoule — 4.71★
Users frequently mention this ampoule/serum for its barrier soothing and long-lasting hydration.
It’s especially popular among users with dry skin, and many reviewers describe the formula as milky viscous.
Some users note that it works well without causing irritation, while others mention heavy, oily texture for oily skin types, emphasizing how individual skin response can vary.
[At a Glance]
- Average Rating: 4.71★
- Total Reviews: 1,092
- Most Common Skin Types: Dry, Combination-Oily, Oily
- Main Benefits Mentioned: Barrier care, redness soothing, deep hydration, glow
- Most Mentioned Concerns: Heavy texture, pore clogging, price, slight irritation
#2. [Baegayul] Moisture Balancing Serum — 4.72★
Users frequently mention this ampoule/serum for its light hydration and gentle formula.
It’s especially popular among users with dry skin, and many reviewers describe the formula as watery serum.
Some users note that it works well without causing irritation, while others mention insufficient moisture for very dry skin, emphasizing how individual skin response can vary.
[At a Glance]
- Average Rating: 4.72★
- Total Reviews: 2,126
- Most Common Skin Types: Dry, Combination-Oily, Oily
- Main Benefits Mentioned: Basic hydration, lightweight, daily use
- Most Mentioned Concerns: Weak effect, low moisture for dry skin, small volume
#3. [BONUGLY] Firming Kelp Capsule Ampoule — 4.69★
Users frequently mention this ampoule/serum for its firming hydration and bouncy finish.
It’s especially popular among users with dry skin, and many reviewers describe the formula as essence-like.
Some users note that it works well without causing irritation, while others mention insufficient moisture for very dry skin and inconvenient bottle, emphasizing how individual skin response can vary.
[At a Glance]
- Average Rating: 4.69★
- Total Reviews: 1,122
- Most Common Skin Types: Dry, Combination-Oily, Oily
- Main Benefits Mentioned: Firming, elasticity, deep hydration, glow
- Most Mentioned Concerns: Lighter texture for dry skin, packaging issues, potential irritation
#4. [TOCOBO] Cica Calming Serum — 4.67★
Users frequently mention this ampoule/serum for its acne calming and lightweight hydration.
It’s especially popular among users with dry skin, and many reviewers describe the formula as watery light.
Some users note that it works well without causing irritation, while others mention weak moisturizing and mild calming effect, emphasizing how individual skin response can vary.
[At a Glance]
- Average Rating: 4.67★
- Total Reviews: 1,913
- Most Common Skin Types: Dry, Combination-Oily, Normal
- Main Benefits Mentioned: Redness calming, acne care, light moisture
- Most Mentioned Concerns: Weak effect, low moisture for dry skin, price/volume
#5. [LOPOE] Better Balance Ampoule — 4.65★
Users frequently mention this ampoule/serum for its deep hydration and makeup boosting.
It’s especially popular among users with dry skin, and many reviewers describe the formula as watery slightly-viscous.
Some users note that it works well without causing irritation, while others mention lack of strong anti-aging/brightening effect and limited moisture for very dry skin, emphasizing how individual skin response can vary.
[At a Glance]
- Average Rating: 4.65★
- Total Reviews: 1,274
- Most Common Skin Types: Dry, Combination-Oily, Oily
- Main Benefits Mentioned: Deep hydration, layering friendly, makeup adherence
- Most Mentioned Concerns: Weak functional effects, moisture not enough for extreme dryness, stickiness/absorption speed
Is a niacinamide Right for Your Skin Type? (FAQ)
While niacinamide is generally considered versatile, user satisfaction varies by skin type and formulation. On Hwahae, you can filter reviews by skin type to see which niacinamide serum perform best for skin like yours — whether you’re oily, acne-prone, sensitive, or dry.
Q1. Is niacinamide serum safe to use on sensitive and acne-prone skin?
A. Based on reviews, many users with sensitive skin, folliculitis, redness, and acne-prone skin report using it comfortably without irritation. However, some users with combination or normal skin experienced itching, redness, or small bumps and acne. The ingredient itself is generally mild, but individual reactions vary greatly. If you have sensitive or troubled skin, it is best to start with a small amount on a localized area before applying it to the entire face, and to stop using it immediately if you notice irritation, itching, or rashes.
Q2. Can using a niacinamide serum cause more acne or small bumps, or make my skin react badly?
A. Most reviews say that “breakouts decreased” or “acne occurs less frequently,” but some users report increased oiliness, more small bumps or inflammatory acne, or overall skin getting worse. Niacinamide itself is not considered a pore-clogging ingredient, but breakouts can be triggered depending on the concentration, texture (heavy moisturizers, oil capsules, etc.), and individual skin condition. If you notice unusually oily skin, itching, or more small bumps after use, it is safer to reduce the amount, use it every other day, and discontinue the product if the condition keeps getting worse.
Q3. Can I use a niacinamide serum together with retinol or vitamin C products?
A. Some reviews mention using it together with 0.2% retinol and say their skin felt stable without irritation. With modern formulations, niacinamide is generally considered compatible with most retinol and vitamin C products (especially stabilized vitamin C derivatives). However, if you have very sensitive or severely dry skin, it is better not to layer everything in a single routine. Instead, you can use niacinamide in the morning and retinol or vitamin C at night, or if using them on the same evening, apply niacinamide first, let it absorb fully, and then apply a small amount of retinol to minimize irritation.
Q4. Does a higher percentage of niacinamide in a serum work better?
A. Reviews often say it feels “mild and gentle” and “skin looks clearer,” but there are almost no comments that higher concentrations are always better. In fact, some users report stinging, itching, or breakouts with higher strengths. In general, a 2–5% concentration of niacinamide is sufficient to expect benefits for brightening, skin barrier support, and sebum control, while higher percentages also increase the risk of irritation. If you are new to niacinamide, it is safer to start with a gentle daily serum rather than a high-strength formula, then gradually move to higher concentrations or combine it with other active products once your skin has adjusted.
Editor’s Note
Finding the right niacinamide serum isn’t about choosing the highest percentage — it’s about how a formula works with your skin over time.
User reviews offer valuable insight into real-world performance, helping you identify products that balance effectiveness and comfort.
