The best Korean niacinamide serums contain high percentages of niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, to brighten, even skin tone, reduce acne, and boost hydration. Niacinamide is a powerhouse skin care ingredient that offers a wide range of benefits which makes it a popular addition to many K-beauty serums. In this article, we share the top Korean niacinamide serums to add to your skincare routine.
1. Choosing the Best Korean Niacinamide Serum
Niacinamide has become a popular must-have ingredient for its ability to refine skin and address multiple concerns. Using a serum allows for maximum absorption and effectiveness.
When looking for the best korean niacinamide serum, prioritize formulas with at least 10% niacinamide. Evaluate your skin goals to choose serums with added ingredients that target your needs, whether hydration, soothing irritation, controlling oil or fading marks.
Apply your chosen serum consistently morning and evening to see improved skin tone, texture, breakouts and pores. With the right korean niacinamide serum tailored to your skin, you’ll unlock the full benefits of this superstar ingredient.
2. The Top 12 Best Korean Niacinamide Serums For Brighter, More Even Skin
2.1. Ma:nyo Galactomy Niacin 2.0 Essence – Brightening Hydration
Ma:nyo Galactomy Niacin 2.0 Essence is a top Korean niacinamide serum renowned for its exceptional ingredients.
This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum contains galactomyces, a fermentation byproduct that improves elasticity, evens skin tone, and prevents aging. Galactomyces also reduces acne blemishes and strengthens the skin barrier.
Additionally, niacinamide boosts immunity, revitalizes skin, and protects against environmental stressors.
With consistent use, Ma:nyo Galactomy Niacin 2.0 Essence helps achieve brighter, healthier, more resilient skin. As one of the most beloved serums in recent years, this product offers targeted benefits that make it a staple for Korean skincare beginners and experts alike looking to address common skincare concerns like dullness, discoloration, and signs of aging.
With the right niacinamide serum like Ma:nyo Galactomy Niacin 2.0 Essence, achieving the bright, clear complexion associated with K-beauty is within reach.
2.2. AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum – Hyperpigmentation Fader
AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum is a top Korean niacinamide serum from AXIS-Y. This gel serum absorbs quickly without stickiness, providing a comfortable, mild sensation.
It contains 5% niacinamide to brighten, reduce dark spots and support more even skin tone. Niacinamide also helps control oil, refine texture, minimize pores and prevent acne.
Additionally, 5% hyaluronic acid boosts moisture and repairs irritation for soft, smooth skin. The 5% glycerin retains moisture, calms irritation, and enables fast nutrient absorption.
Six natural ingredients – chamomile, papaya, squalane, seaweed, allantoin and rice bran – maintain youthful skin, soothe sensitivity and rejuvenate skin cells.
With its skin-restoring niacinamide and moisture-locking actives, AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum tackles common issues like dark spots, uneven texture, dryness and irritation. Its thoughtful formulation makes it a nourishing serum that brings out a healthy, radiant complexion.
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2.3. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum – Radiance Booster
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is a premium Korean niacinamide serum that absorbs quickly without greasiness for youthful, radiant skin.
A key ingredient is royal jelly, packed with antioxidants and antimicrobials to reduce acne, calm inflammation, nourish skin and promote rejuvenation.
Niacinamide, known for brightening and restoring skin, also provides antioxidant protection against free radicals that damage skin health.
With its blend of royal jelly and niacinamide, Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum combats the visible signs of aging for smoother, brighter, glowier skin. Its lightweight texture allows active ingredients to penetrate efficiently.
As one of the most acclaimed Korean serums, Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum delivers advanced skincare technology in a fuss-free formula suitable for all skin types. Consistent use helps skin look and feel firmer, more even-toned and resilient against environmental stressors.
* Bryceoprandi’s article on Korean moisturizers is a must-read for anyone seeking a hydration boost for all skin.
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2.4. G9SKIN I’m Pine Pore Tension Ampoule – Refining Formula
G9SKIN I’m Pine Pore Tension Ampoule tackles enlarged pores with a lightweight, non-sticky serum powered by niacinamide. This key ingredient brightens skin while reducing dark spots for a radiant complexion.
Additionally, Anti Sebum-P eliminates excess oil and exfoliates away dead skin to visibly tighten pores without dryness or irritation. Pine leaf extract provides essential hydration for smooth, plump skin.
With its pore-purifying and brightening actives, G9SKIN I’m Pine Pore Tension Ampoule refines texture, evens tone and restores the look of youthful resilience. Its lightweight serum delivers targeted skincare without clogged pores or stickiness.
As an expertly formulated niacinamide serum, G9SKIN I’m Pine Pore Tension Ampoule transforms dull, congested skin by controlling shine, minimizing the appearance of pores, fading discoloration and enhancing natural glow.
2.5. RNW Der. Pore Oil Control Serum – Shine Reducer
RNW Der. Pore Oil Control Serum is an excellent oil-balancing serum with fast-absorbing lightweight texture for instant soothing comfort.
It contains niacinamide to brighten skin, reduce dark spots, and boost elasticity for soft, supple skin.
Houttuynia cordata extract provides hydration for enhanced softness and moisture.
Betaine salicylate calms and soothes skin while controlling excess oil and deeply cleansing pores of dead skin cells.
With its pore-purifying actives, RNW Der. Pore Oil Control Serum tackles common issues like oiliness, congestion, discoloration and loss of firmness. It transforms skin by minimizing pores, regulating sebum production, improving tone and texture.
As a lightweight niacinamide serum, RNW Der. Pore Oil Control Serum delivers brighter, clearer, more balanced skin without greasiness or irritation. Its thoughtful formulation makes it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types seeking to control shine and clogged pores.
2.6. Some By Mi Yuja Niacin 30 Days Blemish Care Vitamin Serum – Acne Fighter
Some By Mi Yuja Niacin 30 Days Blemish Care Vitamin Serum is a skin-brightening Korean niacinamide serum. With a gel-like, pale yellow texture, it contains 82.3% yuja, a Korean citrus extract that hydrates and improves elasticity for less dullness and fewer dark spots.
The 5% niacinamide evens tone and brightens for firmer, healthier-looking skin.
Arbutin, glutathione and resmelin combine to combat aging and hyperpigmentation.
As one of the best Korean serums, Some By Mi Yuja Niacin tackles common issues like uneven texture, dryness, blemishes and loss of radiance. Its lightweight gel serum delivers brightening and smoothing benefits without clogging pores.
With its high concentration of antioxidant and brightening actives, Some By Mi Yuja Niacin retexturizes, illuminates and protects skin. Its thoughtful formulation makes it ideal for those seeking a Korean niacinamide serum to restore glow and vitality.
2.7. Tiam Vita B3 Source – Skin Balancer
Tiam Vita B3 Source is an exceptional niacinamide serum with 10% niacinamide and 2% arbutin for optimal brightening.
This dual-powered serum prevents melanin production and dark spot formation while combatting enlarged pores and excess oil.
With its high dose of brightening actives, Tiam Vita B3 Source tackles uneven skin tone, texture, dark spots and shine. It illuminates and clarifies complexions.
Tiam Vita B3 Source delivers real results. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly without greasiness or irritation. For glowing, balanced skin, this serum is an essential part of my routine.
2.8. Mary and May Niacinamide + Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum – Soothing Serum
Mary & May Niacinamide + Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum is an underrated brightening serum with remarkable ingredients.
With 2% niacinamide to balance sebum and improve tone, plus 93% chaenomeles sinensis fruit extract packed with vitamin C and flavonoids for a radiant boost, this serum is a game-changer for dull, uneven skin.
Mary & May uses EWG green-grade, cruelty-free ingredients without 7 harmful elements, making it a skincare gem.
With its blend of brightening actives, Mary & May Niacinamide + Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum tackles dark spots, texture, redness, and dullness. Its lightweight serum illuminates and evens skin tone.
As an affordable, clean formulas that really perform, Mary & May Niacinamide + Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum deserves consideration among the best Korean niacinamide serums for restoring glow and balancing skin without irritation.
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2.9. Cos de BAHA TN Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Serum – Spot Treatment
Cos De BAHA TN Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Serum is a fast-acting brightener that combats dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
The star ingredient, tranexamic acid, is highly effective for inhibiting pigmentation and preventing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It also reduces UV sensitivity for safer sun exposure.
Free of 8 harsh additives like sulfates and mineral oils, this serum quickly clears and brightens without irritation.
With its concentrated dose of skin-renewing actives, Cos De BAHA TN Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Serum faded discoloration and restores a more even, radiant complexion.
For those seeking rapid results against stubborn dark spots and uneven tone, this serum is a must-have. Its lightweight texture glides on easily while getting to work right away purifying and brightening dull, blotchy skin.
2.10. Purito Centella Unscented Serum – Calming Care
Purito Centella Unscented Serum is an essential oil-free daily serum ideal for hypersensitive skin. With 49% centella extract, collagen and niacinamide, it soothes and targets skin concerns without irritation.
Formulated with safe, natural ingredients, Purito Centella Unscented Serum helps stressed, sensitive skin restore and rejuvenate.
Free of triggering scents and harsh additives, this serum calms inflammation and sensitivity while improving texture and tone. Its focused formula provides centella’s healing benefits without overwhelming reactive skin.
For those needing a break from multi-step routines and complex products, Purito Centella Unscented Serum balances, nourishes and protects skin with minimal, skin-loving ingredients. It’s the perfect gentle, effective serum for easily overwhelmed complexions.
2.11. Cosrx – AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum – Breakout Banisher
Cosrx AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum provides triple aftercare for blemish-prone skin with 4% niacinamide. It contains propolis extract, natural moisturizing factors and CentellAC-RX to improve the look of acne scars and spots.
This soothing serum helps reduce the appearance of past blemishes and calm irritated skin. The thoughtful blend of centella, tea tree and niacinamide heals breakouts while controlling excess sebum and shine.
Lightweight and fast-absorbing, Cosrx AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum clears and prevents future breakouts without clogging pores or irritating skin. It leaves blemish-prone complexions calm, balanced and resilient.
For those struggling with acne scarring and inflammation, this restorative 4% niacinamide serum promotes a more even, healthy-looking complexion by aiding skin renewal and minimizing the look of past blemishes.
2.12. Purito Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence – Texture Perfector
Purito Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence is a 5% niacinamide serum with 92% galactomyces ferment filtrate for a potent brightening and hydrating essence.
This highly concentrated serum leaves dull, lackluster skin looking vibrant and deeply moisturized. Suitable for all skin types, it restores radiance and glow while providing intense hydration.
With zero added fragrance, Purito Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence glides on with a refreshing watery texture that absorbs quickly without stickiness.
Packed with antioxidant and hydrating ingredients, this essence tackles dryness, dullness, uneven texture and tone for smooth, luminous skin. Its nourishing formula infuses skin with vital moisture while refining and illuminating the complexion.
For those seeking a super-charged boost of radiance and hydration, Purito Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence delivers instant results.
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3. What to Look for in a Niacinamide Serum
When shopping for the best Korean niacinamide serum, there are a few key things to look for.
First, check the niacinamide concentration. A good range is 5-10%, as higher amounts can potentially cause irritation.
The best serums will also have a simple formula without alcohol, fragrance, and other irritants. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to soothe and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.
The texture of the serum should absorb quickly without feeling greasy. A dropper applicator is also useful for controlling how much product you use.
Finally, look for serums in opaque packaging, as niacinamide can become unstable with too much light exposure.
High-quality Korean brands like COSRX, Skinfood, and Missha make excellent niacinamide serums that meet these requirements.
Doing your research will help you find the best option for visibly brighter, clearer skin.
4. When to Use a Niacinamide Serum
Niacinamide serums are very versatile and can be incorporated into both morning and evening skincare routines.
In the morning, apply your niacinamide serum after cleansing and toning but before heavier creams and sunscreen. The niacinamide will help reinforce your skin barrier to better protect against daytime environmental stressors.
At night, apply the serum after cleansing and before moisturizers. The overnight hours are when skin goes into repair mode, and niacinamide assists regeneration.
Those with oily or acne-prone skin may also spot treat blemishes with niacinamide serum after regular skincare.
While gentle enough for daily AM and PM use, give your skin a break from any active ingredients 1-2 times per week.
Consistent use of a high-quality niacinamide serum will reveal brighter, more even-toned skin over time.
5. Conclusion
Finding the best Korean niacinamide serum can give your complexion the brightening boost it needs. These effective formulas contain the ideal niacinamide concentration and skin-nourishing ingredients for glowing, even-toned skin. Consistent use of a top niacinamide serum will help restore radiance and clarity to dull, uneven skin.
