Searches for Niacinamide Are Up 193%—Here’s Why It’s the Unsung Hero of Quarantine Skin

The nationwide quarantine has given everyone plenty of time to play around with their beauty products. Whether you’ve started to incorporate a long-term skin-care product that takes months to see results or you’re testing out new active ingredients, now is the perfect opportunity to perfect your skin-care routine. Out of all of the products you could choose from, one has stood out as the must-have of the moment: a niacinamide serum.

According to a new report by Spate, a consumer data organization analyzing the beauty trends that have emerged since the onset of the pandemic, searches for niacinamide serums have spiked a whopping 193 percent since the end of July. That’s compared to staple skin-care superstars like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, which have seen search increases increase by just 20 to 40 percent.

Though niacinamide (which is vitamin B3) certainly isn’t new, it’s been a long-time staple skin-care ingredient for combatting acne, hyperpigmentation, and for hydrating the skin barrier. “Niacinamide is a well-studied antioxidant that nearly approaches the amount of published scientific investigation that we have on retinoids and L-ascorbic acid [vitamin C] in terms of substantiated benefits,” says Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare. Her take on why it’s trending? “My gut is that many people have more time to experiment using niacinamide serums on their skin now, and are even willing to take the risk of a certain amount of downtime if needed.” But, here’s the thing: Niacinamide doesn’t give you downtime—it’s generally a very skin-friendly ingredient, says Dr. Ciraldo.

Niacinamide serums may be the must-have skin-care product of the moment because of the active ingredient’s many benefits to all different skin types. “It can be used by a diverse amount of skin types and skin tones, by those with rosacea or oily skin,” says Dr. Ciraldo. Using one in your regimen will do everything from fend off free radical damage, improve breakouts, fight dark spots, reduce fine lines, decrease redness, and improve skin elasticity (whew)—so basically, it does everything you could ever want a beauty product to do. “This is a good product for people who want acne and anti-aging benefits that don’t tolerate retinoids,” adds Dr. Ciraldo. So, the multi-beneficial vitamin is like the Beyonce of skin care: Everybody loves it. Keep scrolling to shop our favorite niacinamide serums.

Niacinamide serum products to put in your beauty cabinet

1. The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum, $7

This serum is a steal. For just $7, your skin gets an active dose of niacinamide to regulate oil production and calm redness, plus hydration via multiple weights of hyaluronic acid.

Shop now: The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum, $7

2. Aethera Sunset Botanical Rejuvenating Serum, $35

Tired, stressed-out skin will drink up this night serum, which contains potent antioxidants, CBD extract, and (of course) niacinamide to calm things down and even out your complexion.

Shop now: Aethera Sunset Botanical Rejuvenating Serum, $35

3. Klur Immersion Serum Concentrate, $70

If you’re looking for a does-it-all active serum, this chic bottle by Klur is packed with everything from niacinamide to vitamins C, B5, and E—all of which hydrate and balance your skin—plus reishi extract to fend off skin stress.

Shop now: Klur Immersion Serum Concentrate, $70

4. Honest Beauty Calm and Porefect Serum, $30

The new Calm and Porefect Serum by Honest Beauty is all about supporting your skin’s barrier, and is filled with exactly what it needs to stay healthy: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, phospholipids, and linoleic acid.

Shop now: Honest Beauty Calm and Porefect Serum, $30

5. Olay Deep Hydration Serum Vitamin B3 + Hyaluronic Acid, $29

This fast-absorbing serum delivers serious moisture to thirsty skin, thanks to hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which work together to quench dryness.

Shop now:Olay Deep Hydration Serum Vitamin B3 + Hyaluronic Acid, $29