This very cool French brand uses minimal ingredients—in typical French style of course: edited, simple, and so delightful. The aqueous and light serum sinks into skin for a radiant finish. The star of the show here is obviously the niacinamide, which, as we've noted, can help strengthen the skin barrier, balance the skin, brighten the complexion, and so much more.  

12% Niacinamide Serum, Typology ($32.30)

Along with our niacinamide, this contains hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract. HA is an ideal hydrator (it holds water in the skin), and the watermelon provides amino acids and antioxidants. Plus: On a makeup-free day, go ahead and apply another few drops as a last step. It will give you an allover dewy finish that rivals any highlighter. 

Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, Glow Recipe ($34) 

Remember how we said niacinamide helps with acne? Well, this one really ups the game by blending in willow bark (a naturally occurring beta-hydroxy acid that helps break down sebum in your pores) and zinc, which helps calm inflammation. If you have acne- and inflammation-prone skin, this might be your new best friend. 

Just Breathe Clarifying Serum, Versed Skin ($20)

If dark spots are your primary concern—be it from sun, age, or residue from injuries like inflammatory acne—reach for this corrector. The added ingredients include licorice root and golden kiwifruit, botanicals known for their ability to fade and minimize pigmentation issues. 

Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum, First Aid Beauty ($42)

Lifting and tightening the skin are notoriously difficult concerns to address. This does so with a potent—yet gentle—blend of actives. Of course, there's the niacinamide, but it also contains two other lifting ingredients. First, there's the nettle extract, a vitamin C-rich botanical that can help build and protect collagen. There's also a retinol alternative called rambutan that can help firm and plump the skin. 

Wild Nettle & Niacinamide Firming Serum, Alpyn Beauty ($58)

Redness and flushing is a prominent concern for many. If you struggle with flare-ups, having a calming serum on hand is key. This one uses a broad-spectrum hemp CBD to soothe inflamed, angry skin. There's also a saccharide complex that hydrates skin, as water loss can contribute to redness, too. 

Enlightenment Serum, Prima ($18) 

A powerful derm-formulated brand, this silky gel formula sinks into skin and gets to work. In addition to the namesake ingredient, it has allantoin and sigesbeckia orientalis (commonly called St. Paul's wort). The former is a popular K-beauty staple that softens skin and even acts as a gentle exfoliator. The latter helps firm and tighten. 

15% Niacinamide Gel Serum, Sobel Skin Rx ($75)

The brand is formulated by Marie Veronique, a star cosmetic chemist in the space, who only makes effective, quality formulas that rely heavily on science and nature. For example? This serum that goes by the technical name (vitamin B3) is ideal for soothing reactive and finicky skin. It also layers in green tea and humectants for moisture. 

Soothing B3 Serum, Marie Veronique ($90)

A highly effective healthy aging serum—this triple-active blend is a personal favorite of this beauty editor. (I use it religiously.) Why? Well, the niacinamide soothes, the vitamin C brightens and aids in collagen production, and the retinol complex encourages skin cell turnover. A triple threat.

Triple Active Reclaiming Serum, January Labs ($86)

Prebiotics are vital for a healthy skin microbiome. Think of it this way: If you feed your skin prebiotics, the biotics on your skin can thrive, much like you thrive when eating well. It's also infused with several antioxidants, which can help protect your skin barrier as well. 

Prebiotic & Niacinamide Pore Booster, Allies Of Skin ($65)

While niacinamide is safe for sensitive skin in general, it's also important to make sure the rest of your formula passes the test. (This is especially true if you have ultra-sensitive skin.) This does that with flying colors with the plethora of B vitamins (in addition to B3, it has a full complex of options). It's also buffered with botanicals like green tea and aloe.

Sensitive Treatment Drops, Tula Skin ($48) 

Another reason we love this ingredient? It plays well with others. In this formula, it's combined with vitamins C and E, fruit-derived AHAs, and yuzu extracts to amp up the brightening power. Just apply this fast-absorbing serum day or night for glowing results.

Brightening Serum, Follain ($38)