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The 30-second answer
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is one of the most studied skin ingredients: in research it helped reduce oil, acne and pigmentation and improve the skin barrier, and most people tolerate it well. Most studies used 2% to 5%, so if it is your first time or your skin is sensitive, start with 5%, such as Derma Ten Pore Refining (EGP 330). For oil and pores: 10% with zinc, such as SkinSide (EGP 275 on sale). For stubborn spots: JUMISO 20% (EGP 900) or Anua with TXA (EGP 1,000).
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) is a form of vitamin B3. On the skin it limits how pigment moves between skin cells, which reduces spots (per Harvard Health); it also supports the skin barrier and calms redness. Most people tolerate it well, including many who cannot tolerate retinoids or acids (per DermNet).
Benefits: what the research actually shows
| Benefit | Strength studied | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Acne | 4% gel | As effective as a topical antibiotic (1% clindamycin) in 76 patients with moderate acne (DermNet) |
| Oil and shine | 2% moisturiser | Reduced sebum and shine after 4 to 6 weeks (DermNet) |
| Spots and mild pigmentation | 5% twice daily | Reduced freckles and sun spots within 4 weeks (Harvard Health) |
| Fine lines and texture | 5% | Improved fine lines, pigmentation, texture and redness after 12 weeks (DermNet) |
| Barrier and redness | Niacinamide moisturisers | Improved barrier function in rosacea patients (DermNet) |
What it will not do: niacinamide is not a sunscreen and does not prevent sunburn (per DermNet), so you still need sunscreen.
5%, 10% or 20%?
Most products contain about 5% or less, and Cleveland Clinic advises starting low if your skin is sensitive. The studies above used 2% to 5%. Serums at 10% and 20% are common, but the sources we reviewed do not show that higher strengths work better, so higher is not always better.
5%: for beginners and sensitive skin
#1
5% niacinamideCeramidesBest start
Derma Ten Pore Refining Power Serum 30 ml
A gentle start with skin-barrier support
EGP 330
EGP 11.0 per ml · 30 ml
- 5% niacinamide with hyaluronic acid and three ceramides
- Prebiotics, glycerin and panthenol
- For pores and oil, suitable for all skin types per the brand
Heads-up: No pigment-targeting extras; for dark spots, see the spots section
#2
5% niacinamide3% NAG
Nuvera Sebio-Control Niacinamide Serum 30 ml
For oily and combination skin that wants less shine
EGP 350
EGP 11.7 per ml · 30 ml
- 5% niacinamide with 3% N-acetyl glucosamine
- Controls oil, shine and the look of pores
- Light and fast-absorbing, morning and night
Heads-up: Designed mainly for oily and combination skin
#3
5% niacinamideFor spots
AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum 50 ml
5% for dark spots and post-acne marks, with hydration
EGP 9001,200
EGP 18.0 per ml · 50 ml
- 5% niacinamide with squalane and sodium hyaluronate
- For dark spots, post-acne marks and uneven tone
- 50 ml, larger than most serums
Heads-up: Among the most expensive here, even after the discount
For oil, pores and blemishes
#4
10% niacinamide1% zincBest value
SkinSide Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
The cheapest 10% here, at 50% off
EGP 275550
See size on product page
- 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc
- For pores, shine, blemishes and uneven tone
- Light and oil-free
Heads-up: Size is not in the product title; with sensitive skin, start with a lower strength
#5
5% or 10%Zinc PCA
Dermaelle Advanced Niacinamide Serum 30 ml
Choose the strength that suits you in the same serum
EGP 390
EGP 13.0 per ml · 30 ml
- Comes in 5% for beginners or 10% for stubborn shine and pores
- Zinc PCA, licorice, D-panthenol and centella
- Light and non-greasy
Heads-up: Pick the strength on the product page before ordering
#6
SalicylicLowest price
See-Lit Niacinamide Advanced Serum 30 ml
For blackheads and blemishes at a sale price
EGP 239.5479
EGP 8.0 per ml · 30 ml
- Niacinamide with zinc, salicylic acid and tea tree oil
- For shine, pores, blemishes and blackheads
- On sale: EGP 239.5 instead of 479
Heads-up: Niacinamide strength not stated, and it contains salicylic acid, so do not stack with other exfoliants
#7
10% azelaic5% niacinamide
Derma Ten Clarifying Power Serum 30 ml
For blemishes and oily, uneven skin
EGP 330
EGP 11.0 per ml · 30 ml
- 10% azelaic acid with 5% niacinamide and zinc PCA
- Centella, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and aloe
- For blemishes, excess oil and clarity
Heads-up: Contains azelaic acid, so ask a pharmacist if you use another acne treatment
For pigmentation and stubborn spots
#8
10% niacinamide4% TXA
Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
For pigmentation and uneven tone
EGP 1,000
See size on product page
- 10% niacinamide with 4% tranexamic acid and 2% arbutin
- For dark spots and dullness
- Light hydration
Heads-up: The most expensive here, and size is not listed on the product page
#9
20% niacinamideTXA
JUMISO Niacinamide 20% Serum 40 ml
The highest strength here, for stubborn spots
EGP 9001,365
EGP 22.5 per ml · 40 ml
- 20% niacinamide with tranexamic acid and glutathione
- Centella and hyaluronic acid
- For dark spots, uneven tone, pores and redness
Heads-up: High strength; not the first pick for sensitive skin or first-time users
Comparison table
| Serum | Niacinamide | With | Size | Price | Per ml |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| See-Lit Niacinamide Advanced Serum 30 ml | Not stated | Salicylic + zinc | 30 ml | EGP 239.5 | 8.0 |
| Derma Ten Pore Refining Power Serum 30 ml | 5% | Ceramides + HA | 30 ml | EGP 330 | 11.0 |
| Derma Ten Clarifying Power Serum 30 ml | 5% | 10% azelaic | 30 ml | EGP 330 | 11.0 |
| Nuvera Sebio-Control Niacinamide Serum 30 ml | 5% | 3% NAG | 30 ml | EGP 350 | 11.7 |
| Dermaelle Advanced Niacinamide Serum 30 ml | 5% / 10% | Zinc PCA + centella | 30 ml | EGP 390 | 13.0 |
| AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum 50 ml | 5% | Squalane + HA | 50 ml | EGP 900 | 18.0 |
| JUMISO Niacinamide 20% Serum 40 ml | 20% | TXA + glutathione | 40 ml | EGP 900 | 22.5 |
| SkinSide Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum | 10% | 1% zinc | — | EGP 275 | — |
| Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum | 10% | 4% TXA + 2% arbutin | — | EGP 1,000 | — |
How to use it properly
- Once or twice a day after a gentle cleanser (per Cleveland Clinic).
- Patch-test on a small area of your forearm for 24 hours first.
- It can be paired with vitamin C, retinol or glycolic acid, but do not pile on too many products at once.
- If it dries your skin, cut back to once a day or every other day (per DermNet).
- Use sunscreen in the day, because niacinamide is not a sunscreen.
- Give it time: results in studies appeared after 4 to 12 weeks.
For oily skin, also see our best face wash for oily, acne-prone skin and best sunscreen in Egypt guide.
Important safety notes
- Side effects are rare but can include allergy, itching, mild burning or redness; stop if this happens (per Cleveland Clinic).
- Serums with salicylic, azelaic or tranexamic acid: ask a pharmacist before combining with another treatment, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If acne or pigmentation is severe or not improving, see a dermatologist.
Not sure which one?
Beseha pharmacists answer on WhatsApp. Tap the “Ask a pharmacist” button, tell them your skin type and concern, and they will point you to the right serum and strength.
FAQ
What are the benefits of niacinamide for skin?
In research it helped reduce acne, oil, shine and spots, and improved fine lines, texture, the skin barrier and redness. Studied strengths were 2% to 5%.
Should I start with 5% or 10% niacinamide?
If it is your first time or your skin is sensitive, start with 5%, such as Derma Ten Pore Refining (EGP 330) or Nuvera Sebio-Control (EGP 350). 10% is common for oily skin, but sources do not show it works better than 5%.
Does niacinamide lighten skin?
It reduces spots and pigmentation and evens tone; a 5% twice-daily study reduced freckles and sun spots within 4 weeks (Harvard Health). It does not change your natural skin colour.
Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C or retinol?
Yes. Cleveland Clinic says it can be paired with vitamin C, retinol and glycolic acid, but do not use too many products at once.
Morning or night?
Both work, once or twice a day after cleansing. In the morning, follow with sunscreen.
What is the cheapest good niacinamide serum in Egypt?
See-Lit (EGP 239.5 on sale), which also has salicylic acid for blemishes, and SkinSide 10% + Zinc (EGP 275 on sale). For a 5% at the lowest price: Derma Ten Pore Refining (EGP 330).
How long until I see results?
In studies, results appeared after 4 to 12 weeks depending on the concern, so give it at least a month.
The bottom line
Niacinamide is a well-studied, skin-friendly ingredient. Start with 5% if it is your first time, move to 10% with zinc for oil and pores, and choose a serum with tranexamic acid for stubborn spots. And wear sunscreen every day.
Sources
- DermNet: Nicotinamide
- Harvard Health: Science-backed drugstore skincare ingredients
- Cleveland Clinic: Niacinamide and its skin benefits
This content is for information and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Prices and availability may change; the final price is on the product page.
