The Inkey List

Niacinamide Serum

SerumBudgetMorning or evening
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A 10% niacinamide serum with added hyaluronic acid for oil control and blemish support. A clean, affordable single-active option; broadly comparable to other 10% niacinamide serums with a slightly more hydrating base.
The verdict

What this is good for

✓ Great forOilinessCongestionDark Spots
The formulation

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them.

~50–80%Aqua
~5–25%Niacinamide
~3–10%Glycerin
~2–6%Sodium Hyaluron…
~1.5–4%Pentylene Glycol
~1–2%2 ingredients
≤ 1% each2 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %1% regulatory line
Hero actives

What's actually doing the work

Niacinamide
Vitamin B3
Vitamin
Vitamin B3. Regulates sebum, strengthens the barrier by boosting ceramide synthesis, evens tone by limiting pigment transfer, and calms inflammation. Well-tolerated at 2–10%; one of the most versatile, evidence-backed actives.
Full glossary entry →
Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
Acid
A humectant that binds water in the upper skin layers for immediate plumping and hydration. Multi-weight forms reach different depths. Apply to damp skin and seal with moisturiser, especially in dry climates.
Full glossary entry →
When to use

Routine placement

Morning or evening
Cheaper alternatives

Looking for a dupe?

The closest active-matched alternative is the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Serum (99% active overlap). We found 6 options that share this product’s hero actives.

Dupe guide
See all serum dupes for this product
Ranked by ingredient overlap, with an honest note on what’s different in each.
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Next steps

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Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.