I Tried La Roche-Posay's Niacinamide Serum That Promises Brighter, Plumper Skin For Less Than $80
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
Hi, my name is Sadaf and I'm obsessed with putting niacinamide on my face.
I don't care if it's a niacinamide serum, moisturiser, eye cream or all of the above.
If a product has this skin-loving ingredient in it, you better believe I'm trying it.
I'm going on record to say niacinamide is one of the best skincare ingredients out there.
It’s an all-rounder and does all of the good things.
Restores your skin barrier! Evens out skin tone! Helps with pigmentation! Reduces the look of pores!
It’s kind of like that annoying person in your family who is good at everything.
I love niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3) so much that when we heard La Roche-Posay was launching their first ever niacinamide serum, my editor immediately thought of me to road-test it.
The La Roche-Posay niacinamide percentage sits at 10%, with a formula specifically for sensitive skin types.
This vitamin B serum claims to brighten and even out the appearance of skin tone and texture to reveal a smoother, brighter and more plump-looking complexion...
And all for under $75.
Suffice to say, I've been happily trialling this serum for a few weeks now.
Keep reading for my La Roche-Posay niacinamide serum review, along with some things you may not have known about this superstar ingredient.
What Does Niacinamide Do for Skin?
Look, there's not much niacianmide can't do for skin.
From addressing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and improved skin elasticity, to regulating oil production, fading dark spots and brightening your skin tone, this B vitamin does it all.
Before we get into my La Roche-Posay niacinamide serum review, here are three things this active ingredient does for skin:
1. Strengthens the skin barrier.
An impaired skin barrier can lead to unwanted concerns like dull complexions and skin sensitivity.
Things like environmental aggressors (UV damage, indoor heating, stress etc.) can impair your barrier, as can going a little too hard on active skincare products like retinol and exfoliants.
Niacinamide is a powerful skin-repairing ingredient that can help with compromised skin barriers.
It can also help reduce inflammation in the skin.
Watch this niacinamide YouTube video below for more information.
2. Minimises the look of enlarged pores.
Pores are normal (and we need them for our skin to function), so you can’t completely get rid of them.
But with consistent use of topical niancinamide, you can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores for a more refined skin texture.
Excess oil comes hand-in-hand with pore concerns, too.
It’s said that even 2% niacinamide can inhibit the production of oil, making niacinamide a beneficial ingredient for those with acne-prone skin.
3. Helps to improve skin tone and dullness.
I can vouch for the fact that among the many changes I noticed in my skin from using a niacinamide serum, I saw a visible improvement in my skin radiance.
Niacinamide not only helps to reduce the look of discolouration, but it also brightens for a more even-looking complexion.
What Is the La Roche-Posay Niacinamide 10 Serum?
La Roche-Posay Niacinamide 10 Serum 30mL is a multi-tasking serum that contains 10% niacinamide to improve the appearance of dark spots.
Together with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this niacinamide serum promises to even out skin tone, and hydrate, plump and brighten the skin.
Here are the main features of this exciting serum:
- It uses 10% pure niacinamide to even out skin tone and improve the appearance of dark spots (this is thanks to its ability to reduce melanin production).
- The hyaluronic acid and glycerin help to support barrier function and retain the skin’s moisture for a plumper and healthier complexion.
- Includes 5% HEPES (an acid and buffering agent) that gently exfoliates the skin.
- Non-sticky and fast-absorbing texture is specifically formulated for sensitive skin types.
How to Use La Roche-Posay's Niacinamide Serum.
La Roche-Posay Niacinamide 10 Serum 30mL can be used both day and/or night.
After cleansing, apply 2-3 drops of the La Roche-Posay Niacinamide 10 Serum onto the skin and gently massage in.
You can then follow up with your moisturiser of choice. If using the serum in the AM, make sure you follow up with sunscreen.
P.S. Always remember SPF is not enough sun protection alone, so ensure you also wear protective clothing, seek shade, and reapply adequately!
Watch how I use the lovely La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 serum in the video below:
My La Roche-Posay Niacinamide Serum Review.
As the president of the niacinamide fan club, I had high expectations of this serum.
I had already read some glowing first impression reviews on the La Roche-Posay website, so knew I was probably going to like it.
Firstly, the product description says skin feels instantly refreshed after using this serum - I can confirm this 100% true.
It smooths over the skin so nicely, feels silky to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin, too.
The La Roche-Posay niacinamide has a gorgeous purple pearlescent colour, and has a lovely light scent, which I enjoyed.
After using the La Roche-Posay Niacinamide 10 Serum 30mL both morning and night for a week or so, my skin looked slightly clearer and more refined.
But the biggest thing I noticed, and something I haven't experienced from using my other niacinamide products, was...
My face seemed to look plumper! And I was like... HOW?!
Then I remembered this serum also has hyaluronic acid, and everything made sense.
So really, you’re getting the benefits of two serums in one.
As for the dark spots claim, this isn't a main skin concern of mine. Plus, you'd need to use the product consistently over time to see a visible improvement.
But what I can say is I've seen how using La Roche-Posay's niacinamide has dialled up my skin's radiance.
Final Verdict...
Look, I was always going to love this niacinamide serum.
La Roche-Posay active skincare serums are known for being effective and relatively affordable, and this one is no different.
If you're in pursuit of happier, healthier and more even-looking skin, La Roche-Posay Niacinamide 10 Serum 30mL is a great place to start.
Everyone can benefit from having a niacinamide serum in their skincare routine, but especially if skin dullness, uneven tone and texture, pore size and dark spots are concerns of yours.
Bonus: Those with sensitive skin who have been waiting to try a niacinamide product, this one was made for you pals!
So long story short, I'm thrilled to be adding La Roche-Posay's niacinamide serum to my regular skincare routine.
Check out some more La Roche Posay serum and niacinamide product recommendations below:
