Want to incorporate a vitamin B serum into your routine? Fair! Okay, but first things first, there are two kinds of commonly used vitamin B in skin care.
Niacinamide (or vitamin B3) is the more popular of the pair thanks to its multi-tasking abilities as a pore-refining, hydrating, soothing, brightening and sebum-regulating wunderkind.
Panthenol (you might know her as vitamin B5) is similar to hyaluronic acid in the sense that both ingredients are humectants, which means they help to bind moisture to the skin for hydrating and plumping purposes.
Sometimes vitamin B3 and B5 appear on the same Inkey list, but even when they’re split up, they still perform absolute wonders for the complexion. If it’s not partnered with panthenol, niacinamide is typically bolstered by other humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which perform a similar function.
Ready to meet some of the best-selling vitamin B serums on the Australian market? Keep scrolling to discover six top-rated niacinamide serums.
2024’s TOP 3 best vitamin B serum Australia
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, $16.99, RY
- Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide, $16.95, Beauty Amora
- L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 10% [Niacinamide + Amino-Sulfonic Acid] Dark Spot Serum, $35, Amazon Australia
The best vitamin B serum Australia 2024
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
from $16.99 at RY
Best for: Blemish-prone skin
If ‘that time of the month’ is inevitably a welcome invitation for a week’s worth of hormonal pimples, then we’d suggest adding this powerful serum to your kit. Formulated to enhance skin brightness, smooth skin texture, and reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier, it helps to minimise the appearance of blemishes and reset the complexion.
Sizes: 30ml / 60ml / 120ml
Key features:
- Suitable for improving the appearance of skin post-pimple
- Not suitable for acne-prone skin
- Enhances radiance
- Hydrates and reinforces the moisture barrier
- Smooths texture
Available at:
- $16.99 from RY
- $17 from Adore Beauty
- $17 from Sephora
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide
from $16.95 at Beauty Amora
Best for: Enlarged pores and sensitive skin
If you really want to integrate vitamin B3 into your skin care routine but have been blessed with sensitive skin, then this gentle propolis-enriched pick is made for you. Infused with 60 per cent propolis extract and just two per cent niacinamide, this skin-soothing serum is a fantastic introduction for a beginner-level niacinamide tolerance.
Sizes: 30ml
Key features:
- Minimises the appearance of pores
- Soothes inflammation
- Manages sebum production
- Leaves skin feeling hydrated and nourished
- Contains 60 per cent propolis extract and just two per cent niacinamide
Available at:
- $16.95 from Beauty Amora
- $22.42 from YesStyle
- $28.20 from Amazon Australia
L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 10% [Niacinamide + Amino-Sulfonic Acid] Dark Spot Serum
from $35 at Amazon Australia
Best for: Dull skin
Combining the brightening effects of niacinamide and the exfoliating properties of amino sulfonic acid, this serum transforms dull, textured skin and dark spots with ease.
Sizes: 30ml
Key features:
- Enhances radiance
- Improves skin clarity
- Smooths unwanted texture
- Minimises the appearance of dark spots
- Non-sticky, non-oily and non-comedogenic
Available at:
- $35 from Amazon Australia
- $42 from Big W
- $50.99 from Chemist Warehouse
COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum
from $25.05 at Beauty Amora
Best for: Acne-prone skin
Formulated to target the trials and tribulations associated with acne-prone skin, this K-Beauty pick does a whole lot without breaking the bank. It regulates sebum and oil production, and minimises blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes and pigmentation. Whilst simultaneously enhancing brightness, and improving the appearance of redness and yellow discolouration in the skin.
Sizes: 20ml
Key features:
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Regulates sebum and oil production
- Minimises blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes and pigmentation
- Enhances brightness
- Improves the appearance of redness and yellowness
Available at:
- $25.05 from Beauty Amora
- $28.76 from Amazon Australia
- $32.34 from YesStyle
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Niacinamide Serum for Dark Spots
from $63.99 at Amazon Australia
Best for: Addressing dark spots
Designed with dark spots in mind, this serum from La-Roche-Posay utilises multi-patented MelasylTM, which inhibits the production of hyperpigmentation-causing melanin, and niacinamide to brighten, soothe and strengthen the skin barrier.
Sizes: 30ml
Key features:
- Contains multi-patented melanin-inhibiting MelasylTM
- Niacinamide brightens, soothes and strengthens the skin barrier
- Minimises the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation
- Stops dark spots from being created in the first place
- Suitable for post-acne marks, sun spots and age spots
Available at:
- $63.99 from Amazon Australia
- $63.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $63.99 from Priceline
Avene Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum
from $49.31 at Amazon Australia
Best for: Fine lines and wrinkles
Designed to visibly plump fine lines and wrinkles, this gentle anti-ageing serum uses six per cent niacinamide and 1.5 per cent hyaluronic acid to enhance radiance and hydration, plump fine lines and promote a healthy, youthful-looking appearance.
Sizes: 30ml
Key features:
- Contains 6 per cent niacinamide and 1.5 per cent hyaluronic acid
- Enhances hydration and radiance
- Plumps fine lines
- Promotes a healthy, youthful-looking appearance
- Improves firmness and elasticity
Available at:
- $49.31 from Amazon Australia
- $55.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $63.74 from Oz Hair & Beauty
What’s the difference between B3 and B5 serums?
Vitamin B3 (otherwise known as niacinamide) and vitamin B5 (also referred to as panthenol) are two complementary ingredients that serve different functions for the skin. Niacinamide can work for a variety of skin types (but sensitive skin types should still patch test before use) as it boasts a varied list of beneficial properties. It can help to refine pore size, improve uneven skin tone, enhance radiance and minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Panthenol, on the other hand, is a humectant and serves a similar function as hyaluronic acid in skin care, helping to bind moisture to the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, and can help to improve hydration, skin elasticity and barrier function.
Is vitamin B serum same as niacinamide?
Vitamin B serums usually feature either niacinamide (B3), panthenol (B5), or a mix of the two ingredients together, which is why it’s important to closely inspect the ingredient list prior to purchase, especially if you’re only looking to integrate one of these ingredients into your skin care routine.
Related article:
- Niacinamide: A Complete Guide To This Superstar Ingredient
- 9 Of The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums For Dewy, Glowing Skin
- 5 Beginner-Friendly Serums To Add To Your Retinol Starter Pack
Main image credit: @misslivalittle
So many great serums to choose from. I’ve heard the one from The Ordinary is really good
Yes good brand.
I’m enjoying the benefits of LRP B5 serum at present.
I’ve gotta try the Avene and LRP some time.
That would be good -I like the look of them
MMM these all sound good.
I do like serum and here are a wide variety of brands and prices. Lots to choose from
Yes so hard to keep up.
ASPECT B17 is my fave but pricey
I can’t keep up with all the must haves!!
I stopped using it because I don’t feel it made much of a difference to my skin.
trying the cosr one, its really good
I haven’t tried these serums but they sound great! Love my products that have both these added ingredients.
I’d try all of these. Love these ingredients.
So many serums to choose from.
I love The Ordinary, great serum plus good on the budget
This is a great article – I really didn’t know much about these vitamins
I would love to try the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Niacinamide Serum for Dark Spots.
I used to use another La Roche-Posay serum and it was so good for clearing my skin.