Editor's Notes
This is a 10% niacinamide serum in a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that layers easily under moisturizer or sunscreen. Niacinamide has become a workhorse ingredient in skincare for good reason: it helps with surface irregularities, supports the skin barrier, and plays well with other actives. Paula's Choice delivers it at a concentration that's high enough to be worthwhile but not so aggressive that it risks irritation for most users.
The serum works for people who want visible results without overhauling their entire routine. It fits neatly into a morning or evening regimen, whether you're dealing with enlarged-looking pores, post-breakout marks, or general dullness. The formula is no-frills in the best way: no fragrance, no unnecessary extras, just the active doing its job.
One consideration: if your skin is already sensitized or you're using multiple strong actives, you might want to introduce this gradually. It's generally gentle, but layering too many treatments at once can backfire. For most users, though, this is the kind of serum that earns its real estate on the bathroom counter by showing up consistently without drama.
