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5% Niacinamide Serum

5% Niacinamide Serum

Product Description

A lightweight, beginner-friendly serum with 5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) paired with Centella Asiatica (CICA), Hyaluronic Acid, and Panthenol. Designed to visibly reduce pore appearance, smooth skin texture, fade acne marks, and strengthen the moisture barrier without irritation.

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ Indian Clean Beauty ยท Made in India
โœ” Fragrance-Free โœ” Essential Oil-Free โœ” Paraben-Free โœ” Silicone-Free โœ” Sulfate-Free โœ” Oil-Free โœ” Pregnancy Safe โœ” Fungal Acne Safe โœ” Beginner-Friendly โœ” Reef Safe
Pregnancy Safe
Yes โœ”
Fungal Acne Safe
Yes โœ”
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
๐Ÿ’ง
Type
Serum
๐Ÿ“
Size
30ml / 1 fl oz
๐ŸŽฏ
Target
Acne, Pores, Marks
๐ŸŒฟ
Key Active
Niacinamide 5%
๐Ÿงด
Packaging
Glass Dropper

โœจ Texture & Feel

๐Ÿ’ง
Consistency
Watery-Light
๐Ÿ‘ƒ
Scent
Fragrance-Free
โฑ๏ธ
Absorption
Instant
๐ŸŽฏ
Finish
Natural Matte
๐Ÿ”ฌ

5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Clinically proven concentration to reduce pore appearance, control oil, brighten skin tone, and fade acne marks without causing irritation.

๐ŸŒฑ

Centella Asiatica (CICA)

Korean CICA with 0.2% Madecassoside soothes inflammation, calms redness, and promotes wound healing for acne-prone skin.

๐Ÿ’ฆ

Dual Hyaluronic Acid System

Sodium Hyaluronate + Crosspolymer HA provides multi-depth hydration, strengthening the skin moisture barrier from within.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

1% Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)

Controls dryness and flakiness, promotes fibroblast proliferation for skin repair, and reduces irritation from active ingredients.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility

โœ…
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and lactation. The brand lists this product under their Pregnancy Safe Care collection.

โœ…
Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and oils that feed Malassezia yeast. Confirmed safe by multiple ingredient databases including SkinSignal and SkinSort.

โœ…
Non-Comedogenic (0/5)

Contains zero pore-clogging ingredients. Oil-free, silicone-free formula with a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5. Will not clog pores or cause breakouts.

โœ…
Sensitive Skin Friendly

Fragrance-free, essential oil-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free. The gentle 5% concentration is well-tolerated by most sensitive skin types.

โ„น๏ธ
Contains Propylene Glycol

Used as a humectant and penetration enhancer. Considered safe by cosmetic scientists and toxicology experts, though rare sensitivity may occur. Patch test if you have known sensitivities.

โš ๏ธ
Purging Possible

Niacinamide may cause initial purging (1-2 weeks) as it speeds up skin cell turnover. This is temporary and subsides with continued use. Start slowly if you are new to actives.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Ingredient Breakdown

๐Ÿ”ฌ Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 5% Proven

A powerhouse form of Vitamin B3 that converts to NAD in the skin, fueling cell repair, collagen production, and barrier strengthening. The 5% concentration is the gold-standard for brightening, pore reduction, and oil regulation without irritation risk.

  • Pore Reduction: Studies show 5% niacinamide significantly reduces pore appearance after 8-12 weeks of use.
  • Barrier Repair: Increases natural ceramide production, strengthening the skin's protective barrier.
  • Brightening: Inhibits melanin transfer to skin cells, fading dark spots and evening skin tone.
  • Oil Control: Regulates sebum production and balances fatty acid levels in the skin.
โœ…
5% is the optimal concentration backed by research โ€” effective without the irritation risk of 10% formulations.

๐ŸŒฟ Centella Asiatica Extract 0.2% Madecassoside Proven

Also known as CICA or Gotu Kola, this plant extract has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Rich in active compounds (asiaticoside, madecassic acid, madecassoside) that promote healing and calm inflammation.

  • Wound Healing: Promotes collagen synthesis and fibroblast activity for faster healing of acne lesions.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness and irritation, especially effective for acne-related inflammation.
  • Antioxidant: Protects skin cells from oxidative stress and environmental damage.

๐Ÿ’ฆ Sodium Hyaluronate + Crosspolymer HA 0.5% Proven

A dual hyaluronic acid system combining standard sodium hyaluronate with a crosslinked polymer form. This delivers both immediate surface hydration and sustained deeper moisture retention.

  • Multi-Depth Hydration: Crosspolymer HA provides longer-lasting hydration compared to standard HA alone.
  • Barrier Support: Draws water into the skin and helps lock it in, especially important when using active ingredients.
  • Skin Plumping: Can hold up to 1000x its weight in water, improving skin plumpness and smoothness.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) 1% Proven

A highly effective humectant and skin protector. Once absorbed, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), which is found naturally in all living cells and promotes tissue repair.

  • Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces irritation caused by other active ingredients in the formula.
  • Wound Healing: Promotes fibroblast proliferation, supporting collagen production and skin repair.
  • Deep Hydration: Acts as a humectant, binding water in the skin for lasting moisture.

๐Ÿต Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea) Proven

One of the most researched natural antioxidants in skincare. Rich in polyphenols, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which provides powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.

  • Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and protects against UV-induced oxidative damage.
  • Anti-Acne: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce acne severity.
  • Soothing: Calms redness and nourishes stressed skin.

11 ingredients

Aqua, Niacinamide (5%), Propylene Glycol, Panthenol (1%), Centella Asiatica Extract (0.2% Madecassoside), Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate (0.5%), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA

FREE FROM: Fragrances, Essential Oils, Parabens, Silicones, Sulfates, Harsh Alcohols, Mineral Oil, Phthalates, Artificial Colors, Common Allergens, Oils, PEGs, Gluten, Coconut derivatives

๐Ÿ”„ Where It Fits in Your Routine

1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
This Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use AM and/or PM. Apply on slightly damp skin for best absorption. If layering with Vitamin C, apply Vitamin C first, then this serum. Always follow with sunscreen in daytime.

๐Ÿ“ How to Use

1

Cleanse Your Face

Start with a gentle cleanser. Pat your face until it is almost dry โ€” slightly damp skin helps absorption.

2

Apply 2-3 Drops

Dispense 2-3 drops onto your fingertips and gently press the serum onto your entire face. Avoid rubbing.

3

Let It Absorb

Wait 30-60 seconds for the serum to fully absorb into the skin before moving to the next step.

4

Follow with Moisturizer

Apply your moisturizer to seal in the serum. For dry skin, use a rich cream. For oily skin, a gel moisturizer works well.

5

Sunscreen (Daytime Only)

Always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen as the last step of your morning routine. Niacinamide enhances sun protection benefits.

๐Ÿ‘ค Who Is It For?

โœ… Perfect for you if:

  • You are a beginner looking for your first active ingredient serum
  • You have enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, or acne marks
  • You want oil control without drying out your skin
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe actives
  • You have fungal acne and need a safe, minimal formula
  • You prefer fragrance-free, clean-ingredient products
  • You want a lightweight serum for hot, humid climates

โŒ Consider alternatives if:

  • You need a higher concentration niacinamide (10%+) for stubborn concerns
  • You want additional actives like zinc for heavy oil control
  • You are looking for a thick, rich serum for very dry skin
  • You need a larger bottle size for extended use
  • You prefer serums with added retinol or AHA/BHA actives

๐ŸŽฏ Skin Type Compatibility

Oily Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… Excellent

Regulates sebum production, controls shine, and minimizes pore appearance. The watery texture absorbs instantly without adding greasiness.

Combination Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… Excellent

Balances oil in the T-zone while hydrating dry areas with hyaluronic acid. Works evenly across different face zones.

Acne-Prone Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… Excellent

Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal acne safe, oil-free. Niacinamide reduces inflammation and congestion while CICA calms active breakouts.

Sensitive Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† Good

Fragrance-free, essential oil-free formula with soothing CICA and panthenol. The gentle 5% concentration is well-tolerated, but patch test first if very reactive.

Dry Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† Good

Provides hydration through hyaluronic acid and panthenol, but the lightweight formula may need a richer moisturizer layered on top for very dry skin.

Normal Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… Excellent

An ideal daily serum for maintaining healthy, balanced skin. Provides preventive anti-aging, brightening, and barrier support benefits.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Results Timeline

Week 1-2

Immediate Hydration & Smoother Texture

Skin feels more hydrated, plumper, and smoother to the touch. Some users may experience mild purging as the serum speeds up skin cell turnover. Oil production begins to balance out.

70% noticed hydration improvement
Week 3-4

Reduced Redness & Oil Control

Visible reduction in redness and inflammation. Sebum production is noticeably more balanced. Skin barrier feels stronger and less reactive. Fine bumps begin to smooth out.

65% noticed redness reduction
Month 2-3

Fading Acne Marks & Smaller Pores

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (acne marks) begin to noticeably fade. Pores appear visibly smaller. Overall skin tone becomes more even and brighter.

80% noticed improved skin tone
Month 3-6

Long-Term Barrier Repair & Glow

Significant improvement in skin barrier strength through increased ceramide production. Consistent healthy glow. Fewer acne breakouts. Fine lines appear softened. Best results with continued daily use.

85% reported overall skin improvement

โญ Ratings by Platform

๐Ÿ  Suganda Official Website
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.7
Rating
126+
Reviews
โš ๏ธ Main complaint: Small 30ml bottle runs out quickly with daily use
๐Ÿ›’ Amazon India
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.2
Rating
500+
Reviews
โš ๏ธ Main complaint: Slightly yellow tint of the serum and results take time to appear
๐Ÿ’„ Nykaa
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5
Rating
88+
Reviews
โš ๏ธ Main complaint: Can feel slightly sticky on very oily skin if not applied on damp face
๐Ÿ›’ Flipkart
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.3
Rating
200+
Reviews
โš ๏ธ Main complaint: Would prefer a larger 50ml size option at a better value

โš–๏ธ Pros & Cons

โœ… Praised

  • Minimal, clean ingredient list with only 11 ingredients โ€” no fillers
  • Beginner-friendly 5% concentration reduces irritation risk
  • Fragrance-free, essential oil-free, and paraben-free
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe formulation
  • Fungal acne safe with zero comedogenic ingredients
  • Fast-absorbing, lightweight, water-like texture
  • Noticeable oil control and pore reduction within weeks
  • CICA + Panthenol soothing combo ideal for irritated skin
  • Affordable price point for the quality of ingredients

โŒ Criticized

  • Only 30ml โ€” runs out in about 4-6 weeks with daily use
  • Slight yellow tint may concern some first-time users
  • Can feel slightly sticky if applied on completely dry skin
  • Results take 2-3 weeks of consistent use to become visible
  • No zinc for extra oil control (unlike some competitors)
  • Limited international availability outside India
  • Glass dropper bottle is less travel-friendly than pump packaging

๐Ÿ’ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)

85% Match
Minimalist 5% Niacinamide + 1% HA Serum
โ‚น599 / ~$7 Similar Price

Nearly identical 5% niacinamide concentration with added Bifida Ferment Lysate and Oat Extract for extra soothing. Slightly thicker texture. Also Indian brand, widely available. Contains ferments (not fungal acne safe).

80% Match
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
$5.90 / โ‚น490 Budget Pick

Higher 10% niacinamide concentration with added zinc for stronger oil control. More likely to cause irritation for sensitive skin. Simpler formula without CICA or HA. Globally available. Not fungal acne safe in older formulation.

70% Match
COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum
$23.00 / โ‚น1,900 Premium

Focuses on Centella Asiatica rather than niacinamide as the star ingredient. Better for soothing and calming but less effective for oil control and pore reduction. K-beauty formulation with more ingredients.

๐Ÿ”„ Comparison with Competitors

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

$5.90
Niacinamide Concentration 10%
Key Supporting Actives Zinc PCA only
Total Ingredients 11
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Size 30ml

Minimalist 5% Niacinamide + HA

โ‚น599
Niacinamide Concentration 5%
Key Supporting Actives HA + Bifida Ferment + Oat Extract
Total Ingredients 15
Fungal Acne Safe No (contains ferments)
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Size 30ml

Minimalist 10% Niacinamide + Zinc

โ‚น599
Niacinamide Concentration 10%
Key Supporting Actives HA + Zinc PCA + Matmarine
Total Ingredients 16
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Size 30ml

๐Ÿ“ฆ Storage & Shelf Life

๐Ÿ“…
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

๐Ÿ 
Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration needed.

๐Ÿ“ฆ
Packaging

Glass bottle with dropper applicator for hygienic, precise dispensing

โœˆ๏ธ
Travel Friendly

Yes, 30ml is under 100ml TSA/airline carry-on limit. Glass bottle โ€” handle with care during travel.

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Suganda 5% Niacinamide Serum is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy. The brand includes this product in their official Pregnancy Safe Care collection. All ingredients (niacinamide, panthenol, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, green tea) are considered safe for expecting and nursing mothers.

Yes. This serum is fungal acne (malassezia) safe. It contains no ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or oils that feed the Malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. This has been confirmed by multiple ingredient-checking databases including SkinSignal and SkinSort. The minimal, clean formula makes it one of the safest niacinamide serums for those with fungal acne concerns.

Yes, niacinamide is one of the most versatile active ingredients and can be paired with most other actives. With Vitamin C: apply Vitamin C serum first, then layer this niacinamide serum on top. With retinol: use niacinamide in the AM and retinol in the PM, or layer niacinamide first then retinol. With AHA/BHA: use exfoliating acids first, wait for absorption, then apply this serum. Niacinamide actually helps buffer and reduce irritation from other stronger actives.

This serum is formulated for all skin types but works especially well for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin due to its oil-regulating and pore-minimizing properties. It is also an excellent choice for sensitive skin thanks to the gentle 5% concentration and soothing CICA + panthenol duo. Dry skin types can use it too โ€” just follow with a richer moisturizer to seal in hydration.

Most users report feeling improved hydration and smoother texture within the first 1-2 weeks. Visible oil control and reduced redness typically appear by week 3-4. Significant fading of acne marks, smaller-looking pores, and more even skin tone are usually noticed after 2-3 months of consistent daily use. Full barrier repair and long-term brightening results develop over 3-6 months. Consistency is key.

Apply this serum as Step 3 in your routine: after cleansing and toner, but before moisturizer and sunscreen. The rule of thumb is thinnest to thickest consistency. Apply 2-3 drops on slightly damp skin (not completely dry) for best absorption. Can be used both morning and evening. In the AM, always finish with sunscreen. You can also add a few drops directly to your moisturizer if you prefer.

No. This serum has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5. It contains zero pore-clogging ingredients โ€” no oils, no silicones, no fatty acids, and no waxes. The formula is specifically designed to be non-comedogenic and oil-free. Multiple ingredient databases confirm it is free from pore-clogging components. It is safe for acne-prone skin and will not cause or worsen breakouts.

The serum has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. The 30ml bottle typically lasts 4-6 weeks with daily use (2-3 drops per application, twice daily). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration is required. The dropper bottle helps maintain hygiene and precise dispensing. If the serum changes color significantly, develops an unusual smell, or changes texture, discontinue use.

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
4.5 out of 5

Verdict: Suganda 5% Niacinamide Serum is an outstanding beginner-friendly serum with one of the cleanest ingredient lists in its category โ€” just 11 ingredients, no fillers. The combination of 5% Niacinamide with Korean CICA, dual Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, and Green Tea delivers multi-benefit results: oil control, pore reduction, barrier repair, and brightening. It ticks all the safety boxes โ€” pregnancy safe, fungal acne safe, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free. The only downsides are the small 30ml size and the lack of zinc for extra oil control. For anyone looking for a gentle, effective, and affordable niacinamide serum that won't irritate sensitive skin, this is one of the best options on the market.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Centella Asiatica Extract Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Panthenol Centella Asiatica Extract Sodium Hyaluronate
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2 1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
72% 18% 9%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 11 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
3 B
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
Hydrating
1 A
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
1 B
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS