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.
โจ Texture & Feel
5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Clinically proven concentration to reduce pore appearance, control oil, brighten skin tone, and fade acne marks without causing irritation.
Centella Asiatica (CICA)
Korean CICA with 0.2% Madecassoside soothes inflammation, calms redness, and promotes wound healing for acne-prone skin.
Dual Hyaluronic Acid System
Sodium Hyaluronate + Crosspolymer HA provides multi-depth hydration, strengthening the skin moisture barrier from within.
1% Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Controls dryness and flakiness, promotes fibroblast proliferation for skin repair, and reduces irritation from active ingredients.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
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.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and oils that feed Malassezia yeast. Confirmed safe by multiple ingredient databases including SkinSignal and SkinSort.
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.
Fragrance-free, essential oil-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free. The gentle 5% concentration is well-tolerated by most sensitive skin types.
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.
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.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฌ 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.
๐ฟ 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.
๐ฆ 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.
๐ก๏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.
๐ต 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
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
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.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Your Face
Start with a gentle cleanser. Pat your face until it is almost dry โ slightly damp skin helps absorption.
Apply 2-3 Drops
Dispense 2-3 drops onto your fingertips and gently press the serum onto your entire face. Avoid rubbing.
Let It Absorb
Wait 30-60 seconds for the serum to fully absorb into the skin before moving to the next step.
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.
Sunscreen (Daytime Only)
Always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen as the last step of your morning routine. Niacinamide enhances sun protection benefits.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ 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 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
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Regulates sebum production, controls shine, and minimizes pore appearance. The watery texture absorbs instantly without adding greasiness.
Balances oil in the T-zone while hydrating dry areas with hyaluronic acid. Works evenly across different face zones.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal acne safe, oil-free. Niacinamide reduces inflammation and congestion while CICA calms active breakouts.
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.
Provides hydration through hyaluronic acid and panthenol, but the lightweight formula may need a richer moisturizer layered on top for very dry skin.
An ideal daily serum for maintaining healthy, balanced skin. Provides preventive anti-aging, brightening, and barrier support benefits.
๐ Results Timeline
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 improvementReduced 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 reductionFading 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 toneLong-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 improvementโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ 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 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
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
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).
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.
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.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Suganda 5% Niacinamide Serum
โน599The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
$5.90Minimalist 5% Niacinamide + HA
โน599Minimalist 10% Niacinamide + Zinc
โน599๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration needed.
Glass bottle with dropper applicator for hygienic, precise dispensing
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.
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
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
|

