Niacinamide + HA Serum in 10%
Niacinamide + HA Serum in 10%
Product Description
Soul Apothecary's Niacinamide + HA Serum in 10% is a lightweight, water-based serum that pairs 10% niacinamide with a 2% hyaluronic acid blend, plus collagen and vitamin E, to brighten dull skin, fade dark spots and post-acne marks, refine pores, and lock in hydration. It's fragrance-free, fungal-acne safe, and made by an indie Filipino brand at a genuinely affordable price.
โจ Texture & Feel
Brightens & Evens Tone
10% niacinamide works over time to fade dark spots, post-acne marks, and uneven tone for a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Multi-Layer Hydration
A 2% blend of sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid, plus glycerin and collagen, pulls moisture into skin and helps it look plump.
Strengthens the Barrier
Niacinamide, allantoin, and vitamin E reinforce, soothe, and protect a compromised skin barrier against daily stressors.
Refines Pores & Oil
Niacinamide helps regulate sebum and minimize the look of enlarged pores, making it a favorite for oily and combination skin.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. Every active here (niacinamide, HA, glycerin, allantoin, vitamin E) is widely considered pregnancy-friendly. Confirm with your doctor.
Contains no esters, fatty acids, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Independently verified as fungal-acne safe.
Plays nicely with vitamin C, retinol, AHA/BHA exfoliants, peptides, and sunscreen. The brand lists no ingredients to avoid pairing it with.
10% niacinamide is on the stronger side. A few sensitive users reported flushing or purging โ patch test first, or choose the gentler 5% version if your skin is easily irritated.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งฌ Niacinamide ~10% Proven
The star of the formula. A water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil, reduces the look of pores, and fades dark spots and uneven tone. It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types.
- Mechanism: Converts to NAD in skin cells, fueling repair, new cell production, and collagen support.
- Brightening: Clinical research shows topical niacinamide visibly reduces hyperpigmentation and improves tone with consistent use.
- Barrier: Boosts ceramide production to reinforce a stronger, more resilient barrier.
๐ฆ Glycerin Humectant Proven
A naturally occurring humectant that draws water into the skin. A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective at hydrating than AHAs or hyaluronic acid, and its low molecular weight lets it reach deeper layers.
- Hydration: Pulls moisture to the skin and helps maintain a healthy moisture balance.
- Barrier support: Well-hydrated skin protects better against irritants and bacteria.
๐ Sodium Hyaluronate ~1% Proven
The stable salt form of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular size, allowing it to penetrate more effectively. A powerhouse humectant that holds large amounts of water for plumper, more supple-looking skin.
- Hydration: Binds water within the skin to soften the look of fine lines from dehydration.
- Compatibility: Naturally found in the body, so it's very well tolerated.
๐ง Hyaluronic Acid ~1% Proven
A humectant naturally found in healthy skin that can hold many times its weight in water. It hydrates, soothes, and helps protect the skin, with studies noting anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
- Dual-weight benefit: Combined with sodium hyaluronate for both surface and deeper hydration.
- Plumping: Helps skin look smoother and more bouncy when well-hydrated.
๐ฟ Allantoin Soothing Promising
A calming, protective ingredient often added alongside stronger actives. It moisturizes, soothes, and helps support healthy skin, with studies showing higher concentrations can promote wound healing.
- Soothing: Helps offset potential irritation from the higher niacinamide percentage.
- Purity: Produced synthetically for cosmetics to ensure consistency.
๐งซ Collagen Hydrator Promising
The most abundant structural protein in the body. While there's no firm proof topical collagen rebuilds skin's own collagen, it's an effective humectant โ and hydrated skin looks more elastic and shows fewer fine lines.
- Moisture: Acts as a film-forming humectant for a smoother surface feel.
- Note: Won't increase sun sensitivity, but always wear sunscreen during the day.
๐ก๏ธ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) ~1% Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from free-radical damage and reinforces the lipid barrier. It pairs well with the rest of the formula to keep skin nourished and protected.
- Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution.
- Barrier: Supports natural skin lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids for healthier skin.
15 ingredients
Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Tocopherol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply to clean, toned skin before heavier serums and moisturizer. Usable morning and night โ always follow with SPF in the daytime.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & Tone
Start with clean skin. Follow with your toner or essence and let it absorb before the serum.
Apply 3โ4 Drops
Dispense a few drops onto fingertips or directly onto the face. Gently press and pat across cheeks, forehead, and chin.
Lock It In
Wait about 30 seconds for it to absorb, then seal with a moisturizer to hold the hydration in place.
Use AM & PM
Gentle enough for once or twice daily. In the morning, finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin and want oil control plus hydration
- You're targeting dark spots, post-acne marks, or uneven tone
- You want enlarged pores to look refined
- You prefer a fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe formula
- You're after high-percentage actives on a small budget
โ Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is very reactive (the 5% version may suit you better)
- You already use multiple niacinamide products and risk over-layering
- You want a richer, more occlusive texture for very dry skin
- You prefer a brand with extensive third-party review history
- You need a large airless pump rather than a dropper
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight and oil-free; niacinamide helps regulate sebum without adding shine.
Balances oilier zones while the HA blend keeps drier areas comfortable.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe; helps fade post-acne marks over time.
Provides humectant hydration, but layer a richer moisturizer on top to seal it in.
Fragrance-free and soothing, but 10% niacinamide can be strong โ patch test or start with 5%.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediate Hydration
Skin feels plumper and softer right away thanks to the glycerin and dual-weight HA blend.
Most users noticeSmoother, Less Shiny
Oil looks more balanced and skin texture feels smoother as niacinamide gets to work.
~60% noticedBrighter, More Even Tone
Dark spots and post-acne marks begin to fade and pores look refined with consistent daily use.
~55% noticedClearer, Healthier Skin
Overall tone looks more uniform and the barrier feels stronger and more resilient.
~50% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Excellent value โ high-percentage actives at an indie-friendly price
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing, fragrance-free texture
- Thoughtful, hydrating formula with HA, collagen, and vitamin E
- Fungal-acne safe, reef safe, cruelty-free
- Supports a local Filipino brand
โ Criticized
- 10% can irritate or cause purging in sensitive skin
- Plain dropper packaging feels less luxe
- Limited third-party review history
- Popular variants often out of stock
- Mainly distributed within the Philippines
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Same 10% niacinamide with added 1% zinc for extra oil control, but no hyaluronic acid blend, collagen, or vitamin E. Can feel slightly tacky on the skin.
Also a 10% niacinamide gel serum with glycerin and a lightweight feel. Simpler formula without the multi-weight HA, collagen, or antioxidant vitamin E.
Higher 12% niacinamide with 2% zinc plus sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E. Stronger and more congestion-focused, at a higher price point.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Soul Apothecary Niacinamide + HA 10% (This Product)
$10.00The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
$6.50Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
$17.00Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
$6.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain efficacy.
Glass bottle with dropper applicator
Yes โ both 15ml and 30ml sizes are well under the 100ml carry-on limit.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It's generally considered pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters โ its actives (niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, allantoin, collagen, vitamin E) are widely viewed as safe during pregnancy. As always, confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before adding any product during pregnancy.
Yes. The formula has been independently verified as fungal-acne (malassezia) safe. It contains no esters, fatty acids, or polysorbates that can feed malassezia yeast, making it a solid choice if you're prone to fungal acne or closed comedones.
Yes. Niacinamide is highly compatible and layers well with vitamin C, retinol, and AHA/BHA exfoliants, as well as peptides and sunscreen. If you're combining several strong actives, introduce them gradually and on alternating days if your skin is sensitive, to avoid over-irritation.
It's best suited to oily, combination, and acne-prone skin thanks to its oil-balancing niacinamide and lightweight, oil-free texture. Dry and sensitive skin can use it too โ dry skin should layer a richer moisturizer on top, and very reactive skin may prefer the gentler 5% version.
Hydration is immediate. Oil balance and smoother texture typically appear within 2โ4 weeks, while brightening and the fading of dark spots and post-acne marks usually take 4โ12 weeks of consistent daily use. Niacinamide rewards patience and routine.
Apply it after cleansing and toning, and before heavier serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Because it's a watery, low-molecular-weight serum, it sits early in the routine so it can absorb fully into the skin.
No โ it scores a low 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. The formula is water-based and completely oil-free, with no heavy butters or pore-clogging emollients, so it's a good fit for breakout-prone skin.
About 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, and close the dropper tightly between uses to preserve the actives and prevent contamination.
Verdict: Soul Apothecary's Niacinamide + HA Serum in 10% punches well above its price. You get a genuinely thoughtful formula โ 10% niacinamide backed by a hydrating HA blend, collagen, and vitamin E โ in a fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe, oil-free base that suits oily, combination, and acne-prone skin especially well. The trade-offs are modest: the 10% strength can be too much for very sensitive skin (the 5% version exists for that), the dropper packaging is basic, and as a small Filipino indie brand it has a limited third-party review track record. For brightening, oil control, and hydration on a budget, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 4 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 6 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
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
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|