5% Niacinamide Body Serum

When it comes to targeting trickybody careconcerns—think uneven tone or rough texture—a standard body lotion just won’t cut it. Enter niacinamide (vitamin B3), 5% d-panthenol (vitamin B5) and prickly pear extract. These bioavailable ingredients work uniquely within skin to help rebuild the delicate moisture barrier while actively fading stubborn marks, evening out tone and softening roughness.

This ultra-light serum targets small and widespread discolorations that happen on the body. Whether you’re dealing with dotted discoloration around pores, uneven skin tone from sun damage or stubborn marks left behind from breakouts—this can help. It works by strengthening skin’s surface layers, stabilizing the microbiome and encouraging a healthier skin tone and overall youthful glow.

After cleansing and exfoliation, apply a thin layer to areas of concern from the neck down and follow with body moisturizer if needed. For daytime, always finish with SPF 30+.

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Panthenol, Saccharide Isomerate, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil , Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract

All Ingredients: Water (Solvent | Good), Panthenol (Humectant, Solvent | Best), Niacinamide (Antioxidant, Humectant | Best), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Emollient, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts | Best), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate (Emollient | Good), Myristyl Myristate (Texture Enhancer, Emollient, Occlusive/Opacifying Agent | Good), Pentylene Glycol (Humectant, Solvent, Preservative | Good), Glycerin (Humectant, Texture Enhancer, Solvent | Best), C13-15 Alkane (Solvent | Good), Squalene (Emollient, Antioxidant | Best), Glyceryl Stearate Citrate (Emollient, Emulsifier, Cleansing Agent | Good), Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts, Emollient | Best), Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts | Best), Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter (Emollient, Plant Extracts | Best), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (Antioxidant, Emollient, Plant Extracts | Best), Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate (Emollient, Emulsifier | Good), Propanediol (Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Saccharide Isomerate (Humectant | Best), Sodium Polyacrylate (Film-Forming Agent, Polymer, Absorbent | Good), Hydrogenated Lecithin (Emollient, Emulsifier, Suspending/Dispersing Agent | Best), Caprylyl Glycol (Preservative, Plant Extracts | Good), Xanthan Gum (Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agent, Emulsifier | Good), Tocopherol (Antioxidant | Best), Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservative, Humectant | Good), Hexylene Glycol (Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Sclerotium Gum (Texture Enhancer, pH Adjuster/Stabilizer | Good), Lecithin (Emollient, Emulsifier, Cleansing Agent | Best), Pullulan (Antioxidant, Texture Enhancer | Good), Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts | Best), Pantolactone (Humectant | Good), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent | Good), Silica (Texture Enhancer, Absorbent, Occlusive/Opacifying Agent | Good), 1, 2-Hexanediol (Preservative, Humectant, Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster/Stabilizer, Chelating Agent | Good), Sodium Citrate (pH Adjuster/Stabilizer, Chelating Agent, Antioxidant, Preservative | Good), Bacillus Ferment (Humectant, Peptides, Prebiotic/Probiotic/Postbiotic | Best), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative | Good)

Ingredient Spotlight:

• Niacinamide: Helps visibly minimize pore size, improve dull/uneven tone, and reduce wrinkle depth. Also known to fortify skin's barrier strength and boost hydration. Improves the appearance of enlarged pores; Brightens dull, uneven tone; Boosts skin’s barrier strength
• Panthenol: Also known as pro-vitamin B5. Humectant that increases hydration substantially by attracting/retaining moisture. Can also play a role in visibly reducing facial redness triggered by sensitivity. Well-known hydrating ingredient; May also help soothe sensitivity; Often referred to as pro-vitamin B5
• Saccharide Isomerate: Water-binding agent and emollient, particularly helpful for dry skin. Research indicates it has an affinity for soothing and strengthening skin's barrier, while delivering long-lasting hydration. Humectant derived from plant sugars; Attracts and hold moisture as it soothes; Has a natural affinity for skin
• Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil: This non-fragrant plant oil from watermelon seeds is a rich source of fatty acids that soothe and hydrate skin. It’s also antioxidant-rich and the oil tends to be more stable than others. Non-fragrant oil from watermelon seeds; Rich source of hydrating, soothing fatty acids; Chockful of antioxidants
• Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract: Also known as prickly pear, this desert plant extract’s flowers are excellent sources of antioxidants that also soothe skin and can improve the stability of more delicate ingredients. Considered an excellent soothing ingredient; Very good source of antioxidants; Helps refine skin texture for improved smoothness

Antioxidants, August 2021, pages 1–24
Molecules, February 2021, ePublication
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2020, pages 632–636; and November 2020, pages 191–200
Microorganisms, November 2020, pages 1–12
Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, December 2017, pages 5,485–5,489
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, May 2017, pages 766–773; and December 2002, pages 173–178
Journal of Medicinal Food, October 2015, pages 1,143–1,149
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2014, pages 311–315
BMC Research Notes, November 2013, ePublication

Who is the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum for? What does it do?

This product is perfect for all skin types. It addresses uneven skin tone, rough texture, discolorations and dryness that can happen all over the body, no matter what age you are. It’s a targeted treatment that may be used alone or to complement otherPaula’s Choice body productsfor maximum results.

Should I switch to the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum if I’m currently using the 10% Niacinamide Booster in my body lotion or cream? Is it a better choice?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Adding thePaula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Boosterto your favorite non-SPF body product is great idea and works well for some. But if you want to boost your results, the key ingredients in this body serum like D-panthenol (vitamin B5), Optunia ficuls-indica flower extract (prickly pear) and saccharide isomerate, are perfect. This science-based combination smooths, refines texture and evens out skin tone from the neck down. Like any skin care product, experiment to see what works best for you.

Do I need to use the 5% Niacinamide Body Treatment if I use the Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster or 20% Niacinamide Treatment on the face?

Not necessarily. This will vary from person to person depending on what your primary body skin concerns are. This product is perfect for all skin types looking to target uneven skin tone, rough texture, discolorations and dryness on the body. Plus, it complements other Paula’s Choice body products.

What is the benefit of D-panthenol in this formula?

Panthenol helps skinmaintain adequate moisture levels while visibly improving firmness over time. Its soothing action can also help reduce itchy skin caused by dryness or barrier disruption/function. In short, D-panthenol is an unsung hero for healthy skin.

How does the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum compare to other Paula's Choice body care products?

Although there’s overlap in key benefits, the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum hyper-focuses on uneven skin tone and texture, enhancing hydration and aiding in skin’s natural repair. Below are more specific differences: 5% Niacinamide Body Serum – targets uneven skin tone, texture and overall lack of hydration.Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHAorSkin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA– targets rough, congested, flaky or dull skin + clogged pores.Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment– targets multiple signs of aging and signs of sun damage, including loss of firmness. There is no one solution. Experiment to see what works for your unique concerns and goals. It’s also perfectly fine to layer any of these body care products together to super-target tricky concerns.

I don't have enlarged pores on my body, why should I use the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum?

You don't need to have enlarged pores to use this product. While niacinamide is indeed helpful for this concern, the main purpose of this serum is to even out skin tone, and help build a stronger, healthier barrier. Keep in mind that skin has pores from head to toe and they can become enlarged anywhere on the body, especially where there are more oil glands (the chest and upper back for example). Pores are but one concern multi-tasking ingredient niacinamide can address.

Can I use the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum together with my body AHA/BHA or Body Retinol? Which one goes first?

Yes. Apply your exfoliant first. The prickly pear (Optunia Ficus-Indica Flower) ingredient was chosen because a special isolate from this plant’s flower has been shown to refine texture. Just to be clear, this doesn’t act in the same way that our leave-on body exfoliants do, it targets different pathways in the shedding/renewal process. None of the ingredients in 5% Niacinamide Body Serum interfere with the retinol working on skin; in fact, research has shown pairingniacinamide with retinolimproves efficacy and tolerability of retinol.

I have wrinkles and discolorations from sun damage: is the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum going to help? Is this serum better than the Retinol Body treatment?

The 5% Niacinamide Body Serum and Retinol Body Treatment are both great options and bring overlapping and unique benefits to the table. The 5% Niacinamide Body Serum is our best option for uneven skin tone on the body while the Retinol Body Treatment is a superstar for multiple signs of aging, wrinkles and loss of firmness. Using these two products with one of our body exfoliants maximizes results. You can layer them once daily or alternate days, using retinol one day, niacinamide the next and one of our body exfoliants daily, depending on how your skin responds.

Can I use the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum under my sunscreen during the day?

Yes, in fact, niacinamide plays a strong role in protecting from daily damage. Plus, panthenol and humectant saccharide isomerate provide soothing benefits.

Will the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum help with bacne/keratosis pilaris?

It will help fade post-breakout marks and soothe any associated irritation. Otherwise, ourCLEAR Acne Body Sprayis the go-to for body breakouts and Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA is our recommendation for dealing with bumpy texture. This exfoliant is even suitable for those with keratosis pilaris.

Can I use the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum on my face?

Yes, as with any of our body care products, it can also be used on the face. We encourage you to experiment with each to see which you prefer -- and where.

How long will it take to see results when using the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum?

Results will vary. Depending on the extent of the skin care concerns you are trying to address, the products you are using and how diligent you are about daily sunscreen application, you can expect to see results in 4-6 weeks. Ongoing use is required for continued improvement. Results will continue to improve over time but do not expect to look 20 years younger or for any anti-aging product to replace what a cosmetic medical procedure or surgery can provide.

How much of the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum do I need to apply for results?

How much to apply will vary from person to person depending on the areas of the body they are treating. An even, thin layer is adequate. Remember that application is not one and done. The best results come from consistent, daily use (at least 1x per day).