Paula's choice 5% Niacinamide Body Serum
Works for
Evens skin toneNiacinamideWorks well
“Evens skin tone and addresses discolouration”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
MoisturizingPanthenol, Niacinamide + 18 moreWorks well
“Hydrates skin”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, pantolactone.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: butyrospermum parkii butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, panthenol
Anti-agingNiacinamide, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 1 moreWorks well
“Very effective skin-restoring ingredient that can visibly improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and dullness.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · NiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy12 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Panthenol~5.6–6.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolNiacinamide~4.2–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideCaprylic/capric triglyceride~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideCoco-caprylate/caprate~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateGlycerin~2.1–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinPentylene glycol~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolMyristyl myristate~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic
More about Myristyl myristateHydrogenated farnesene~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Squalane~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneGlyceryl stearate citrate~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Glyceryl stearate citrateButyrospermum parkii butter~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterCitrullus lanatus seed oil~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mangifera indica seed butter~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Mangifera indica seed butterSimmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.
More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oilPolyglyceryl-3 stearate~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 stearatePropanediol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolSaccharide isomerate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharide isomerateSodium polyacrylate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylateGlyceryl stearate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateCaprylyl glycol~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolXanthan gum~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumTocopherol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolEthylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.55%
Hexylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolSclerotium gum~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions
More about Sclerotium gumLecithin~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinPullulan~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
More about PullulanHydrolyzed opuntia ficus-indica flower extract~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract. Can help attract water the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Hydrolyzed opuntia ficus-indica flower extractPantolactone~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about PantolactoneSodium phytate~0.25–0.4%
Silica~0.35–0.6%
1,2-hexanediol~0.15–0.25%
Citric acid~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium citrate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateBacillus ferment~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A product of bacterial fermentation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Bacillus fermentPhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolHydrogenated lecithin~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinIngredient list view
Water, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Glycerin, Pentylene glycol, Myristyl myristate, Hydrogenated farnesene, Squalane, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Citrullus lanatus seed oil, Mangifera indica seed butter, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Polyglyceryl-3 stearate, Propanediol, Saccharide isomerate, Sodium polyacrylate, Glyceryl stearate, Caprylyl glycol, Xanthan gum, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol, Sclerotium gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Hydrolyzed opuntia ficus-indica flower extract, Pantolactone, Sodium phytate, Silica, 1,2-hexanediol, Citric acid, Sodium citrate, Bacillus ferment, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated lecithin
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Paula's choice5% Niacinamide Body SerumYOUR PRODUCT | PurifiedPost-Breakout Serum | Good MoleculesDiscoloration Correcting Body Treatment | SimpleBooster Serum 3% Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin B | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 83% | 83% | 82% |
| Price | $37.00 | — | $14.99−$22.01 | $6.68−$30.32 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 15 | 4 of 15 | 6 of 15 |
| Key difference | — | Bakuchiol | Capryloyl Salicylic Acid | Sunflower Seed Oil |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Meditherapy Retinal Skin Booster SerumEre Perez White Tea Phyto-Retinol Elixir
Product summary
"Paula's choice - 5% Niacinamide Body Serum" is effective for: Anti-aging, Moisturizing, Evens skin tone and Anti-blemish
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (4.20% - 5.10%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 4.90% - 6.00% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
- Humectants (pantolactone 0.30% - 0.55%, saccharide isomerate 0.45% - 0.70%, glycerin 2.00% - 2.50% and panthenol 4.90% - 6.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 43.00A$ in Australia, for 29.00$ in the United States and from 34.00£ up to 36.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.