No.3 Skin Softening Serum — Reddit Reviews

• Acne

  Some evidence

  Niacinamide: 6 studies tested it directly. See all 17 studies→

  On Reddit: Oily, sensitive skin commenters reach for its gentle exfoliating properties as a texture-control step. 3 mentions

  What the studies found

  • Most studies found niacinamide helped acne
  • It often worked about as well as clindamycin when put on the skin
  • Some studies found it reduced red, sore spots and other pimples
  • Some research found the results were uncertain or showed no clear difference

• Hyperpigmentation

  Some evidence

  Niacinamide: 4 studies tested it directly. See all 17 studies→

  On Reddit: Routine-paired even-tone glow stands out, with users reporting hydrated skin all day and reduced pore appearance. 3 mentions

  What the studies found

  • All 4 studies that tested it directly found it helped fade dark spots or patches
  • It reduced facial dark spots better than a moisturizer without niacinamide
  • Women with chloasma saw darker patches improve more when nicotinamide was added to salicylic acid
  • Studies also found facial skin looked lighter as dark spots faded

• Anti-Aging

  Some evidence

  Niacinamide: 2 studies tested it directly. See all 8 studies→

  What the studies found

  • Both studies that tested it directly found it helped with signs of aging
  • It improved skin firmness and elasticity, so skin looked firmer
  • It reduced wrinkles, dark spots, redness, and yellowing
  • It helped skin hold more water and reduced water loss through the skin

• Skin Barrier

  Not proven yet

  Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.

  Niacinamide: 1 study tested it directly. See all 17 studies→

  What the studies found

  • The one study that tested it directly found it helped the skin barrier
  • It lowered water loss through the skin
  • It increased the thickness of the outer layer of skin

Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.