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Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum for combination skin

High

  • SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for combination skin; a few serums fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Excellent suitability for your combination skin is provided by niacinamide and glycerin, which effectively regulate oil production and hydrate without clogging pores. Diglucosyl gallic acid and other botanical extracts further enhance skin tone and texture, offering a brightening effect.
  • The formula is well-balanced to address oily shine and improve overall skin appearance.
  • This product is safe for your combination skin, as it contains no harsh or irritating ingredients.

How to apply

  • Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
  • Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
  • Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
  • Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .

People Say

★4.4Overall rating based on 600+ reviews

This serum is widely praised for its ability to visibly reduce redness, minimize the appearance of pores, and fade post-acne dark spots, making it a favorite for those with oily or acne-prone skin. While most users love the milky, hydrating texture that layers well under makeup, some have raised concerns about the product oxidizing (turning brown) over time and its distinct scent.

Highlights

  • Hydrating texture Mostly Mentioned
    • “milky and moisturizing”
    • “sinks in quickly”
    • “not sticky like others”
    • “leaves skin soft”
  • Minimizes pores Often Mentioned
    • “pores look smaller”
    • “tightens enlarged pores”
    • “texture is smoother”
    • “helped with pore congestion”
  • Reduces redness Often Mentioned
    • “calms redness immediately”
    • “skin looks less angry”
    • “reduction in surface redness”
  • Controls oil Sometimes Noted
    • “less oily by noon”
    • “balances sebum production”
    • “great for combo skin”
    • “matte but glowing finish”
  • Fades dark spots Sometimes Noted
    • “lightened acne scars”
    • “helped with hyperpigmentation”
    • “spots are fading faster”
    • “evened out skin tone”
  • Color oxidation Sometimes Noted
    • “turned brown quickly”
    • “color changed to dark orange”
    • “oxidized in the bottle”
    • “looked unappealing after a month”
  • Unpleasant smell Sometimes Noted
    • “smells a bit funky”
    • “scent is off-putting”
    • “has a weird odor”
    • “smells like vitamins”
  • Packaging issues Rarely Noted
    • “dropper is messy”
    • “hard to get last drops”
    • “bottle leaks slightly”
    • “pipette doesn't hold product”
  • Potential irritation Rarely Noted
    • “caused breakouts”
    • “too strong for sensitive skin”
    • “stung upon application”
    • “caused mild flushing”

Sources: lovi.care, sundayriley.com, sephora.com, ulta.com, spacenk.com, cultbeauty.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Sunday Riley B3 Nice Niacinamide Serum a great fit for combination skin?

This serum is a great fit because niacinamide and glycerin help regulate oil and hydrate dry spots without clogging pores. Botanical extracts and diglucosyl gallic acid further improve skin tone and texture for a brighter, more balanced look.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for combination skin?

This serum is a great fit for your combination skin because niacinamide and glycerin regulate oil production and hydrate without clogging pores, while diglucosyl gallic acid and madecassoside brighten skin tone and support barrier repair.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2022

What does Niacinamide do for combination skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oily areas by reducing excess shine and pore size while keeping dry patches hydrated and smooth. It also works to calm redness and even out skin tone, making it very suitable for combination skin.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

What does Resveratrol do for combination skin?

Resveratrol helps protect combination skin by fighting oxidative stress and reducing inflammation. It may also help keep the skin smooth and balanced by supporting the skin barrier.

Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2019Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2022

Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, to keep things simple and safe around sun exposure.

Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this serum with retinol by applying this treatment first in your routine and following it with your retinol. Niacinamide helps soothe the skin, which may reduce the irritation sometimes caused by retinoids.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

How often should I use this serum?

This serum fits into your evening routine, where you can use it once a day. Niacinamide and glycerin regulate oil and hydrate without clogging pores, while botanical extracts help brighten your skin tone and texture.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2022The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts because it uses niacinamide and glycerin to hydrate and balance oil without heavy ingredients. It does not contain active ingredients that speed up skin cell turnover, so it is unlikely to cause purging.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Diglucosyl gallic acid exhibits stronger tyrosinase inhibition than VC with an IC50 of 2.68 mg/mL, and its application as a cosmetic ingredient improves skin brightness while reducing ultraviolet spots, melanin, and erythema in human volunteers.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2022
  • Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer.

    The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
  • Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.

    Molecules, 2023
  • Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
  • Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.

    The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008
  • Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2005
  • Topical CE Ferulic plus resveratrol BE serum following ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment reduced erythema index (308.9 vs. 325.3), shortened complete scabbing detachment time (6.0 vs. 6.5 days), decreased melanin index (-7.4% vs. +0.2%), and improved skin hydration compared to normal saline in 51 Chinese patients.

    Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024
  • Topical treatment with a combination of pyridine-2, 4-dicarboxylic acid diethyl ester and resveratrol significantly increased hair density in 79 Caucasian female subjects starting from 1.5 months compared to baseline.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020
  • A nighttime topical antioxidant containing resveratrol, baicalin, and vitamin E significantly improved fine lines, wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, laxity, hyperpigmentation, radiance, roughness, and dermal thickness in subjects with mild to moderately photodamaged skin over 12 weeks.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2014
  • Topical green tea extract significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear breakup times, and meibomian gland health compared to standard treatment in patients with dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

    Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2017
  • Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2009
  • An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
  • Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing.

    Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020
  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
  • Topical treatment with 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside significantly improved clinical scores for wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness, and skin hydration, along with functional and structural remodeling of the elastic fiber network in 20 female volunteers with photoaged skin after 6 months compared to baseline.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2008

Ingredients

Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Octyldodecanol, Resveratrol, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Boswellia Serrata Extract Resin, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract Flower, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Betaine, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Peg-8, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Grapefruit Peel Extract, Tangerine Peel Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lemon Peel Oil, Sodium Phytate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone, Trideceth-6, Peg Ppg-18 18 Dimethicone, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Triethyl Citrate

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

How does it fit your skin?

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