Niacinamide is often praised as a hero ingredient in acne serums. However, not everyone would agree with that as it can trigger skin irritation, redness, or breakouts, especially when combined with other actives. If you’ve ever felt that your skin simply does better without niacinamide, you’re not alone.
We know how hard nowadays it can be to find cosmetics without niacinamide and that's why in Disruptif Beauty we're sharing 3 serum focus on ingredients that directly target acne, such as salicylic acid or azelaic acid, without leading to the skin irritation.
1. Geek & Gorgeous Porefectly Clear serum - A BHA anti-acne serum without Niacinamide
Geek & Gorgeous Porefectly Clear is a standout serum without niacinamide if clogged pores, blackheads, and texture are your main acne concerns.
With 2% salicylic acid (BHA) and without adding niacinamide, this is a oil-soluble formula, meaning it penetrates into the pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells that lead to breakouts.
It is particularly well-balanced serum due to the inclusion of sarcosine, which helps regulate sebum production, and allantoin, which soothes the skin and reduces the risk of irritation. The texture is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and easy to layer, making it ideal for both morning and evening routines.
Best for: oily or combination skin, blackheads, congestion, and acne caused by clogged pores.
2. Skintegra ROS/AC 10 emulsion serum - Azelaic Acid for acne and skin irritation
The star ingredient of ROS/AC10 is 10% azelaic acid, a well-researched ingredient known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and sebum-regulating properties. Unlike exfoliating acids, azelaic acid is often better tolerated and less likely to cause skin irritation, making it ideal for sensitive or redness-prone acne-prone skin.
This serum will help reducing your active breakouts and visibly visible redness from the acne inflammation. It’s especially helpful if your acne is persistent but your skin usually doesn’t tolerate aggressive treatments.
Best for: sensitive acne-prone skin, inflammatory acne, redness, and uneven tone.
3. Medicube Zero Pore Serum 2.0 - Daily balance without niacinamide focus
Medicube Zero Pore Serum 2.0 is a daily pore refining serum for acne-prone and oily skin types. While many pore-care products rely heavily on niacinamide, this serum focuses instead on sebum-balancing botanical extracts.
Its formula helps refine the appearance of your pores and reduce excess oil with the help of Camellia flower and Lemongrass extracts. The texture is refreshing and absorbs quickly, making it an easy addition to both morning and evening routines.
This is a good option if you’re looking for a solution for enlarged pores without niacinamide.
Best for: oily or combination skin, enlarged pores, and daily acne maintenance.
What is the Right Serum Without Niacinamide For You?
All three of these serums without niacinamide address acne in different ways:
- Choose Geek & Gorgeous Porefectly Clear if clogged pores and blackheads are your main concern.
- Go for Skintegra ROS/AC 10 if your acne comes together with redness, sensitivity, or frequent skin irritation.
- Pick Medicube Zero Pore Serum 2.0 if you want gentle daily oil control and pore refinement.
And of course, you don’t need to use all of them at once. A simple routine sometimes is the winner!
