Everything You Need To Know About Vitamin B Serums
Jo is a former Adore Beauty staffer and qualified dermal therapist with over decade of experience in the beauty industry.
She co-hosted our award-winning podcast Beauty IQ Uncensored for 4 years, interviewing names like Caroline Hirons, Katie Jane Hughes and Chris Appleton to name a few.
Choose Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) for oil control and fewer blemishes, Panthenol (Vitamin B5) for hydration and barrier repair, or try a dual formula like asap super b complex for glow plus repair. The article explains what each B vitamin does and recommends products including Aspect Extreme B17 and Medik8 Hydr8 B5.
Fast Facts You Need to Know
- Pick Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to reduce blemishes and control oily or congested skin
- Pick Panthenol (Vitamin B5) to hydrate, soothe irritation and support barrier repair
- Choose a dual B serum like asap super b complex for combined glow, hydration and repair
- Aspect Extreme B17 brightens the complexion and helps balance oil
- Medik8 Hydr8 B5 delivers weightless hydration for dry, dehydrated skin
If you want a simple decision, match the B vitamin to your main skin concern: oil and breakouts get Niacinamide, dryness and sensitivity get Panthenol, or opt for a combined formula for everyday glow. The rest of the article covers ingredient science, routine placement and our favourite product picks.
Even if you're only remotely into skincare, a Vitamin B serum has probably popped up on your wishlist of skincare products thanks to its association with getting that glow. Actually, come to think of it, a Vitamin B serum was the first kind of serum I used (many moons ago).
That serum was asap's super b complex - a product I still rotate in my routine 7 years later. But not all Vitamin B serums are equal. That begs the question, which B is right for you?
The Difference Between B3 & B5:
As I said, not all B's are equal - and that's because some B's are completely different. The two main forms you'll find in a serum are Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and Vitamin B5 (Panthenol). If you're lucky, your serum of choice will have both.
Vitamin B3, which you'll likely spot on an ingredient list as Niacinamide, can help to reduce blemishes and congestion by balancing the skin's natural oil production. It can also improve barrier function to reduce water loss and protect the skin from pollutants and irritation.
Check out the video below as I explain more about Niacinamide and some of my favourite products with Vitamin B3
Vitamin B5, also known as Panthenol, mainly functions as a hydrating ingredient, but it also has soothing and repairing properties as well, and helps to support the skin's natural barrier.
Find out more about Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and some of my favourite products in the video below
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Some Of Our Faves:
It wouldn't be much use telling you all of the above if we weren't going to give you some product suggestions, would it? So we've pulled together some of our personal favourite B serums.
Clearly my favourite, asap's super b boasts both forms of Vitamin B mentioned, plus a big dose of Vitamin E too, to fight the signs of ageing whilst giving the skin a big dose of hydration. This anti-inflammatory formula contains potent antioxidants to boost the skin’s natural protection against environmental damage whilst repairing past damage. Plus, it really does give you that glow.
This powerful serum rejuvenates and replenishes the skin with 5 high-performance sea plants and a patented blend of Vitamin B5 and Vitamin B3. The formula works to reduce the appearance of fine lines, redness and dullness, as well as balancing oil levels. If you're looking for something to brighten your complexion, this'll do it!
With a focus on hydration, this serum contains a nourishing blend of moisture-boosting Hyaluronic Acid and skin-softening Vitamin B5. It has a weightless, oil-free texture, and is designed to dramatically improve skin texture, enhance luminosity, diminish dehydration lines, dryness, and irritation. It leaves the skin hydrated, plump and smooth, and is best suited to dry and dehydrated skin types.
