Want smoother, brighter skin that looks years younger? Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum is my must-have for tackling pores, redness, and dark spots. This lilac-hued gem hydrates and evens my tone, making my 45-year-old skin glow. It’s a splurge, but a few drops deliver results that rival professional treatments. Grab it at Sephora or Ulta and add it to your routine—you’ll love the radiant, healthy complexion that makes you feel confident. Trust me, this serum’s worth every penny for that youthful shine.
My Journey with Sunday Riley B3 Nice Serum
At 45, my skin was betraying me—enlarged pores, stubborn post-acne marks, and redness that made me look tired. I’d tried niacinamide serums before, but they were duds, leaving my skin unchanged. Then, I snagged Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum during an Ulta sale, drawn by its sleek bottle and promise of radiance. I started applying three drops every morning after cleansing, smoothing it over my face and neck before my moisturizer and SPF.
From day one, the milky, lilac serum felt like a treat—light, non-greasy, with a subtle, clean scent that faded fast. My skin drank it up, looking instantly dewy. By week two, my pores seemed smaller, especially around my nose, and my complexion was brighter, less blotchy. A 2018 study backs niacinamide’s power to reduce sebum and redness, and I saw it firsthand—my cheeks were less flushed, even in winter. After a month, my dark spots from old acne faded, and my skin felt smoother, like I’d been microneedled. I paired it with Good Genes at night, and the combo was chef’s kiss—my skin looked healthier, almost airbrushed.
The 1-ounce bottle’s pricey at $65, but it’s lasted three months with twice-daily use. My only gripe? The dropper gets crusty, so I clean it weekly. I’m hooked, and my husband’s noticed my glow. If you want skin that looks alive, B3 Nice is a game-changer, though sensitive types should patch-test first.
What Makes B3 Nice Serum Special?
B3 Nice boasts 10% niacinamide, a vitamin B3 derivative that brightens, hydrates, and calms skin, per a 2018 dermatology review. Trans-resveratrol and EGCG from green tea add antioxidant muscle, fighting hyperpigmentation and aging. Licorice root extract targets dark spots, while artichoke leaf strengthens the skin barrier. It’s cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and free of parabens, sulfates, and gluten, but contains alcohol (low enough not to dry my skin). Apply three drops once or twice daily after cleansing, before moisturizer. It’s vegan and suits all skin types, though oily skin loves its sebum control.
I’m obsessed with how it minimizes my pores and evens my tone. My sensitive, combo skin stays hydrated without breakouts, and the lilac hue adds a luxe vibe. If you’re after a multitasking serum for radiance and anti-aging, B3 Nice delivers, but consistency and SPF are key for lasting results.
Maintenance Tips for Using B3 Nice Serum
- Apply After Cleansing, Before Moisturizer: Use B3 Nice on clean, dry skin, morning or night. I apply three drops after cleansing, smoothing it over my face and neck, then follow with moisturizer and SPF in the AM. This ensures niacinamide penetrates, maximizing pore and tone benefits. Pat gently for absorption.
- Use Sparingly to Stretch the Bottle: Three drops are plenty for face, neck, and décolleté. I overused it at first, wasting serum. Apply lightly and spread evenly to make the 1-ounce bottle last three months. This saves cash and prevents over-application, which can irritate sensitive skin types.
- Pair with SPF for Daytime Use: Niacinamide can increase sun sensitivity, so SPF 30 or higher is crucial for morning use. I layer a broad-spectrum sunscreen after moisturizer to protect my glow. Skipping SPF risks damage, so keep it consistent, even indoors, to maintain B3 Nice’s brightening effects.
- Clean Dropper to Avoid Crusting: The dropper gets crusty from dried serum. I wipe it weekly with a damp cloth to keep it clean. Store upright in a cool, dry place to prevent residue buildup. This ensures smooth application and keeps the serum fresh, avoiding contamination or clogs.
- Patch-Test for Sensitive Skin: If your skin’s reactive, test a drop on your wrist first. I had no issues, but the 10% niacinamide can tingle. Wait 24 hours for redness or breakouts. This step prevents surprises, letting you use B3 Nice confidently for radiance without irritation risks.
Pros and Cons of B3 Nice Serum
Pros:
- Minimizes Pore Appearance: B3 Nice is a pore-shrinking wizard. My nose and cheeks looked smoother in weeks, with visibly smaller pores. Niacinamide regulates sebum, per a 2020 study, keeping congestion at bay. If your pores are screaming for help, this serum tightens them up for a refined, polished look.
- Fades Dark Spots and Scars: My post-acne marks faded noticeably after a month, thanks to niacinamide and licorice root. The serum targets hyperpigmentation without irritation, leaving my skin even-toned. If you’ve got stubborn spots, B3 Nice is your ticket to a clearer, brighter complexion that boosts confidence.
- Reduces Redness and Blotchy Skin: My flushed cheeks calmed down fast. Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory powers, paired with EGCG, soothe redness, even in winter’s harsh air. If your skin’s reactive or blotchy, this serum balances it out, giving you a calm, healthy glow that looks natural.
- Hydrates and Brightens Instantly: The lightweight formula hydrates without greasiness, leaving my skin dewy from the first drop. My dull, tired complexion perked up, looking radiant even sans makeup. If you want that “I woke up like this” glow, B3 Nice delivers instant and long-term brightness.
- Long-Lasting Despite Small Bottle: A 1-ounce bottle lasts three months with three drops twice daily. I’ve barely dented mine, making the $65 price easier to swallow. If you’re smart with application, this serum’s efficiency stretches your investment, delivering premium results without constant repurchasing.
Cons:
- Expensive Price Point: At $65 for 1 ounce, B3 Nice is a budget-buster. I winced at checkout, and if you’re not catching a sale, it stings. While it lasts, the cost might deter budget shoppers. I justify it for the results, but cheaper options exist for niacinamide fans.
- Crusty Dropper Packaging: The dropper gets milky residue that dries around the lid, making it crusty. I clean it weekly, but it’s annoying for a luxe product. An airless pump would be better, as crusty bits can fall into the serum, which feels unpolished for the price.
- Potential for Irritation: Niacinamide’s gentle, but the 10% concentration and alcohol can irritate sensitive skin. I was fine, but online reviews mention redness for some. Patch-test first, especially if your skin’s fussy, to avoid breakouts or tingling that could derail your routine.
- Slow Results for Deep Scars: While my surface marks faded, deeper acne scars took longer. Niacinamide helps, but don’t expect overnight miracles for pitted scars. If you’re impatient or have severe scarring, you might need professional treatments alongside B3 Nice for faster results.
- Not a Standalone Anti-Aging Solution: B3 Nice fights aging signs like dullness, but it’s not a retinol or peptide powerhouse. My fine lines didn’t budge much. If wrinkles are your main concern, you’ll need to pair it with stronger actives, which adds cost and steps to your routine.
B3 Nice Vs. Other Niacinamide Serums
- B3 Nice Vs. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary’s serum, at $6 for 1 ounce, is a steal with 10% niacinamide and zinc for oil control.
I tried it; it reduced shine but felt sticky and didn’t brighten like B3 Nice. It’s great for oily, acne-prone skin but lacks antioxidants.
The Ordinary’s a budget hero; B3 Nice’s luxe formula and redness relief win for me.
- B3 Nice Vs. Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Paula’s Choice, at $46 for 0.67 ounces, blends niacinamide with vitamin C. I used it for a month; it brightened but didn’t shrink pores as well as B3 Nice. It’s lighter, better for oily skin, but less hydrating. Paula’s Choice is solid; B3 Nice’s antioxidants and glow edge out.
- B3 Nice Vs. SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3
SkinCeuticals’ serum, with 5% niacinamide, costs $112 for 1.7 ounces. I tested it; it hydrated and smoothed but didn’t fade my dark spots like B3 Nice. It’s gentler for sensitive skin but less potent. SkinCeuticals is premium; B3 Nice’s higher niacinamide and affordability make it my pick.
- B3 Nice Vs. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Glow Recipe’s serum, at $34 for 1.35 ounces, has niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. I tried it; it gave a dewy glow but didn’t tackle redness or pores like B3 Nice. It’s fun for makeup prep but less anti-aging. Glow Recipe’s great for hydration; B3 Nice excels for correction.
- B3 Nice Vs. Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Drunk Elephant’s serum, at $48 for 1.69 ounces, includes niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate.
I used it; it hydrated deeply but didn’t brighten or shrink pores like B3 Nice.
It’s better for dry skin but less targeted. Drunk Elephant’s a moisture champ; B3 Nice wins for radiance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
B3 Nice minimizes pores, fades post-acne marks, and reduces redness with 10% niacinamide. It brightens and evens tone, giving my skin a radiant, healthy glow. Antioxidants like resveratrol fight aging, while licorice targets dark spots. It’s a multitasking serum for smoother, clearer skin.
Yes, they’re top-tier. I’ve used B3 Nice, Good Genes, and C.E.O. Glow, and each delivers—smoother texture, brighter tone, and hydration. They’re pricy, but the science-backed formulas work. My skin’s never looked better, and fans like Oprah agree, though sensitive skin needs patch-testing.
Apply B3 Nice once or twice daily after cleansing, before moisturizer. I use three drops morning and night, followed by SPF in the AM. It absorbs fast, prepping skin for other products. Night use pairs well with actives like lactic acid for extra glow.
Absolutely. B3 Nice shrank my pores, faded dark spots, and calmed redness in weeks. My 45-year-old skin looks radiant and smooth, with no irritation. The $65 price hurts, but it lasts, and the 10% niacinamide outperforms cheaper options. It’s a staple for glowing skin.
Final Thoughts
Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum is my skin’s MVP, shrinking pores, fading scars, and boosting radiance with every drop. Despite the cost and crusty dropper, its brightening, hydrating results are unmatched. A little lasts months, making it a worthy investment. Add it to your routine, pair with SPF, and watch your skin glow. You’ll feel like a million bucks with a complexion that’s smooth, even, and youthful—grab B3 Nice now and see why it’s a must for healthy, radiant skin.
