Compare Products: 10% Niacinamide Booster vs B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum

Paula's Choice

10% Niacinamide Booster

Mid-range10%
$44 / 20ml — $2.20/ml
Sunday Riley

B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum

Premium10%
$65 / 30ml — $2.17/ml

Who It's Designed For

Paula's Choice
  • Enlarged pores and uneven texture
  • Uneven skin tone and dullness
  • Post-acne marks and discoloration
  • Fine lines and early aging concerns
Sunday Riley
  • Those seeking an antioxidant-rich niacinamide treatment
  • Users who want botanical anti-inflammatory ingredients alongside niacinamide
  • People addressing post-acne dark spots and uneven tone
  • Those who prefer prestige skincare with complex formulations
  • Users comfortable with light synthetic fragrance

Key Ingredients

Paula's Choice

Niacinamide (10%), Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C), Licorice Root Extract

Sunday Riley

Niacinamide (10%), Brightenyl (Diglucosyl Gallic Acid), Trans-Resveratrol, EGCG (Green Tea), Centella Asiatica

Product Composition

15% similarity (8 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
water (aqua)niacinamideglycerinepigallocatechin gallatexanthan gumethylhexylglycerinpentylene glycolphenoxyethanol
Only in Paula's Choice (19)
acetyl glucosamineascorbyl glucosidebutylene glycolphospholipidssodium hyaluronateallantoinboerhavia diffusa root extractdipotassium glycyrrhizateglycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extractbeta-glucanpanthenolcarnosinegenisteincitric acidsodium citratesodium hydroxidepolysorbate 20trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinatecaprylyl glycol
Only in Sunday Riley (27)
phenyl trimethiconedimethyl isosorbideoctyldodecanolresveratroldiglucosyl gallic acidasiaticosidemadecassosideboswellia serrata resin extractcurcuma longa (turmeric) root extractocimum basilicum (basil) flower/leaf extractocimum sanctum leaf extractaloe barbadensis flower extractsolanum melongena (eggplant) fruit extractcoccinia indica fruit extractbetainecorallina officinalis extractmelia azadirachta flower extractmelia azadirachta leaf extractpeg-8tetrahydrodiferuloylmethanepunica granatum fruit extractargania spinosa kernel oilcalendula officinalis flower extractethoxydiglycoltamarindus indica seed gumchlorphenesinparfum/fragrance

User Feedback Patterns

Paula's Choice
Texture takes adjustment

The watery, almost runny texture surprises some users. It can feel like it's not "doing" anything. The brand intends for it to be mixed with other products, which helps with application.

Price comparison to The Ordinary

At roughly 7x the price of The Ordinary's niacinamide serum, value is a common discussion point. Users who prefer it cite the more elegant texture, additional beneficial ingredients, and lack of pilling.

Gradual, cumulative results

Most users report noticing effects (smoother skin, smaller-looking pores, more even tone) after several weeks of consistent use rather than immediate results.

Plays well with other products

The booster format gets consistent praise for layering easily. Users report no issues combining it with retinol, acids, or other actives.

Sunday Riley
Texture and absorption

Users frequently praise the lightweight, watery texture that absorbs quickly without stickiness. Layers well under other products and makeup.

Brightening over time

Consistent reports of improved radiance and brighter complexion with regular use, though dark spot fading varies by individual.

Oil control

Oily skin users report reduced shine and less sebum production throughout the day.

Packaging concerns

Some users note the dropper packaging can cause product to dry and crust around the lid. Others have reported the product arriving discolored.

Price sensitivity

Mixed opinions on value. Some feel the botanical complex justifies the premium; others find it overpriced compared to budget niacinamide options.

Which Should You Buy?

Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster offers great value at a lower price point. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum may be worth the premium if you want Niacinamide (10%).

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