Compare Products: Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment vs B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum

Paula's Choice

Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment

Mid-range20%
$55 / 20ml — $2.75/ml
Sunday Riley

B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum

Premium10%
$65 / 30ml — $2.17/ml

Who It's Designed For

Paula's Choice
  • Stubborn enlarged or sagging pores that haven't responded to 10% niacinamide
  • Orange-peel texture and rough, bumpy skin
  • Sebaceous hyperplasia
  • Advanced pore concerns related to aging or sun damage
  • Post-acne marks and uneven texture
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 (20%), Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C), Meadowsweet 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)niacinamidepentylene glycolglycerinepigallocatechin gallatexanthan gumphenoxyethanolethylhexylglycerin
Only in Paula's Choice (17)
butylene glycolacetyl glucosamineascorbyl glucosideglycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extractspiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extractportulaca oleracea (purslane) extractcamellia japonica flower extractboerhavia diffusa root extractcamellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extractallantoinlecithinpullulanpanthenolsilicasclerotium gumpropanediolsodium phytate
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
More effective than 10% for stubborn concerns

Users who found the 10% booster insufficient often report better results with this formula, particularly for aging-related pore concerns and textural issues.

Texture and feel

The gel texture feels slightly oily to some users before it dries down. Some report a tacky feel or that it takes time to absorb. Most find it works well under moisturizer.

Potential irritation at high concentration

Some users report sensitivity, flushing, or irritation — especially if used daily from the start. Several reviewers recommend using every other day initially or finding 10% sufficient.

Gradual, cumulative results

Like the 10% booster, results are typically seen over weeks of consistent use rather than immediately. Some users report noticeable improvement within 1-2 weeks; others need longer.

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 Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment 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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