Compare Products: Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment vs SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum

Paula's Choice

Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment

Mid-range20%
$55 / 20ml — $2.75/ml
The Inkey List

SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum

Budget20%
$17.99 / 30ml — $0.60/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
The Inkey List
  • Very oily skin seeking maximum oil control
  • Stubborn enlarged pores unresponsive to lower niacinamide concentrations
  • Users who have tolerated 10-15% niacinamide and want to increase strength
  • Budget-conscious users wanting clinical-strength actives
  • Those seeking exfoliating effects (20% niacinamide has mild exfoliating properties)

Key Ingredients

Paula's Choice

Niacinamide (20%), Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C), Meadowsweet Extract

The Inkey List

Niacinamide (20%), Zinc PCA (0.5%), Squalane (3%)

Product Composition

22% similarity (7 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
water (aqua)niacinamidebutylene glycolglycerinsodium phytatephenoxyethanolethylhexylglycerin
Only in Paula's Choice (18)
pentylene glycolacetyl glucosamineascorbyl glucosideglycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extractspiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extractportulaca oleracea (purslane) extractcamellia japonica flower extractepigallocatechin gallateboerhavia diffusa root extractcamellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extractallantoinlecithinpullulanpanthenolsilicaxanthan gumsclerotium gumpropanediol
Only in The Inkey List (7)
squalanebenzyl alcoholammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerzinc pcapolysorbate 60dehydroacetic acidsorbitan isostearate

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.

The Inkey List
Serious oil control

Users with very oily skin consistently report this as one of the most effective oil-control products they have tried. Many note all-day mattifying effect.

Strong but not irritating

Despite the 20% concentration, most users report no irritation. However, patch testing is frequently mentioned as important for first-time users.

Better than The Ordinary

Users who found The Ordinary's 10% niacinamide too weak or pilling-prone often prefer this. The gel texture absorbs cleanly.

Can leave white cast if overused

Some users report a white film if they apply too much. The brand addresses this: use less product and follow immediately with moisturizer.

Which Should You Buy?

The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum offers great value at a lower price point. Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment may be worth the premium if you want Niacinamide (20%).

View Full Product Details

Related Comparisons